Crazy Fantasy: Part 5-1

"Wills," I call as I walk through the halls of the 'small' estate of Ballmoral. 'You'd think that I could find my way around here by now!' I think to myself as I try to find anything familiar. 'Jon did warn me not to be over confident and wander without someone. I didn't think I would get lost. Overconfidence is a bitch.'

I don't entirely mind walking around the building itself, if I had Wills with me, I would probably enjoy it as he told me about the paintings on the wall and the rooms we pass. For now, I can feel the panic growing. 'Why did I tell Jon that I'd be fine, I was only going to the kitchen?'

Just as I'm about to give up I see a light shining out from under a door. Finally, some sign of life! Jogging to the room, I look in, expecting to see a servant cleaning. To my surprise, it's Elizabeth sitting at a desk.

"My apologizes, your Majesty," I say quietly. "I'm afraid I got lost," I add with a smile. "Would you be able to tell me where I may find Wills?"

Oh, please let her be gentle. From what Wills has said, she doesn't like the idea of him dating a Canadian.

"Please, come in, Genevieve," she invites. Like I could do anything else, I obligingly enter and sit in the chair she indicates.

"I remember when I was a little girl; Margaret and I would wander these halls for hours during the summer. We got lost often enough. I still find myself having to look at the paintings to make sure I'm in the right spot on occasion," she admits with a chuckle. "Besides getting lost, are you enjoying your visit?"

"Very much," I smile. "I've been over before, but it's different being here with Wills. I've seen the sites before, now I kind of am one," I smile and so does Elizabeth. "And the history is so wonderful. Though I must admit, it's being able to spend time with Wills that I'm enjoying the most."

"I completely understand," Elizabeth agrees.

I really was at a loss. This was the first time I'd ever really spent any time alone with Elizabeth. It's not that I'd never spoken with the Queen, but her time is precious and, unless there is a valid reason, you don't interrupt her. Which has left me with very little chance to get to know my boyfriend's grandmother.

"You handle the press very well, though," she adds.

"Thank you," I say quietly.

"I hate to say it, but I'm afraid they may be a permanent part of your life. Wills says that you're adapting to it."

"I don't like having to share my life with the entire world, but it's something that you have to do when you're dating a prince, I guess," I said with a smile.

"That's the spirit," Elizabeth says. "I'm happy to see Wills with such a fine young woman," she adds.

"You give me a great honor, your Majesty."

"Genevieve," she says gently, but with a tone that demands attention to every word, "You took a great risk when you agreed to begin seeing Wills. Every time you see each other the world places you closer and closer to this family. One day they will expect you and Wills to announce your engagement. Though Wills will doubtlessly come to me before you, don't ever think that I will stand in the way of the two of you. Already you have the strength and skill that a Queen needs. As time passes that will grow. I hope that you will be able to find pleasure in the position."

Eepish. Never thought that I'd have this conversation with the Queen. Or at least not for a few years.

"Your confidence in me is worth more than all the praise the press could ever give," I say. I have been getting very good press ever since the whole thing with Scott died down. Even then, they weren't that terrible.

Smiling the Queen bowed her head down to her paper, quickly saying, "Take a left at the end of this hallway, then walk along until the picture of Elizabeth the first. Turn right and walk down that hall. Then you'll know where you are."

"Thank you, your Majesty," I say as I rise.

She nods her head and I exit.

Wonder if Wills would even believe this. Elizabeth approves.

* * *

Continued.