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Jamie prides herself on being able to handle any situation.  Self-defense is the job and is something she excels at.  Sure, sometimes she’s out of her depth, but she’s more than capable of adapting and she’ll do her best.  Dealing with a princess shouldn’t have been a problem.  She’s just like any other client, except if she pictured being pressed against her, she’d figured it would have been in terms of keeping her safe.  Maybe taking the blow for her or helping push their way through a crowd.  Feeling the princess squirm and push against her as she struggled to break free from her hold, that had been manageable.  Having those bright blue eyes focused on her so closely and feeling her breath on her face and her chest move against hers… 

Okay, so the princess is attractive, there’s no harm in admitting that.  There is a problem with her seeing her that way.  First, it’s unprofessional.  Second, she’s a princess. Third, well, there were more than just three problems with all this.  When she’s overwhelmed like this, there’s only one person to turn to.  Owen.  Glancing back towards the princess's room, she knows she has a while before Dani is finished getting ready for the day.  Pulling out her phone, she dials Owen and waits for him to pick up. 

“Owen, you have time to talk?” 

“Well, I don’t answer the phone this early for just anyone, love.  What’s going on?”  Jamie flops back on the bed, and lets out a deep breath. 

“I may be in over my head.” 

“That sounds very unlike you.  What have you gotten yourself into?” 

“Nothing!  I’m mean I’m just doin' my job…” 

“Anything to do with the speech at the hospital?  Because I have to say, I liked that.  Sounded human instead of like an arrogant thesaurus.   What’s she like?” 

“Kind and a bit too pretty.” 

“Huh.  That’s different.  So why is this a problem?  It’s not like she likes you, is it?”  Jamie doesn’t have an answer for that.  She can’t exactly be sure, but she wasn’t the only one flustered when their lesson was interrupted.  She’s trying to come up with something to say, when Owen continues.  “Although, having a kind person like you isn’t the worst thing in the world.”  Jamie smirks.  Maybe she was just overthinking things.  In the back of her mind, she knew she wasn’t, but she was going to ignore that for now.  Even if there was something there, the Princess is currently being sought after by noblemen.  If most weren’t already making it very clear, Jamie knows she’s a nobody and has no status to speak of.  So, there wasn’t any harm in admitting that Dani was attractive as long as nothing ever came of it.  Jamie nods to herself as she decides this and listens to Owen go on about his new girlfriend. 

When she’s finally ready for the day, Dani has managed to get herself under control again.  Margaret had been chatting to her the entire time, and it had given her time to think.  She’d made sounds in all the right places to give the impression she was listening, but her thoughts were consumed with the MI6 agent.  She had to face facts.  As much as she liked the agent, how she could be herself with her more than anyone else aside from her father and Hannah, this was just a job to her.  Whoever was threatening her would be caught by MI6 and then Jamie would leave.  The smartest thing she could do was not get attached.  By the time Margaret is done and she’s walking with Jamie to breakfast, she’s almost convinced herself that she hasn’t already. 

Dani’s feels surer of herself as the morning goes on and things go back to normal.  For instance, Jamie still seems overwhelmed by the choice of food.  She can’t help her smile as she watches Jamie stack her plate with pastries, think better of it, load it up with fresh fruit, and then decide that the best thing to do is load up on both.  What’s impressive is that Jamie eats every bit and then a few other things too. 

It was nice starting the day on a light note, since things go downhill from there.  As they finish eating, Peter comes in and announces various changes to her schedule.  Due to the bad press from the hospital visit, Dani is required to stay at the palace for the time being.  She hadn’t had any other plans that took her out of the palace, but it took the option from her.  Then Peter announces that she’s had multiple messages from Edmund O’Mara, the Duke of Northern Ireland.  The last point of interest is that Prime Minister Wingrave has arrived for his weekly Wednesday visit. 

Dani’s able to wait until Peter has left the room and she’s sure everyone else is out of earshot before letting out an exasperated groan.  Lifting her head from her hands, she finds Jamie giving her a look of concern, which is different.  Usually, people just think she’s over reacting, that she should have grown out of tantrums by now, but there’s only so much she can take of everything. 

“Problem, your Highness?” asks Jamie, who is still looking at her like she actually wants to help.  It takes her a moment to recognize that particular expression, having not seen it in quite some time.  That’s why it takes her a moment to answer. 

“No.  Well, not the kind you can help with.  The speech at the hospital didn’t go over well with all parties the way I’d hoped.” 

“That’s why they’re keepin' you here?” 

Dani nods.  “Preceisly.  Grounded and out of the eyes of the press.  It means that I’ll have fewer engagements until this all blows over.  Now that I'm confined to the palace, it means I've run out of excuses to put off contacting the Duke of Northern Ireland.  He’s one of my more persistent gentleman callers.  One my mother seems rather fond of.”   

“Know him well?”  Dani winces. 

“I know of him.  We’ve travelled in similar circles our entire lives, but I couldn’t pick him out of a line up if my life depended on it.  I’ve turned down one proposal already from him and I'm just at a loss for how to proceed with him.” 

“Well, usually when a stranger keeps callin', you block their number.”  Answers Jamie with shrug and it makes her laugh.  Oh, how she wishes that was an option. 

“Well, this stranger is someone I'm supposed to consider as viable candidate to marry.  It wouldn't be wise to completely rule him out without getting to know him better.”  Jamie’s scoff says otherwise and it makes her smile.  “There is one thing to look forward to.”  Jamie raises a doubtful eyebrow at her and it has her laughing again.  “The Prime Minister will be arriving soon with his son and daughter.” 

“Well, sounds like you like them.  Marryin' the son not an option?”  Jamie's off-handed comment has her laughing even harder and it’s a moment before she answers, but Jamie has an amused look on her face when she looks at her again.  “Miles is ten years old, so absolutely not.  Although, I have a strong suspicion his sister Flora would love to be a long lost Clayton.  I truly love spending time with them.  I get to play whimsical games with them while maintaining diplomatic relations at the same time.”  Jamie chuckles. 

“Well, then, we keepin' them for last, or what?” 

Dani grins.  “The Wingraves will be around the palace all day.” 

Jamie knows that they should be safe staying at the palace, especially seeing as how Rebecca has had teams make passes both inside and outside around the clock, but her habit of evaluating threats was built in long before she joined MI6.  She takes in everything from exits, everyone they encounter, and anything that could be used as a weapon.  They should be safe within the palace walls, but having had someone break into Dani’s bedroom twice, she feels better doing her own evaluation as they go. 

When she’d first arrived, she’d been given the layout of the grounds from Dani and then a more detailed one later from Rebecca.  That’s how she knows Dani is leading her to a rear courtyard.  It’s secluded and where she usually meets the children, but Jamie keeps her guard up just in case.  In terms of things Jamie is prepared for, dealing with two children is not one of them, and they’re already there.  As threats go, kids aren’t that big, but if kids had no trouble getting back here, anyone could, so she surveys the area before letting Dani go any further.  In terms of physical danger to Dani, there’s nothing, but in her own opinion, children are still a danger of some kind.  Jamie doesn’t like dealing with children, she makes a point to have any jobs involving kids given to Rebecca, since her own history with them isn’t something to brag about. 

The kids had been playing together, but the minute they see Dani, both of their faces light up and so does Dani’s.  Both kids start talking at once, their voices overlapping and speaking so fast that Jamie can’t follow it, but Dani seems to do just fine.  Jamie stands back and watches them.  Since meeting her, this is the most relaxed she’s seen Dani with other people.  She’s comfortable, breathes easier, and for once, isn’t self-conscious.  She’s also happy, and that’s nice to see.  Jamie positions herself so that she’ll know if anyone tries to join them, but keeps her eyes on the group of them. 

She’s just gotten comfortable when both kids notice her.  Dani turns and beckons her forward, which has Jamie reluctantly moving. 

“This is my friend Jamie.  Jamie, this is Flora and Miles Wingrave.”  These two are more than just a break from Dani’s royal duties, she cares about them.  It’s in her voice, the way she looks at them, and how she is with them.  She’s warm and kind, there’s no mask here, she’s just being herself. 

Then there’s the way both of the Wingraves look at Dani.  They’re happy to see her and eager to spend time with her.  If there’s one thing Jamie’s learned so far, royalty comes with more pressure than she’d initially thought, and this let’s all three of them relax.  She can’t imagine what’s expected from two young kids who travel with the Prime Minister, but here they’re just kids.  Having been introduced, she starts to move back towards her post, but before she can, the kids are bombarding her with questions. 

“Why are you carrying a gun?” 

“Are you Dani’s bodyguard?” 

“Is Dani in trouble?” 

“You’re going to protect her, right?  Because you’re friends?” 

“How good are you at protecting people?” 

Jamie blinks.  Her gun is visible, but clearly this isn’t the first time the two had been around protective services.  Thinking back, she’s pretty sure her boss had said Prime Minister Wingrave was the one to recommend them.  She’s about to stammer out a reply, not used to addressing kids with business, when Dani answers for her, something she usually can’t stand. 

“There is no need to worry, I'm all right.  I trust Jamie with my life. She’s very good at protecting me.”  Even though the Princess was doing everything she asked in terms of safety and was working on her own self defense, her answer still surprised her.  Jamie was very good at her job, but so far there hadn’t been any need to show her skill.  If it were anyone else, she’d think Dani was just saying it to put the kids at ease, but she can tell the Princess actually believes it. 

Dani can tell her last statement has come as a shock to her normally stoic bodyguard, but she means it.  She’d seen it from when Jamie first arrived.  The agent took everything in constantly, evaluating all possible dangers, and that was comforting, but she also paid attention to her.  Jamie actually saw her as a person, she listens and her feelings matter, and Jamie tried to make things comfortable for her when she could.  Not out of exasperation or to make her job easier, but because she cared. 

She can feel the nervousness coming off the agent, but urges her even closer to help put her at ease.  Flora and Miles could be a lot, but they like people, are always eager for friends, and trusted her when she said Jamie was her friend.  Jamie looks back to where she’d been standing before approaching them.  Dani bites her lip at the small wave and tentative smile Jamie gives them. 

Flora tells her all about a new idea for a play she’s had and then turns to Jamie and explains about her plays.  Jamie blinks rapidly, trying to keep up with her chatter.  Miles tugs her towards the table and tells her his opinions on the books she’d recommended to him.  Dani handles children easily, better than she does most people.  They’re disarming but also honest, or at least that’s been her experience.  Flora and Miles are the only children she sees on a regular basis, but her mind thinks back to the children she’d read to at the hospital.  There are so many things she could do.  Teach, volunteer, do outreach, but her mother insists she is bound to more important work as the future ruler.

Eventually, the children focus back on Jamie. 

“Dani, you sometimes teach us things.  Is Jamie going to teach us something?” asks Miles.  Flora turns and looks at Jamie eagerly.  Dani bites her lip again as she watches Jamie’s eyes widen. 

Jamie notes the kind look on Dani’s face, but it doesn’t ease her nervousness.  She’s been staying back from the kids on purpose, even now making sure that Flora is a decent distance back.  The kids are now looking at her with eager expressions and it makes her nervous.  Shoot outs or a high speed chase she could handle, but this has her wanting to bolt.  The only reason she’s staying put is because Dani’s still here. 

Dani walks over and takes her hand.  She manages not to flinch, but she’s not used to contact unless she’s the one initiating it or it’s in order to keep someone safe.  Dani gives her a soft smile. 

“There must be something you could teach them.”  Jamie raises an eyebrow at her. 

“My skill set isn’t exactly child friendly you know.”  Dani rolls her eyes, something that makes her look cute and actually her age instead of a refined royal figure.  With a sigh, she goes through a mental list of things she knows how to do. 

“Something without weapons.” Dani reminds her.  Unfortunately, that rules out most of what she knows.  One thing springs to mind, but that is her absolute last resort and she’s not planning on mentioning it to the Princess.  “You were a kid once too, you know.”  Jamie’s first instinct is to correct her, but this isn’t the time or the place for that.  What would the Princess care?  It’s not a conversation she wants to have anyway.  She’ll have to go with what she has. 

“How to throw a punch?” 

“Yes!” answers both kids, bouncing on their feet with excitement. 

“No!” interjects Dani firmly in a stern voice.  Jamie finds herself fighting off the smirk that’s trying to make its way onto her face.  Dani’s eyes are narrowed at her and she’s glaring with disapproval, but that just makes her want to suggest something even more ludicrous.  Glancing around the courtyard she spots various toys.  Balls, cars, a kite… nothing helpful.  Playing catch is so basic that they probably mastered that ages ago.  The same is true for most of the toys there, or they’d need more room.  Couldn’t get a kite up in the air here.  Then her eyes fall on a bunch of hula hoops standing in the corner.  Under no circumstances is she touching those.  First of all, hula hooping isn’t exactly a trait that builds confidence in a bodyguard.  Second, it’s a ridiculous skill to have in general.  Dani follows her gaze and a slow smile spreads across her face. 

“Jamie… can you hula hoop?” 

“No.”  She answers firmly and that should be the end of it, but Dani continues to look at her as her smile grows.  “Dani, no!” 

“You can!”  The Princess looks absolutely thrilled. 

“Oh, please Jamie?  Please?” begs Flora and Miles looks just as eager.  With a sigh, she takes off her jacket and begins to loosen her tie.  Looks like she wasn’t getting out of this. 

Dani watches as Jamie tugs her tie loose and pulls it over her head and hands it to her.  It takes Dani a moment to realize that Jamie wants her to hold it.  Yes, it’s part of Jamie’s MI6 uniform, but she suspects that the uniform is also Jamie’s personal armor.  She has a feeling it’s not something Jamie takes off for just anyone.  Realizing that Jamie’s taking it off for her, she blushes.  Jamie carefully sets her jacket and gun holster down on the table before picking up one of the hoops.  Holding the hoop around her waist, Jamie waits until Flora and Miles are doing the same. 

The agent is clearly nervous, but Dani watches as she gently explains how to hold the hoop at the small of their back and then spin their waist in one direction and the hoop in the other.  How to move their hips side to side. 

As Jamie guides them, Dani finds her gaze focused at Jamie’s waist.  She tells herself it’s because of the gun tucked into the back of her pants, a reminder of Jamie’s real role here, but that’s not it.  No, she finds Jamie’s hips alluring.  All of her really.  The muscles in Jamie’s arms that are usually hidden by her jacket, the white shirt that hides Jamie’s well developed body.  When it comes to her job, being underestimated works to Jamie’s advantage, but Dani finds herself wanting to see more of what’s hidden. 

Jamie is very good at her job, so even with her focus going between the hoop around her waist, the children next to her, and keeping an eye on the entrance, there’s no way the woman doesn’t sense her eyes on her.  Dani manages to tear her eyes away just as Jamie turns to look at her. 

“You alright, princess?”  It takes Dani a moment to process what she said.  Jamie is the only one that calls her Dani like she wants, but the way she said princess was different.  It’s come naturally, out of a place of kindness, not mockery.  It’s teasing.  She’s been silent too long because the look on Jamie’s face says she’s worried that she’s overstepped.  Dani gives her a smile to put her at ease, and sees the tension bleed out of her.  Jamie then lets her own hoop drop and moves to adjust both Flora and Miles slightly.  Despite how she normally comes across as intimidating and the guarded demeanor Jamie usually has, she’s almost tender with the children.  Something tells her this is a side of Jamie that not many get to see. 

As usual, her time with the Wingrave children doesn’t last as long as she’d hope. 

“Danielle!”  Dani winces at the sound of her mother’s voice.  Jamie is in her uniform and back at her position at the entrance just as her mother arrives.  “Danielle.”  The displeasure on her mother’s face disappears the moment she sees the children.  “Flora, Miles, how lovely to see you both.”  Her mother doesn’t like that Henry Wingrave brings them along, she feels they’re a distraction, but she wants to stay on Henry’s good side, so she allows it.  Dani hates saying goodbye to the children, and she also hates seeing Jamie’s walls go back up so quickly. 

“Danielle, there you are. I should have known you’d be trapsing around outside rather than secure inside the palace.”  Jamie squirms at the Queen’s less than subtle dig at her own daughter. She focuses her energy on clenching her fists and holds her tongue.

The Queen continues, clearly unphased by the dark shroud of anxiety her shadow casts.  “The Duke of Northern Ireland is on the phone for you.”

“Right now?”

“Yes. I told him to wait and that I, personally, would come and get you.  The poor man is positively distraught since you haven’t returned any of his calls.”

Dani’s mouths opens and closes a few times as if trying to speak but failing miserably.   Jamie wants to chime in but doesn’t.  Afraid her opinions would do more harm than good.

“Come along now.” The Queen presses on, “Can’t keep a possible future King waiting forever.”

Dani hugs both children goodbye before trailing after her mother.  Jamie falls in line beside her and can’t help noticing how Dani has her mask firmly in place by the time she turns back to face the Queen.  Despite how long everyone else has known Dani, she’s the only one who notices when she’s wearing a mask.  Or maybe it’s that no one else cares.  The mask doesn’t suit her. 

The trio walk back to the palace, Jamie trails a few paces behind.  Her heart clenches tight in her chest from the sullen expression on Dani’s face. Crestfallen as if this was her death march.

They eventually make it all the way back to Peter’s office where the Duke was still waiting on the phone.  Jamie didn’t know much about this guy, but persistent was definitely an apt description.   She’d have hung up ages ago.

The Queen practically shoves the phone receiver in the Princess’s hand. Dani presses it against her ear.  Her eyes panicked like a deer caught in head lights while the Queen arches a threatening eyebrow.

“Umm, hello.” Dani eventually squeak out.

It’s painful to witness this forced courting.  If Jamie could, she would have cut the phone lines or electricity to save Dani from this ordeal. 

“Yes, this is Princess Danielle.”

All Jamie can hear is a muffled male voice. The conversation lasts only a few minutes but by the end, Dani is fully embracing her role as royalty.  The woman she’d seen enjoying the company of children this morning fully tucked away. 

“Oh…ok. Yes, Thursday afternoon would be fine.” 

To her credit, Dani holds herself together well under her mother’s scrutiny while conversing with the Duke.  She sadly thinks it must be from years of practice.

“Ok. See you tomorrow.  Yes… uh huh…  Yes, it will be lovely to see you as well.  Mhmmm.  Goodbye Duke Edmund.”

Jamie tries not to roll her eyes at the Queens sickening triumphant smile.

The next morning comes sooner than Dani would have liked.  With a sigh, she goes into the bathroom where she gets ready.  Splashing water on her face, she tries to get her meeting with the Duke out of her head.  She’d tossed and turned for hours last night thinking about it.  She’d known that she’d have to get married someday, but she thought she had more time.  The Royal Ball was coming up and she’d thought she had at least until then before all this hit.  Before she had to come face to face with any of her suitors.  With the threats against her, she hoped she could put it all off a little longer. 

Putting on the clothes that Jamie had left for her there, ones to work out in, she lets out another deep breath and heads out to the common room.  Jamie is already there, doing a few arm stretches while she waits. 

“Okay, so, um… last time you talked about the attacker grabbin' you from behind.  I’m going to show you how to inflict a lot of pain without much effort.  The attacker can be fit, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be hurt and you don’t have to be a brawler to do it.  Now, I’m assumin' all your… royal lessons taught you how to dance too, right?” 

Dani nods.  To be honest, she having a little trouble focusing and it has nothing to do with Duke Edmund.  Every time they do this, these lessons, she’s amazed.  Jamie is in her element and know more than your typical MI6 agent.  She knows how to fight, but can also explain it all, knows the science behind it all, can show and tell her why it all works.  It gives Dani more control than she’s had her entire life.  She isn’t flying on blind trust, she knows exactly what she’s capable of and knows how to do it right.  Right now, though, she’s trying to shake off the memories of their last attempt at a lesson.  Jamie’s still waiting for an answer, so Dani gives herself a mental shake. 

“Um, yeah.  Dancing lessons helps with things like balance and poise.  Then there are always the obligated formal functions.” 

“Well, some people say dancin' is a lot like fightin'.  I mean, dancin’ is all about the steps, right?  Fightin' is the same.  Flailing around will get you hurt and you’ll look like a prat.”  Once again, Dani can’t help her smile.  For something serious like this, Jamie’s very relaxed about it, which takes a lot of the pressure off. 

“So, if someone comes at me from behind and places an arm across my chest, like they did to you, there are four spots you can target to get them to let go.  Your first move is an elbow to the gut, and then you stomp on the instep or inside of their foot.  Then you go for their nose and follow with a blow to the nose and groin.  Okay, so now get in front of me.” 

Dani had watched as Jamie went through each step and now positions herself in front of the agent.  Her breath hitches when she suddenly feels Jamie’s hands on her shoulders pulling her backwards, moving her even closer. 

“We’re just going to walk through it slowly first okay?  What was the first step?” 

“Elbow to the gut.” 

“Yup.  It’s a nerve center and a blow there will stun your attacker and knock the wind out of them.  Next?” 

“Stomp on the instep of their foot.” 

“Uh huh.  The arch of their foot.  That will keep them from takin' off after you when you escape.  Then what?” 

“The nose.” 

“Being hit in the nose always hurts, but a bloody nose also lets others know who attacked you.  Last part?” 

“Groin.” 

“Yes.  Now it doesn’t matter who your attacker is, man or woman, being hit in the groin hurts like hell and will stop them.  All these things together will have your attacker lettin' you go and you can get away.  This time go through it, but hit me.  Say the steps out loud as you do them.” 

“Jamie, I still don’t enjoy hitting you.” 

“Yeah, well, this way you feel it and know it works.” 

“I know it works, I trust you because you just taught it to me.  I’ll do it, I’m just letting you know I still don’t like it.” 

“Noted, but every time you do, you can feel better knowin' that you’re not helpless.”  Dani nods.  With a deep breath, she begins.  Elbow to the gut.  She puts her full force behind it and feels the breath shoot out of her bodyguard over her shoulder.  Instep.  Jamie yelps, just barely keeping quiet enough to not attract attention.  Nose.  Like last time, there’s a crack and she winces, but continues.  Groin.  That knocks Jamie down, who had already been hunched over after the blow to the gut, to the ground with a groan.  Slowly, Dani turns around. 

“Jamie?”  It’s a few moments before she can respond. 

“Oof.  You did great.  Just… give me a moment.”  Sitting up, she sees Dani wince and has a feeling due to the fact that her nose is bleeding again.  Wiping at it, she sees it’s more than a trickle and notices how it’s sitting.  “You broke my nose!  That’s fantastic!”  Dani’s about to say something when she places her fingers on either side of her nose and sets it right with a crack.  “Now, it’s back in place.  No worries.” 

“You made it worse!  Blood is streaming out of your nose!”  Biting back a grin, she watches as Dani goes for the tissues again and presses them under her nose.  She lets her help since it seems to make her feel better.  She’s also still trying to get her breath back and the blood coming out of her nose isn’t helping.  Dani’s eyes are full of concern and it’s not something she’s used to.  “You okay?” 

“Okay, two things.  One, I’m only out of it a little because it went exactly like it’s supposed to.  My foot really hurts now.” 

“What’s the second thing?” 

“My foot was the second thing.”  Dani laughs, but sits down next to her on the floor, letting her handle the tissues herself now. 

“Can I ask you something?  How would you get out of that?  What you showed me, that’s for people like me who have no experience, not someone like you.  What would you do?”  Jamie thinks for a minute and scratches the back of her head. 

“Well, in a fight, I have to evaluate my opponent fast and that lets me decide how to attack.  If someone grabbed me from behind, I’d probably go with a shoulder throw.” 

“How does that work?” 

“I use the attacker’s arm as a lever, grabbin' them by the wrist and wrapping my other arm around their shoulder.  I pull them forward and off balance.  Puttin' my hips under theirs, rollin' my torso forward, and heavin' them up and over my shoulder.  It’s a little like a judo throw.”  Dani pulls her knee to her chest and gets comfortable. 

“How many fighting styles do you know?”  Jamie shrugs, Dani has noticed how that’s something the agent does when she downplays something. 

“I started out with just the basics, you know, good, fast, solid punches.  That’s boxing.  I was pretty young when I took off for London on my own.  There I met some… associates from all over and they taught me some things.  Learned a little French savate street fightin' from a guy my age named Lucas, various martial arts from some others.  I like knowin' how something works if I’m going to use it and the people that taught me were pretty good teachers.  Weren’t above turnin' on each other though, learned that the hard way.  Moved around a lot with that group.  Nice to be part of a group, but you can’t forget that the only one lookin' out for you is you.  Did some things… experienced some new things, learned a lot first hand.  Life lessons and all that. 

Anyway, our group grew and shrank all the time, but it was stickin' with them that landed me in prison for a few years, but that was for the best.  Discovered my love of gardenin' there and that’s where MI6 found me and decided to give me a shot.  They offered me a job, said they could use someone with my skills.  Mind you, they still had to teach me a lot, but I settled in.  Becs, the agent in charge of your palace security, has really looked out for me and helped me settle.  Helped me find a place that I can call home.  Haven’t had that in a while…”  It takes her a minute to remember the original question, but she answers after clearing her throat. 

“Uh… so to answer your question, a few.  Not a master in any of them, but it gives me a few tricks up my sleeves.”  She tries to hide her embarrassment, her past isn’t something she really shares with anyone, but the Princess is looking at her with something like wonder. 

“I rarely travel beyond the English borders.  I’ve been abroad on a few occasions, but spent most of the time inside grand halls or out for planned events.  Never allowed to wander around on my own.”  Jamie thinks about that for a moment.  Her life hadn’t been great, but it had a lot more choice than Dani’s ever had.  She never thought her kind of life would be one of envy.  It’s just another reminder of how different they are. 

“Well, I doubt the places I went would be ones you’d like to see.  Not exactly tourist sights Your Highness.”  Jamie swallows hard when she uses Dani’s title, but she needs to create some distance between them.  Dani looks confused and she can tell the Princess is about to ask what’s going on, so Jamie cuts her off.  “Looks like we’re done for the day.  I’ll see you when you’re ready.”  Dani scrambles for something to say. 

“Jamie, thank you.”  She knows Dani means for more than just the lesson.  They’ve become close, closer than the Princess has probably been allowed to be with anyone in years, but that’s what could make things tricky down the road.  The agent gives her a long look before nodding and retreating to her room. 

Back in her own room, Jamie’s kicking herself.   She hadn’t meant to share that, any of that.  It had been a simple question, but she’d managed to get so off track.  The only person that knew that much about her was Owen and he only knew the basics.  It had just come spilling out.  She sits on her bed and tries to get a hold of herself.  From now on she was just going to concentrate on what she knew and that was how to protect someone.  When the soft knock comes, signaling that the Princess is ready for the day, she takes a deep breath and heads out to join her in the common room. 

Royal breakfast is something she’s still getting used to.  She’s used to just having tea and toast, and this is more than a step up by anyone’s standards.  Every morning she tries to start with a meal that will get her through the day, but then there are things sitting out like bacon and various pastries that look too good not to have.  Today the main dish is trays of scrambled eggs. 

Loading up her plate, she tries to focus on the amazing breakfast, instead of waiting for Viola to get back to her.  Like she’d said, Viola understood and was happy to help put the Princess at ease.  Having a title might be nice, but it didn’t mean a person couldn’t still be twisted.  The Princess seemed tense at the moment and she wished she could help, but Viola hadn’t gotten back to her yet.  When she did, it would come straight to her phone, that way no one else would know. 

She keeps her head down when the secretary comes in and tells Dani her schedule.  She shoves another forkful of eggs into her mouth when Peter says that he’s reserved the afternoon for her audience with the Duke.  It’s the only thing that keeps her from visibly rolling her eyes.  She knows that getting to know the person you might marry is always a good idea, but being thrown together and spending the afternoon together seemed forcing it too much.  What’s Dani supposed to do if the guy turns out to be a prat?  Just stick around?  With a shake of her head, she reminds herself that she’ll be there too. 

They’re just finishing up when one of the servants knocks and tells Dani there’s been a delivery to her room from Duke Edmund.  Once the servant leaves, the two of them share a look.  Dani had relaxed during the meal, but now the tension is back in her shoulders. 

The moment they enter the common room, she sees them.  A large arrangement of red roses that’s hard to miss is sitting on the table.  She’d spoken to Duke Edmund just yesterday and agreed to see him, but this was a bit forward.  The vase alone is bigger than her head.  Her family is used to gifts, they come fairly frequently from people seeking favor with them, but it’s rare that she receives something just for her like this. 

The first attack had been kept quiet since no one regarded it as very serious.  They increased the number of guards, but didn’t think much of it since no one had been hurt.  The second attack they hadn’t been able to keep quiet.  Word spread about it while Dani was still recovering from the shock of it all.  By the next afternoon she was getting flowers and gift baskets in sympathy for her situation.  She’d probably gotten a flower arrangement from the Duke then as well. 

Walking over to the arrangement, she finds a card sitting among the blossoms.  Inside the card she finds the lines of a poem.  A sonnet written by Shakespeare, even though it has Duke Edmund’s name signed at the bottom.  That’s when she notices Jamie eying the arrangement.  Something is different though and it takes her a minute to realize what it is.  The agent isn’t admiring them, she’s appraising them carefully.  Then she remembers the agent admitting she loved gardening. 

“Agent Taylor?” 

“Hmm?” 

“What do you think of the flowers?”  The agent shrugs and Dani rolls her eyes before trying again.  “Jamie.” 

“It’s not my place.”  That much is true, but now she’s curious.  Jamie doesn’t seem to be the type to hold back her opinion.  She tends to be blunt and upfront, it’s one of the things Dani really likes about her. 

“Please?”  Jamie grudgingly moves towards the flowers, but Dani finds her trudging endearing. 

“Well, they’re roses so their meanin' is pretty clear, love and romance.  But, ah, these aren’t your ordinary roses.  These don’t have any thorns.”  Dani narrows her eyes at the brunette, knowing she holding something back.  Jamie gives a heavy sigh before continuing.  “Thornless red roses mean love at first sight.”  She trails her fingertips across some of the blossoms before rolling her eyes and turning her back on them.  She looks at the agent next to her.  Jamie raises an eyebrow at her. 

“What?” 

Dani shakes her head in fondness. “You continue to surprise me, that's all.” Her shoulders sag, “These flowers, on the other hand, don’t.” 

“Well, they are the sort of thing a date sends.” 

Dani glances back at the flowers and doesn’t even try to hide her distaste. “Mother is set on marrying me off before I become Queen.  I know my father is dying, but she’s been acting as if he passed away months ago.  Pushing me towards a new man to be by my side as King.  I don’t need a husband to lead. I need to be informed and know my people.  I truly don't understand why a husband will lessen the burden of the Crown.  Unless, he takes over all the tiresome daily handshakes, smilies, and speeches.” 

“Well, this one seems to be making an effort to get to know you at least.” Jamie offers, but then grimaces, not believing her own words.  Dani shoots her a look that says she knows better. 

“Appearances matter to Dukes too.  Then there are these roses.  As if I’m so fragile I couldn’t handle a few thorns.  I’m quite certain that thought never entered his mind.” 

Dani wears deep tracks in the carpet as the minutes tick by. Glancing at the at the hand carved grandfather clock every so often as she paces. The palace page notified her of the Duke’s arrival twenty minutes ago, but it seems MI6’s vetting process is taking longer than expected. Not that Dani minded. The heightened security measures worked to her advantage in several aspects.

For starters, MI6’s screening process delayed the Duke’s entrance into the palace affording her a few extra moments to herself which is both a relief and anxiety producing. More importantly, as part of the active investigation looking into the break ins into her apartment, MI6 has taken the liberty of researching all the noblemen who have proposed to her thus far, including Duke Edmund O’Mara. Because of this, Jamie was able to gather information about him and was kind enough to share the available details.

The documents contained nothing out of the ordinary.

Youngest of three boys, the only one unmarried. Graduated from Cambridge at the top of his class. Traveled all over the globe playing polo.

Typical posh boy that looks great on paper. Just like all the others.

Still, having tidbits of information about him didn’t calm her nerves as much as she would have liked.

Dani is accustomed to meeting powerful people. It happened with such regularity she wasn’t fazed by it anymore. Despite that, she can’t shake off her anxiety in anticipation of this particular encounter. She suspected the gut-wrenching unease had less to do with who she was about to spend time with, and was triggered by the looming implications of what happens afterwards, should the meeting go well.

She didn’t oppose the concept of marriage. Not the modern concept anyway. Which was not how this coupling arrangement applied to her. For as long as she can remember, her marriage has always been treated like a business transition. Not once was it discussed in terms of compatibility nor mutual affection, but rather carefully calculated with regard to ensuring strategic pedigrees, expanding territories, consolidating assets, and obtaining power.

Her marriage dictated the future of England. And in the end, that was all anyone cared about.

This sad reality indoctrinated since birth was overwhelming to dwell on and ultimately made Dani feel small and insignificant, like she was simply another cog in the monarchy machinery.

“Relax, your Highness.”

Jamie’s kind words quiet the racket in her mind. She stops pacing, finally, and takes a seat on one of the velvet sofas. She closes her eyes, rests her elbow against the flared arm rest, and takes a few deep breathes to center herself.

Rather than habitually glance towards the clock, her eyes gravitate towards her bodyguard stationed in front of the floor length window off to her right. Jamie chose this location to give her and the Duke some privacy while remaining in close enough proximity in case she needed to act.

The warm afternoon light filters in behind Jamie, shrouding her silhouette with an aureate glow. In that moment, the young woman resembled a guardian angel sent from high above to watch over her in her hour of need. The thought brought Dani immense comfort.

Several raps at the door jolt Dani from her daydreams. She stands as the page escorts her guest into the grand parlor.

“Your Highness. The Duke of Northern Ireland, Edmund O’Mara has arrived.”

After the introduction, the page spins on his heel and exists the chamber leaving the Duke, Dani, and her bodyguard alone.

The Duke bows at the neck as per custom. His circular rimmed glasses slip down the bridge of his nose, forcing him to push them back when he stands and flick a rogue lock of brown hair away from his eyes.

“Please, do sit down and have a cup of tea and pastries.” Dani says, transitioning into hostess mode.

“Thank you.” The Duke helps himself to tea and an assortment of pastries before taking a seat on the empty ornate couch. Dani breathes easy, noting he choose to sit on the opposite side of the mahogany coffee table rather than directly beside her. A good sign he at least respects boundaries, or, at the very least, adheres to engrained courtship etiquette.

“I apologize for the tardiness of my arrival your Highness.” He huffs softly under his breath while unbuttoning his tailored blue blazer, “I swear I was here on time to see you.”

The underlying agitation in his voice triggers her hospitality reflexes.

“There is no need to be sorry. I apologize for the inconvenience. Due to the recent breaches into the palace, all guests are thoroughly screened which can take a bit of time.” Dani explains, trying to alleviate the tension in the room. “Even the Prime Minister arrives past his scheduled meeting times with my mother nowadays. So, you’re in good company.”

“Of course. Can’t be too careful in this day and age. It just pains me that our time together was cut short.”

“Well, we are here now Duke Edmund. Shall we make the most of it?”

“Yes, indeed. And, it’s Eddie, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, Eddie.” The name stripped of its frill felt odd to say. Clunky on her tongue, like thick molasses.

He smiles at the informality, clearly oblivious to her sudden discomfort. Shoulders relaxing as he takes a sip of tea, grimacing mid-sip.

“Everything all right?” She asks.

“Oh uh, yes. Tea’s just a bit strong.”

Dani arches an eyebrow. “Didn’t take you for someone to shy away from strong tea. That’s what the jam and crumpets are for. Sweet conquers strong.” She adds in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“I’ll take your word for it.” He concedes with a playful glint in his eye.

Dani fights the sudden urge to fidget under his gaze.

Her feeling of unease lingers as their round of tea-time banter transitions into awkward silence.

Dani distracts herself by spreading butter and raspberry jam onto her crumpet. Every so often, she steals glances at the Duke while he drinks his earl grey and munches on a lemon and lavender scone.

He wasn’t entirely unattractive. The form fitting navy suit highlighted his lithe frame and accented his towering height. His untamed, floppy hair gave him a boyish quality and his choice of circular framed glass made him look a bit like Harry Potter. Despite the youthful look, he carried himself with the confidence of a man twice his age. Dani wasn’t sure what to make of the contradictions. She concluded her fondness for him would ultimately hinge on his personality.

“How are you getting on?” Eddie’s deep voice pulls Dani from her thoughts, “Must have been awfully terrifying to be attacked like that in the middle of the night, all on your own.”

“Yes, it was very unsettling. I’m doing much better now. Carrying on, you know.”

He nods, “Duty stops for nothing and no one.”

“Exactly.” She releases a hollow laugh, “Besides, I feel much better now that MI6 intervened. Not a single stranger has set foot on the premises since. Even if they were so bold as to try, I wouldn’t be alone this time. I have a bodyguard capable of disposing any assailant with ease.”

Dani flashes a smile at Jamie, who offers a crooked grin that elicits a swooping sensation in the pit of her stomach. The Duke stares at Jamie, eyes narrowing as he looks her up and down, as if noticing the MI6 agent for the very first time.

“Seems the extra security is doing its job, just like they are supposed to.” Edmund coolly comments.

To her credit, Jamie stands straight, holding the Duke’s stare without wavering.

“They are. I am grateful for their services.” Dani admits. Releasing a breath, she didn’t realize she was holding, when Edmund finally looks away from her sworn protector.

Deafening silence follows. The air between them thick with… something she can’t describe. Before she can pinpoint exactly what it is, the Duke speaks.

“Well, I’m glad things have calmed down enough for you to make time for me.”

“Yes, things have been rather hectic around here with the new security measures. It’s been difficult to find a few seconds all to myself.”

“I’m beyond thrilled you managed to make time for me.” He catches her eye across the table. She quickly takes a sip of tea, breaking their gaze in the process, “I was honestly surprised you called me back. Hearing your voice filled my heart with such delight. I fear it was too much to contain. My affection burst out of me all at once when I spoke to you.” He runs fingers through his hair, chuckling to himself, “I don’t think I took a single breath, just kept talking.” Dani nods. How could she forget? He spoke so fast she could barely get a word in. “I shouldn’t have let my nerves get the best of me like that. Just didn’t want to let an opportunity slip away. Life’s too short to put things off.”

“It is.” Dani’s nails dance along her teacup, tapping a random beat, “I’ve often thought about how fleeting life is.” She sighs heavily, “Especially now that my father is ill.”

“How is he? What does he think of all these attacks directed at you? If it were me, I’d be worried constantly.”

She grips the tea in her hands, taking a deep steading breath to quell the incoming emotional tide. “Father is fighting a battle much bigger than the skirmishes I’ve faced. I try not to bother him with these matters and make as many happy memories with him as possible, while we are still able to.”

“If you need a shoulder to cry on, you can bother me. Anytime, day or night.” Edmund adds with a warm smile. The gesture was actually sweet.

“That’s kind of you to offer, Duke Edm-”

“Eddie.” He quickly corrects.

“Eddie. Sorry.” She casts a half-hearted, apologetic smile in his direction causing his grin to widen.

Dani busies herself with another pastry and tries not to dwell too much on why it was so difficult to drop the formalities with him.

“Did you receive the flowers I sent you?”

“Yes, I did. They were… lovely.”

She catches Jamie rolling her eyes in her peripheral vision. Dani fights the urge to smile, failing miserably. She averts her eyes from her bodyguard and shoves another crumpet in her mouth to hide the spreading grin.

“I’ve never met a woman that didn’t love roses.”

“You don’t say.” She comments, raising her teacup just above her lips. Dani lowers her voice, mumbling into her tea before taking a sip. “This woman would have preferred hearty ones with thorns though.”

The Duke kept talking, oblivious to her whispered commentary.

“Did you like the poem as well?”

She swallows her tea and nods. “I did. Sonnet 116 is one of my personal favorites. I must admit, I am perplexed by your choice to send it to me.”

His smile falters for a second. “Sadly, I am no poet, but I wanted to express my deepest affections for you.” Fingers picking the tablecloth frills, “The Bard is integral to English culture, so he seemed an apt poet to pick. Perhaps the meaning behind it wasn’t clear to you.”

Dani is taken aback by his assumption that she, the future Queen of England, did not understand a Shakespearean poem.

“Oh, I understood the poem just fine.” She rests her teacup on the side table, brushing past the insult. “It speaks of everlasting love.”

His fingers still, eyes lighting up. “Precisely! That’s how I feel about you. About us.”

“And that’s where my confusion lies.” She clarifies, deciding to give the Duke the benefit of the doubt and take a more direct approach with him.

“You’re implying you love me which I assume you thought was evident when you asked me to marry you. Even after I declined your proposal, you continued to call on me. Repeatedly. Then after weeks of unreturned calls, I agreed to meet with you. Less than twenty-four hours later, you send me thornless roses and a poem about loving someone until one’s dying breathe. Yet, the longest conversation we’ve ever had is the one we are having right now. How do you know what you feel for me is love if you barely know me?”

“I-I admit, I can be quick to act at times. I just…” He trails off. Intense hazel eyes settle on her, shimmering with hope. She fights the urge to squirm. “I know what I feel for you, and I don’t see the point in waiting to go after what I want. As for the lack of talking, you and I have been circling each other for years. Every time we are at the same event I spend hours psyching myself up to talk to you.” He laughs, eyes glazing over in reminiscence. “You’re always the most beautiful woman in the room.” The low, breathless comment sends a cold shiver down Dani’s spine. “At this point I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve lost the nerve to talk to you.”

Her eyes reflexively flit to Jamie as if seeking an antidote for her building anxiety, but instead of comfort, Dani notices a peculiar look plastered on the MI6 agent’s face that only exacerbates her panic.

“Perhaps if I were a braver man,” Edmund continues, drawing her focus back to him, “I would have chatted you up a long time ago and we’d be in a different situation now.”

“W-why were you so nervous to talk to me?”

“You’re rather intimidating to be honest.”

“You think I’m intimidating?”

He nods, “Well for one, you out rank everyone in the world, you’re essentially my boss. Secondly, you’re always hanging around the Baroness of Versailles whose wit and withering stare are lethal.”

Dani laughs, genuinely, for the first time in a long time. “Hannah does not have a withering stare!”

“She certainly does! Perhaps you’re too kind to have earned it from her.”

They continue talking for a while about their mutual friends. Edmund exchanges a few stories from his Cambridge days and Dani offers a couple of redeeming anecdotes about Hannah. After a while, conversation between them flows easily. She is so engrossed in it, she forgets her apprehension all together. That is, until the Duke steers the conversation into the topic Dani dreaded most.

“I heard the Earl of Essex and the Marquess of Winchester both proposed to you recently. Any particular reason you turned them down?”

She swallows a new lump in the back of her throat. “It wasn’t anything about them in particular. More like the circumstances surrounding their offers.”

“What do you mean? If you don’t mind my asking.”

She resumes tapping her fingers on her teacup as she searches for a delicate way to explain this.

“Marriage for us is-” Inescapable, “-inevitable.” He offers her an understanding smile. “Choosing the right person to make a permanent alliance with is a big deal. There are many facets to consider. For me, character is something I value. And the timing of their proposals, a few days after the announcement of my father’s terminal illness, told me everything I needed to know about their character, or rather lack thereof.”

“You turned down my proposal as well. Does that mean I also have bad character?”

Dani shakes her head, “I’m not sure. I don’t know you well enough to form an opinion on your character.” She releases a shaky breath, “That’s the problem. We hardly know each other. Not well enough to marry.”

“I must confess it was rushed to ask you. I shouldn’t have let my mother and your mother’s staunch approval of the match influence me so much.”

“Mothers can be quite… opinionated.”

“Fairly certain it’s in their job description.”

They share a quick laugh together alleviating some of the building tension.

“Perhaps if we spent more time together, like this, just us, and get to know each other and it continues to go well, then my next proposal will be better received.”

Dani sighs again. “That’s a lot of assumptions.”

Edmund sits up straight, the corner of his mouth twitch as he leans forward.

“Would you like to see me again?”

“I’ll consider it.” Dani responds carefully, noting the flash of mischief in his eyes.

“Excellent! We can go somewhere splendid like my summer estate in Newcastle. Or jet off to a neutral country like Italy! I’m sure we could commandeer an island off the coast just for us. Perhaps you could watch me play polo this weekend-”

Suddenly the room feels small, like it can’t contain them and all of Edmund’s date options simultaneously. The more ideas he rattles off, the harder it is to breathe. Dani grips the arm rest, digging her fingers into the soft velvet and focusing on the sound of her own breathing.

“Your Highness? Danielle?”

“Hmm?” She mutters through gritted teeth.

“Which do you fancy most?”

Dani tries to recall what he said, but the crippling claustrophobia made it impossible to think.

“I-uh.. I-I.” She casts another desperate glance at her bodyguard, drawing strength from her genuine concern. “There’s the Royal Ball in the summer.”

“Summer?” The plush cushions shifts, caving under Edmunds weight as he sits next to her. Dani reflexively tenses. “Surely we don’t have to wait until summer to see each other again.” Edmund pleads, “How about we get together this weekend? We can stay here if that’s what’s required.” He casts a point glance at Jamie before resting his arm over the back of the couch. “Your safety comes first, of course.”

The close proximity is dizzying. She feels warm, too warm.

“I-I’d have to check my schedule first before I can give you an answer.”

“Oh, ok. Sure. Or next week if that’s better for you.”

“Maybe, I have to check my-”

“Schedule, yes, you said that. Could you check now?”

“Ri-right now?”

“Yes, now. I’m sure your private secretary won’t mind. It’s his job after all.”

Dani opens her mouth a few times in an effort to respond, but the half-formed words never leave her lips. Edmund leans in closer, lips curling into an impish grin. Musky cologne assaults her senses, further fogging her mind. The walls feel like they are closing in, fast.

She’s milliseconds away from caving when the page barges into the room to collect the Duke. She blinks a few times, baffled by the intrusion. Quickly scanning the room for an explanation, catching Jamie’s index finger moving away from the discrete buzzer hidden behind the curtains.

Dani uses the confusion to her advantage, quickly standing, “This was lovely but I’m afraid I do have to get on with the rest of my afternoon schedule.”

The Duke follows her lead and rises to his feet, “Until we meet again.”

He bows, then grabs her hand placing an open-mouthed kiss on the back of her knuckles. She bids him goodbye, fighting the urge to wipe of the trail of saliva dripping down her hand until he fully exists the chamber.

The moment the double doors close Dani can breathe easy again.

“Well, that happened.” Jamie comments. “It seemed to be going alright up until the last part. Sorry if I overstepped or anythin’.”

“No, not at all. You read my mind. Thank you. I uh- need a moment.” Dani gestures towards the refreshments, “Please, help yourself to tea and cakes.”

Dani plops into her seat, taking a moment to collect herself while Jamie munches on a few crumpets. She traces the red velvet with her fingers, focusing on the soft fabric rather than the chaotic racket in her brain.

“Are you gonna see him again?”

“I honestly don’t know.” Dani huffs in defeat, “I feel like I’m trapped in a game of chess. Every action has repercussions. Dating is no different.” She releases a bitter laugh, “It’s partially why I’ve avoided it for so long. The reality is I have to marry one of these men for the good of the country. So, my best strategy is to remain friendly with all of the noblemen, get to know them the best I can, and make an informed decision. I truly don’t know enough about Duke Edmund to definitively say yes or no.”

“Again.”

“Pardon?”

“You’d be sayin’ no again or maybe yes, for the first time. If he asks, again.”

There is a weird edge in Jamie’s voice. It catches Dani a bit off guard.

“Right, again.” She echoes. “Regardless, for now I would very much like to talk about literally anything else.”

There is a moment of silence that follows broken only by Jamie periodically slurping her tea.

Dani feels like she’s caught in a tailspin, spiraling on a collision course.

“Shakespeare is overrated.”

The odd offhanded comment grounds Dani in an instant. She laughs, swept up in Jamie’s lighthearted tone. Taking comfort in the playful glint in her emerald eyes.

“So, if you were to steal a poem to send to a date, whose would you steal?” Dani asks, seizing the opportunity to get to know more about Jamie.

“I wouldn’t. I’d write my own.”

“Really? You’d go through all the trouble of thoughtfully crafting heart-felt words of affection in the form of a poem for someone you’re dating?”

Jamie nods, “If I’m interested in a woman,” Dani’s stomach awkwardly twist, “she deserves to see my devotion through my own words and actions and not some dead bloke’s take on love.”

“Well, well.  Jamie Taylor is a romantic. Never would have guessed that.” Dani teases.

“Dunno about romantic. Just know I’m not a lousy thief.”

“I’m going to go with law-abiding romantic.”

Jamie rolls her eyes. The agent blushes and hides her smile behind the rim of her cup.

“Whatever you say princess.”

On the plus side, Jamie’s happy she’s still getting her workouts in the morning.  The only downside is that all her bruising is coming from their client.  The Princess is doing well in terms of self-defense, and it seems to be keeping her mind of a few other things too.  She can hazard a guess as to what those other things are, but she’s not going to talk about it unless Dani brings it up.  First of all, it isn’t her place and second, she doesn’t get it. 

Sure, somethings can be transactional, that’s how she treats one-night stands.  They’re both there for one thing, not a lasting connection, that’s why they already know to be gone by morning.  But this?  This is on a totally different scale.  The way Dani explains it, when she marries, it’s more of a merger than having to do with any actual feelings for one another. 

She’d been watching Dani during the meeting with the Duke, looking for any sign that she might need to intervene, but she’d caught a few bits of the conversation as well.  It was hard not to with how loudly the guy spoke.  He certainly was eager.  She didn’t like the way he spoke to her, but Dani showed she was more than capable of taking care of herself.  She’d already known that though from the way Dani threw herself into their lessons.  Dani’s punches were getting better every day and at this rate she might need more than ice afterwards. 

Today is thankfully free of meetings of any kind.  It takes a little doing, but she manages to get an okay for Dani to spend some time with her horses.  She thinks back to the photos she’d seen in Dani’s private office.  There are various photos around the palace of the royal family, even a portrait or two, but the ones where Dani looks most relaxed and at ease are the ones where she’s with her horses. 

She doesn’t bring it up, since clearing it all takes time and there’s a chance that it can’t happen, but after lunch Rebecca gives her the okay.  Still, she waits until they’re alone and Dani is nearly done going through her stack of important documents for the day before bringing it up. 

“Um…”  That gets the Princess to look up at her, her head still propped up on one hand out of boredom, and suddenly she’s feeling nervous for some reason.  “Ah… since you have some down time, I… kind of arranged somethin' for you, but I um… that was...”  Now, Jamie is mentally kicking herself.  Dani’s whole life has been arranged for her, she didn’t want to be one of the people doing that to her.  Daring a look over at Dani, she finds her looking curious instead of insulted.  “I don’t want to be another person decidin' things for you, but I wasn’t sure I could make this happen.”  Now, Dani is sitting up, her full attention directed at her and Jamie’s fighting the urge to squirm.  “It took a bit of doin’ but I’ve cleared it for you to go horse riding for a bit.  Just in the area near the stables, but—”  Dani promptly gathers the remaining papers and puts them in a messy pile she’d been using for things she’d read.  Dani looks at her again with a bright smile. 

“Let’s go!” 

Jamie’s relieved that she seems to have made the right call.  To say that the Princess was eager to be with her horses was an understatement.  She was practically skipping through the back corridors in order to get to the stables faster.  In fact, she’s pretty sure some of these are meant only for servants use.  That wide smile is still on her face though.  The Princess has a habit of walking fast, but right now, Jamie’s having trouble keeping up with her almost running pace. 

They’d taken a small detour for Dani to get changed, but then Dani was pulling her along again.  Still, as fast as their moving, she’s only a half-step behind, eyes constantly darting towards every doorway and window before she lets Dani dash through.  Dani slows slightly when they reach outside, but doesn’t let go of her hand. 

The outsides of the palace are just as carefully maintained as the insides, but as they make their way to the stables, things start to look more natural.  It’s not overgrown exactly, but not trimmed within an inch of its life into a style.  Jamie finds herself breathing easier and she’s not the only one.  Dani is starting to resemble the girl in the photos more and more. 

She tugs back on Dani’s hand once they’re just outside the stable doors.  She watches Dani’s face fall slightly as she’s reminded of her current situation. 

“Let me just make sure it’s just us, okay?  I’m assumin' you know how to do everythin'?”  Dani nods.  She has Dani wait just off to the side of the stable doors, out of possible danger but still in yelling distance.  With her gun drawn, it only takes her a few minutes to clear the stables.  “We’re good!” she calls over her shoulder while she tucks her gun back in its holster. 

Dani cautiously enters the stables, but the moment she spots Jamie she relaxes and then she spots Desert Rose.  She grabs Jamie’s hand, she rushes towards the horse. 

“This is my favorite horse, Rosie.  Before you arrived, she was pretty much my only real friend at the palace.  It’s been a while since I’ve been able to see her properly though.  Even longer since—”  Then she has to ask, just to be sure.  She turns to look at her bodyguard.  “Is this just a visit or…  Can I actually ride for a while?”  Jamie smirks at her. 

“Cleared your afternoon with Secretary Quint once I got the okay.  We don’t have anywhere we need to be for hours, and even then, dinner can wait if you want.” 

Before she realizes what she’s doing, she’s thrown her arms around the agent and pulls her into a fierce hug.  She stiffens slightly when it hits her a second later, but she doesn’t pull back.  She tries to think of the last time she’d been held like this, and the last she can remember is a hug around her shoulders from her father when he was still able to walk around.  That has her grip tightening.  After another moment, she pulls back.  She briefly meets Jamie’s stunned gaze before clearing her throat and tugging Jamie with her towards her horse. 

“Rosie, this is my friend Jamie.”  She gently takes the agent’s hand and curls her fingers into a soft fist and lifts it to gently stroke the side of the animal’s head. 

“Thought these sorts of horses were supposed to have special names.” comments Jamie.  She’s still gently petting the horse, a small look of awe on her face. 

“Well, her official show name on the books is Desert Rose, but she lets me call her Rosie.” 

Jamie watches as the Princess gets the horse ready to ride.  As eager as she is to get out there and ride, she takes great care with the animal.  Once the horse is ready, Dani guides Rosie out of the stables and mounts without issue.  It’s impressive, since Jamie’s pretty sure she’d need a hand getting up there.  That smile is firmly in place as she rides.  Jamie watches as she rides, looking for danger, but also seeing a very different woman from the one in the palace.  Here, Dani is freer, from the way her hair flows behind her to the way the tension is gone from her shoulders.  She’s seen Dani be at ease, but here she seems completely relaxed and it’s a good look on her. 

Closing her eyes for a second, Jamie takes a deep breath.  She can smell honeysuckle and grass.  It’s a nice change, not just from the palace, but from her regular life as well.  It’s been a while since she’s been around any greenery aside from the potted plants in her flat.  She can feel the breeze in her hair and against her jacket.  It’s not the same as when she’s on her bike, but it’s still welcome.  She’s lost track of how long she’s been standing around, has to be a couple of hours at least, when Dani comes back and dismounts easily. 

“Thanks for arranging this today.  I really needed it.”  Jamie stares at her for a second, between her vibrant blue eyes and her wind swept hair, the Princess looks breathtaking.  She’s brought out of her thoughts when Dani seems to grow self conscious and tucks a few wild strands of hair behind her ear.  As they approach the stable, Jamie notes the sound of the other horses.  Holding up a hand, she unholsters her gun. 

“Jamie?”  Quickly scanning the area, Jamie comes up with a plan. 

“Dani, I want you to stay out here with Rosie, okay?” 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Maybe nothin', but I’m going to check out the stables like before.”  Pulling out her cell, she quickly glances down and selects Rebecca from her contacts and then hands her phone to Dani.  “If somethin' is wrong, I want you to call Rebecca and tell her where we are and then set off your own alarm too.”  She says this all quickly, but calmly, not knowing how much time they have until the attacker tries something. 

“Jamie—” 

“No matter what happens or what you hear, I don’t want you in there until you’re given the all clear, okay?  Promise me.”  She glances back only long enough to see Dani nod. 

With her gun ready, she carefully makes her way to the open doors.  There’s a way to do this properly, ideally not alone, but in the time it would take for additional agents to get to her, any number of things could happen. 

She’s goes in cautiously, light on her feet, and finds that her instincts were right.  There’s someone at Rosie’s stall.  She’s just about to announce herself, when the figure spins and hits her with a bucket full of something.  It strikes her hard on her collar bone and has her stumbling back, but she sees the glint of metal. 

Jamie’s been in fights before, countless times, it was just part of how she grew up, but this is a first.  This is her first as an MI6 agent that isn’t sparing or part of training.  This the first time she’s armed with a gun and the first time she’s had one pointed at her.  This is the first time someone else’s life is on the line because of her.  All of that won’t hit her until much later though. 

Things happen fast.  She has a grip on the attacker’s wrists and is trying to wrestle the gun away when it goes off.  It’s close to her head and has her ears ringing and disoriented for a second.  That’s when he headbutts her and it sends her stumbling back.  The guns go scattering across the ground and she manages to land a few solid blows, but she feels like she’s scrambling.  They both are, searching for anything they can use as a weapon until they can get their hands on a gun.  Jamie gets to her feet and rushes him just before he reaches one of the guns. 

Jamie knows more than her share of moves, but there isn’t time to calculate the best approach here.  The attacker is throwing everything he can get his hands on at her as he gets up.  She dodges the set of reigns and twists to land a hard kick at the side of his knee cap that has him on the ground again.  He’d been headed towards the doors and there’s no way she’s letting him near the Princess. 

Jamie tries for a nearby weapon as well, but all she comes up with is a small hammer.  She chucks it at him and it bounces uselessly off his forearm right before she rushes him.  Then it’s a tangle of limbs, both trying to get the upper hand.  She sweeps his feet from under him and it sends them both back to the ground hard.  She feels the blows to her face and ribs hit and manages to fight past them.  She gets in a number of hits herself but somehow, he gets his leg up and into her stomach, kicking her back and across the ground. 

Scrambling, she gets back on all fours and sees a gun within reach.  She doesn’t see him reaching for one a few feet away from him, but when she turns, she sees the barrel swinging towards her.  It’s the difference of a split second.  She manages to get her gun up first and shoots him square in the forehead.  He falls backward and the gun clatters from his grasp.  Seconds later, the stable is flooded with agents and guards.  She vaguely registers Rebecca hauling her to her feet as she yells instructions to the other agents.  Jamie lets herself be led outside where she’s sat down on a bench. 

As Jamie approached the stables, Dani had Jamie’s cell in one hand and her personal alarm in the other.  When the agent went inside, she’d hoped it would be like before, just a few moments before the all clear was given, but there was something different this time.  Jamie sensed something, knew something was off, and she trusted her. 

The moment she heard the first shot, she’d hit both buttons.  She remembers yelling for Jamie, and apparently that had been enough for the MI6 agent on the other end of the phone.  She stayed put, standing with Rosie a safe distance away, but she didn’t know if it was because she had given her word or because she was so scared she couldn’t move. 

The agents and security teams get there fast, but it feels like forever, and there’s another shot before anyone else is through the doorways.  She holds her breath until she hears someone declare everything over and then she’s rushing to Jamie’s side.  Rebecca seats the agent on the bench just outside the doors and she quickly sits next to her and takes her hand.  She’s been trained on what to do in any number of situations, but right now, she’s at a loss.  She watches as another agent checks Jamie for injuries.  Dani feels herself wince every time Jamie does.  There’s blood coming out of her nose and a huge bruise developing on her cheekbone, but Dani also notes how she hisses when her ribs and stomach are prodded. 

She’s vaguely aware of the argument going on close by, something she should probably be involved in.  Glancing over, she spots Rebecca arguing with the head of palace security.  Her mother would probably want everything handled by their own people, but right now she couldn’t care less.  Jamie is steadily coming back to herself and Dani wants to be there for her. 

She watches as Jamie sits up a bit straighter and turns towards her. 

“You okay, your Highness?”  Dani smiles.  This would be one of the instances where she’d tell the agent to just call her Dani, but she can’t, not with everyone else here. 

“I’m fine.  Are you okay?”  Jamie gives her an awkward grimace that she’s trying to pass as a smile. 

“I’ll be okay.” 

Not knowing what else to do, Dani takes Jamie’s hand in hers and offers what comfort she can.  She knows things are going to get even more complicated very quickly, but her thoughts at the moment are focused on her bodyguard.  No one had taken the threats seriously, but measures had to be taken once word got out.  Jamie had always taken her seriously though, taught her how to defend herself, and then put her life on the line without question.  Jamie had been there in every way, knowing when she needed a break or a smile.  She wasn’t just her MI6 bodyguard, she was her friend, and Dani planned on being there for her if she could.