Anastasia carefully hopped down the straits, waving to the crowd as she trailed behind her father. It was clear he was struggling, so she quickly caught up with him. As they descended from the stairs in front of the aircraft, reporters could be heard shouting.

"Welcome back!"

"How's the recovery going?!"

"How does it feel to be back in England?!"

They both slid into the back seats of the car, as Anastasia slid her shoe off. She fell back onto her seat as she looked over, "Papa? Are you alright?" He was gripping his chest as he inhaled, "Yes." She frowned, "I don't think you should be going to the state dinner tonight." He waved with his hand as if he was shooing away a fly, "I'm fine." He wheezed the words out before coughing into a handkerchief, blood splotches appearing.

The duo made their way to Buckingham Palace, where their family was waiting for them. Anastasia peered out the window, leaning on it. She watched the crowd of people outside the gates as the car went past, smiling and waving at them. They both hobbled out of the car, carefully walking up the stairs. Eventually, they entered the white drawing room.

"Ann! Papa!" Catherine exclaimed as she turned around, grinning ear to ear. Both of them walked over as they greeted their family, shaking hands and what-not. Shockingly, Anastasia's mother, Mary, actually kissed Edward for once. Something she hadn't seen in months. Was her family fixing itself? Could tragedy bring them together? Possibly. But in Anastasia's mind? No.

May smiled as she hugged Anastasia, something no one ever did. She had rarely ever been hugged in her life, and it made her uncomfortable. She considered it extreme to hug someone when you're a full grown adult. Anastasia worried as they all chit chartered, looking over to her father sitting on the couch, clearly not himself.

They talked for ages, probably two hours. Everyone was so happy to see each other, not one of them checked the clock. Eventually, a servant came to break the party up as they had to get ready for the state dinner. As everyone exited the room, Anastasia trailed behind and walked over to her father.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Edward shoo'd her, "I'm perfectly fine. I'm as healthy as a horse." He said, as he lit a cigarette. Anastasia scoffed, "If you were a horse, they would've taken you out back and shot you in the head already." Her father grinned as he blew out smoke, "I'll be reigning for many more years. I'll beat my great grandmother's record." Anastasia grimaced as they walked out of the room, "One can only hope."

Anastasia separated from her father as she continued walking past him, walking into her bedroom. Her heart almost leapt out of her chest as she turned the corner, seeing her close friend Eleanor laying on her bed. Anastasia shrieked as the doors closed behind her, "What are you doing here?!" Eleanor was reclined on the bed, sitting in an evening gown as she read the newspaper. She peered up over the newspaper before looking back down, "I was invited to the state dinner."

"By who?!" Anastasia yelled, crossing her arms as Beth quietly came over from the corner, hearing the Princess yell before quickly turning away and leaving the room. Eleanor grinned as she lit her cigarette with the lighter sitting on Anastasia's nightstand, "Beatrice and Catherine of course. Those two rotten sisters." Anastasia snatched the cigarette out of Eleanor's hand, placing it in her own mouth as she scowled, "There's representatives from other countries! You can't ruin this for me Eleanor!" Her friend rolled off the bed as she groaned, "Oh come on. I won't do anything wrong Ann. Plus, I'll look great in the press shots." Eleanor laughed as she picked up the lighter and slid it in her fur shawl.

As Eleanor stood laughing, Anastasia couldn't help but admire her. The red dress laid perfectly on her, completing every feature and hiding every flaw. Her hair high up on her head beautifully complimented the more low cut dress. Anastasia was left jealous and astonished. She knew Eleanor was so much more beautiful than her, and she was going to take all the attention away.

Beth knocked on the door, before opening it and doing a neck bow. She intertwined her fingers as she shyly smiled at Ann, "It's time to get dressed, ma'am." Anastasia sighed as she slammed her arms against her sides, "Right, of course. No peeking Eleanor." She pointed at Eleanor while scowling as she followed Beth to her vanity. Eleanor continued to ramble,

"So, I've been talking to Louis."

Anastasia glared over as she asked, "Really?" She took her earrings out and gently placed them on the vanity, "I'm wearing my orders, correct?" She asked as she looked up to Beth who nodded.

"More than talking." Eleanor quickly stopped, "Wait, not like that. Like, talking talking." Anastasia groaned, "You're 17. No need to say like like. No need to use the word courting either. Unless.." Anastasia felt her stomach churning up vomit as she spat out the words, "Is Louis courting you?"

"Not yet." Eleanor said as Anastasia let out a large sigh of relief, "Please. I don't need any siblings of mine to be married quite yet. Give me a few more years." Anastasia smiled at herself in the mirror as Beth finished taking out of her hair, preparing to fix it.

-

"So, what do you think?"

"I really think the Girls of Great Britain fits it perfectly."

Anastasia stood proudly, wearing a light blue dress with a large petticoat underneath. Adorned on the skirt and the bodice were beads and stones, making the dress sparkle every-time she turned. To finish the look, it had a matching shawl. She pulled up her white gloves as Beth helped put her other shoe on. The door opened and a man quickly stepped through, "Ma'am."

"If it isn't John!" Anastasia smiled as he did a neck bow, awkwardly smiling back at her. "You have a call." She rested her hands on her hips as she turned to Eleanor and muttered, "Great."

"They're on the line, ma'am."

"Okay. Thank you John." Anastasia turned around, walking over to the sofa and sitting down. Eleanor ran over and moved her head close to listen to the phone call. Anastasia picked up the phone as she muttered back to Eleanor, "Nosey."

"Hello?"

"Uh, hello." A man on the other end of the phone muttered.

"It's Alexander."

She paused as she looked at the ground, twisting the phone cord around her fingers.

"Oh, hello. I didn't expect you'd call."

Eleanor leaned in closer, "Who is it?" Anastasia pushed her back, "Go fix your hair."

"I was going to call before you left for Ireland. But, that trip didn't seem to work out well."

Anastasia shyly snickered as he continued, "How's your foot? I hope you aren't waddling around like a penguin."

"Ah, no. I've been doing quite well according to the doctors. I'm even attending the state dinner tonight."

"Oh? The one for the Olympics? Your papa making an opening ceremony speech?"

"Of course. He is the King." Anastasia chuckled.

"Well, if you find yourself bored or free tonight, I'll be happy to take you to a real party."

"Really? Will Eleanor be there?"

Alexander snickered as he replied, "Only if you want her."

She leaned over the couch as she glared over to Eleanor fixing her hair in the mirror, "She did invite herself to the state dinner, so I might as well take her to the party if I attend."

Catherine began knocking on the door loudly while she yelled, "Come on! We have to go!"

"I'll think about your offer. But, goodnight if I don't make it. Sleep well Alexander." Anastasia hung up the phone before she made her way to the door, almost getting knocked down to the floor by her sister shoving the door open.

Beatrice and Catherine stood together as they looked at Anastasia,

"Jeez." Catherine mumbled, "Talk about royalty." The twins admired their sister as she stood there, waiting on Eleanor.

"Thanks for inviting Eleanor, by the way."

Beatrice rolled her eyes, "We needed a plus one. Not many other people could be invited."

"I could write an essay on other people who could be invited."

"Her father's a famous rugby player!" Catherine grumbled, "Practically royalty."

Eleanor slid between the two girls, wrapping her arm around Anastasia, "Good evening. I'm ready for my debutante debut." She smiled proudly as she fixed her dress, Anastasia rolled her eyes and threw off Eleanor's hand.

"Let's go."

The group of arrogant teenagers strolled down the hall, making their way down the steps. The sound of conversations, classical music, and silverware clinking together filled the hallways. Servants peeking through corridors to catch a glimpse at the dinner. Eleanor grabbed onto Anastasia's hand, whispering,

"I'm not sure this was a good idea."

Anastasia rolled her eyes, losing any empathy she had for Eleanor, "You wanted this. You got want you wanted. Do not complain to me." She scowled.

The posse entered the room, Catherine and Beatrice examining the guests as Anastasia walked over to Edwin. Eleanor awkwardly walked around the room, looking around at the large lights and elegantly decorated walls.

"Ehm."

Eleanor stopped in her tracks, looking forwards to see Mary standing sternly.

"Ma'am." Eleanor curtsied nervously.

"Who invited you?"

"Beatrice and Catherine." Eleanor replied sharply, "I'm sure you can ask them and they'll confirm it immediately."

Mary looked around the room, glaring over to the twins, "I'm sure they will." She looked Eleanor up and down before intertwining her hands together and walked off to have a talk with the twins. Meanwhile, Anastasia was annoying Edwin who was desperately trying to interact with the many diplomats attending the dinners. Anastasia grinned at Edwin, "Do you think sucking up to all these diplomats will make you a politician? Don't forget the Crown wouldn't allow that." Edmund formed a sour look on his face, mocking her, "Crown this, crown that. Is that all you care about?"

Anastasia shrugged, "I care if my horses win races too."

He scolded her under his breath, "Selfish. That's all you'll ever be." Edwin walked off scornfully, almost stomping with every step.

-

"This is so boring." Anastasia groaned, grabbing Eleanor's shoulder while she moved around in her seat. Mary snapped at her daughter, "Stop whining and acting like a toddler. There are other people here."

Anastasia shrugged, "Okay. Then send them home." Her mother scowled, "You can leave after we get the photo taken." She sighed in relief, "Thank God." Mary hit her arm, "Watch your language." Anastasia leaned back in her chair, rolling her foot out under the table. "Mummy, my foot hurts terribly." She groaned quietly as Mary put a hand on her daughters shoulder, "I'll get them to take the photograph now then, and I'll call for Beth to fetch some of your medicine." Anastasia smiled at her mother as Mary stood up, quietly whimpering to her, "Thank you."

Anastasia's foot didn't really hurt.

She just wanted to get out of the dinner as quickly as possible and pass out in her bed. But, in the back of the mind, she pondered Alexander's invitation. She turned to Eleanor, sitting to the left of her, blankly staring at her plate. Anastasia tapped Eleanor's shoulder, "Eleanor.. Eleanor!" She whispered

Eleanor perked up as she scowled, "What?"

"Alexander invited me to a party earlier, would you care to attend with me?"

"I kind of have to go, just in case someone's going to try to murder you there. I'll be your chaperone."

The guests of the dinner were set up strategically in rows, before a photographer captured a photo for the press release.

Anastasia grabbed Eleanor's hand as they jogged out of the room, smiling as they ran up the stairs. Eleanor questioned her as they stepped into Ann's room, "Are you going to wear that?" Anastasia frowned as she grabbed her handbag, "What? Is something wrong with it?"

"Nothing, you look beautiful." Eleanor shyly laughed, "It's very extravagant though. I wouldn't want it to be damaged." Anastasia shrugged, closing her clutch as Eleanor raised her eyebrow, "You always change before we go to parties if you were at a formal event. You want to look good for Alexander, don't you?"

Anastasia remained silent as she slid her gloves back on, quietly humming to herself. They both fell into a moment of silence before she replied, "No. I don't want to be married anytime soon. You date to marry, those are the rules."

"Crushes aren't in the rule-" Anastasia swiftly turned around and interrupted her, "Crushes lead to dating, and so forth. If I want to look pretty, so be it. It's not because I want to impress a boy, it's because I want to look pretty for myself. I like the glitz and glamour, is that a bad thing?"

Eleanor anxiously replied, "Not at all, I didn-" Anastasia smiled as she slid on her shawl, once again interrupting her, "Great. Let's not discuss it further." She walked over to the telephone, dialing the office in order to make a secure connection to Alexander. As Eleanor watched Anastasia argue with a worker, she felt a knot in her stomach form. She could tell Anastasia was slowly growing more jealous and annoyed of Eleanor as she grew older. She desperately wanted to continue being friends with Ann, as they'd been best friends since she was merely a toddler. But, as the days went on, she felt more berated and humiliated by Anastasia.

"Hello?"

The man on the other end coughed, "Who is this?"

"Anastasia."

"Anastasia who?"

"Windsor."

"Oh, you're named after the crown princess?"

"No. My name's Anastasia Windsor."

The unfamiliar voice on the other end fell silent.

"You kind of sound like the princess you know."

"Are you drunk?"

The voice once again fell silent before they snarkily replied, "Are you?"

"Don't you dare speak to me that way."

"I think you have the wrong number, you're quite daft."

"Just hand the phone to Alexander, I'm here to call him."

"Who?"

"Alexander!" Anastasia exclaimed, visibly annoyed.

"Right, one second."

The phone line fell silent for a few moments as Anastasia turned towards Eleanor, rolling her eyes before a voice on the other end came through,

"Hello?"

"Evening, it's Anastasia."

"Oh, here to accept my invitation?"

"Well, yes, actually." Anastasia snickered, "Could you give me an address?"

"Sure."

Anastasia grabbed her fountain pen off the table in front of her, scribbling down the address. She pressed the buzzer on the table beside her, as a servant stepped inside, "Ma'am?" He said as he did a neck bow.

"I need a driver to take me and Eleanor to this address." Anastasia held the note up as the servant walked over, taking the paper from her hand.

"Should His Majesty be informed of your departure?"

Anastasia fell silent for a moment, "Once he's not busy, I assume he should know."

"Ma'am." The servant once again did a neck bow before exiting the room, the doors closing after him. Anastasia put the phone back to her ear, "So, you're not gonna kill me right? Leave my body in a ditch? Hold me for ransom?"

Alexander chuckled, "I mean, how much money would they send for your safe return?"

"A very large sum, I'd hope. I believe I'd be worth a few million pounds, blocks of gold." Eleanor tapped Anastasia's shoulder to inform her the car was ready.

"The car's ready, I have to go. See you soon."

Anastasia quickly hung up the phone, following behind Eleanor as they left the room. Both of them skipping down the stairs. Anastasia stopped at the bottom of the stairs to peak back into the room where the dinner had been held, majority of the guests still remained. Her mother noticed her and mouthed, "Where are you going?!"

Anastasia mouthed back, "I'm heading to Eleanor's home." Before her mother could respond, Ann ran down the steps and out the door, diving into the back seat of the car where Eleanor was waiting. Eleanor fell backwards into the seat as Anastasia jumped in, exclaiming, "You're going to break the orders on your dress!" Ann snickered as she looked down on the ivory paintings of her father and grandfather glimmered in the light, "They'll be fine. Ivory's as hard as titanium." Eleanor grimaced as the car began to move, "I don't think that's quite true."

The car pulled around the corner sharply, tossing Anastasia and Eleanor around in their seats.

"We won't get there any faster if we're dead!" Anastasia yelled as she held her head, groaning. As she looked up and peeked through the window, the car halted to a stop in front of a flat. She turned to face Eleanor, "I need you to open the door for me and help fluff out my petticoat when I get out." Eleanor rolled her eyes as she slid out of the car, slamming the door. Anastasia nervously looked through the window while leaning on the car door, peeking down the road to look for anyone loitering or out in their yards. She fell forwards as Eleanor opened the door, catching herself on the door before pushing herself up.

"Gosh, I'm so sorry!"

Anastasia shoo'd her with her hand, "You're fine." The driver rolled down the window as he yelled, "Ma'am, the apartment is located on the 3rd floor. Just walk through the lobby and head up the stairs!" She waved at the driver as she thanked him, before picking up her dress and walking through the doors. The lobby of the building was empty and quiet. It wasn't run-down, but it wasn't elegant either. It was.. average.

"I've been in a building like this before." Eleanor crossed her arms as she looked around, "It was for a charity event. For poor families during Christmas to receive gifts." She scoffed before continuing, "Isn't he a prince? Why would he be living in this kind of place?" Anastasia rolled her eyes as she continues towards the stairwell, "His family is in exile, it's not like he's going to reside in a palace."

Eleanor swiftly exclaimed her rebuttal, "Yeah, cause his sisters were Nazis!" Anastasia whipped her head around as she shushed her friend, "This isn't a very nice building! I'm sure their walls are paper thin, let's not scream." Anastasia slowly turned back around as they continued up the stairs, Eleanor holding the back of her dress up.
Eventually, they made it up to the 3rd floor.

The pair trailed together down the hallway as Anastasia whispered,

"107...107... where's 107?

Her friend grabbed her arm as she pointed, "Here." Anastasia looked the door up and down as she mumbled, "Oh." A look of disgust was painted on her face before she fixed her gloves and knocked on the door. The sound of Billie Holiday could be heard on the other side, with people chattering back and forth blaring over it. Footsteps could be heard tapping against the floor, growing closer and closer to the door.

The doorknob turned as a familiar face appeared, Alexander.

He smiled at the pair, before looking Anastasia up and down.

"I didn't mean that kind of party."

Her face turned red in embarrassment as she tried to explain herself, "I didn't have time to change after the state dinner."

He shook his head in response, "You're fine, don't worry."

"She'll let you try on the tiara on her head if you're nice." Eleanor smirked, giggling at her own pitiful joke.

Anastasia cleared her throat before pointing forwards, "Shall we come in?"

Alexander quickly shoved himself beside the door as he motioned for them to come in, "Of course." He closed the door behind the pair before walking in front of them, leading them through the entryway to the living room. A party of 4 other people were sitting in the living room, smoking cigarettes and talking over the record player in the background.

He cleared his throat, "Uh, ladies and gents. This is my friend, Anastasia."

Anastasia stepped into the room, presenting a blank expression of her face as she looked at the crowd.

"Holy shit." A man stood up, blowing out cigarette smoke. "You weren't kidding. I thought it was just some wacko calling you."

"Wacko? Really?" A smile began to form on the corner of Anastasia's lips, "Was my Anastasia impression not good enough?" Before the man could reply, Eleanor walked in and stood beside Anastasia. A woman looked over to Alexander as she asked, "Where are you finding all these famous people? And why did they let a bloke like you in?"

Alexander rolled his eyes before directing his attention to the duo standing awkwardly in the middle of the room, "You can sit beside George." He pointed to the man who had called Anastasia a wacko before dropping his hands to his side, "I suppose I should introduce everyone."

"The woman on the couch over there beside George, that's Sofie."

"Over here, we have Gladys and Raymond."

"I'll get drinks." He nodded before walking over to his kitchen. Anastasia walked over to George, looking the couch up and down before grabbing her dress and sitting down. George sat back down as he stuck his hand out, "So, uh. Great to meet you."

"I can't shake hands with commoners." Anastasia stared at him blankly in the eyes as his hand slowly retreated, sticking it in his pocket.

"I'm just kidding." She snickered, "Any chance you're named after my grandfather?" George took a puff of his cigarette before replying, "Actually, I'm named after my grandfather."

"Any chance your grandfather was George V?"

"I don't know, do I look at all like him?"

"No, not at all." Anastasia shook her head as Eleanor talked to Sophie. Gladys and Raymond took no interest in the duo that had just arrived, so they continued to talk amongst themselves. Alexander set the tray of drinks down on the table, "I don't know what either of you guys like so I just got whatever we had in the pantry."

Anastasia smiled with sympathy, "I can't drink, sorry." Alexander nodded while sliding his hands in his pockets, "Right, you're driving Eleanor home." A confused look appeared on her face as she squinted, "No. I don't drive."

Gladys took a drink off the tray as she asked, "What? Why not? It's not like you can't afford a car." She shrugged, "I have a driver to take me everywhere. I'm allowed to drive, I just choose not to."

Sophie blew out smoke as she said, "Why? Do you not enjoy freedom?" Anastasia looked over to the girl and looked her up and down, "I have more freedom than any of you do. I can go to any country I want to, when I want to. I can have any dress, trouser, shirt, or item of clothing whenever I want." Sophie interrupted her, "Yet, you don't even have the choice of who you marry."

Anastasia had completely forgot about the public approval of her father after his scandalous relationship with that one woman, the name Ann was never allowed to say as it still caused her father pain.

"My father's relationship is different. The private lives of royals shouldn't concern any of you." Gladys took a puff from her cigarette, "Really? Then you have free will over who you marry?"

Anastasia scoffed, "It's not that simple!" She looked around the room in anger, "What are you all? Reporters?" She fell back into the sofa as she dug in her shawl pocket, the room falling back into their own conversations. Anastasia pulled out a cigarette, placing it in her mouth. She looked up to see Alexander in front of her, holding a cigarette lighter. His fingers flicked and he began to light her cigarette as he provided sympathy, "Don't listen to them. They're just hazing, that's all." She remained silent before taking the cigarette out of her mouth, blowing out smoke.

"I'm not gonna have a conversation with your crotch, crouch down when you speak to me." Anastasia was still visibly annoyed and embarrassed, her face cherry red and her lips formed a slight pout. Alexander crouched down, relaxing his hands on his knees as he analyzed her face. She was turned away from him, staring into the corner while occasionally taking a puff of her cigarette.

"You can't take it personal. They're jus-"

Anastasia scoffed as she turned her head to face him, "It's my family. It's not like we are some Gods, I have feelings too." She turned away again, continuing to stare off into the corner. Alexander fell backwards, grabbing onto a glass from the tray behind him. He stood up, pushing between George and Anastasia. Alexander grabbed Anastasia's hand, uncurling her fingers and placing the drink in her hand.

"What is your problem?" She scowled, staring at him. He shrugged as he leaned back on the couch, stretching his arms out, "You need to relax a bit, take the edge off. I think the stress is getting to your head." Anastasia shook her head, "I don't feel comfortable doing that. I don't know anyone well enough here." Alexander took the drink out of her hand, "If you won't, I will."

She felt even more pressured to drink now. The fear of being seen as an outcast was compelling her to take a drink from the tray and just to have one.

One couldn't hurt, right?

———

phew, long chapter. as always thank you for reading. if you enjoyed please don't be shy to vote for this chapter or leave any feedback. merry christmas to those who celebrated!