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thespecialrelationship-phff · 8 years ago

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Chapter 7

AN: Happy update day!! Thank you for the messages and notes, I really do love having feedback. Outfit for this chapter. Enjoy!

Harry's POV

I check my watch: five minutes. She has five minutes until I'll have someone check on her. I pull on the cuffs of my dark suit jacket. This damnable heat is going to make me sweat through it but I've been lectured to make sure it doesn’t wrinkle. I roll my neck, at least I didn’t have to wear a tie. And I put my foot down about keeping the top buttons undone.

''She's late.'' Ed remarks, also checking his watch.

My small entourage is waiting under an overhang in one of the many loading areas of the resort. I've become accustomed to places like this my entire life. The back entrances that make it easier for someone like me to get around with as little trouble as possible. These dingy back door entrances are as much as part of royal life as a palace is. I smirk, most people would probably never guess.

The SUVs are waiting, three identical black ones and a police car to serve as an escort. Black, non-descript vehicles, police cars they're both big parts of my life as well. I glance down at the itinerary in my hands, double checking our departure time.

''Not yet.''

''Fine. She's almost late.'' Ed sighs. There’s nothing he hates more than tardiness. “Did you have a chance to look over those articles I sent you?”

“I skimmed.” He’s mentioning the online outlets that had pictures from the dinner last night. It’s the same shit magazines have been publishing about me and women for years. The grainy photographs, leading article titles and completely wrong conclusions. “Besides, Will texted me a link before you did.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. He was all too happy to inform me that I was in the press again.” I shrug. “But that’s what brothers are for, right?”

“To take the piss out of you for being an international headline?” Ed whistles. “Can’t say my brother ever did that.”

I roll my eyes. “Amazing that your girlfriend can survive without your outstanding wit.”

“I would say she’s surviving quite well, considering we broke up last week.” He says matter-of-fact.

“Shite. Ed, I had no idea.”

“You have been busy.”

I shake my head, “It’s no excuse. When we get back to London, I’m taking you out to a pub.”

He just nods briskly then proceeds to check his watch again.

I lean against the dark SUV, wondering how the First Lady will react to the traveling arrangements…oh I can guess, she’s going to be angry, very angry. But I can’t avoid this opportunity for a little fun. And hell, it is fun teasing Miss Randolph.

I only have to be wary that I don’t sacrifice my work for the Games while teasing her.

There's commotion at the service entrance and I turn as well as Ed and my RPO. The First Lady has graced us with her presence, long blonde hair flowing, and long legs gliding. The white dress she's wearing has a vibrant floral print on it. But I'm more concerned with the little v in the neckline, tempting me. Hell, it's tempting everyone.

And I suddenly remember that I’m a damn good multi-tasker.

She's frowning, eyes looking down at some piece of paper as a woman walks next to her. Her clear voice carries over the now quiet utility entrance. ''God, let's just get this thing over with and then we can-''

She glances up, sees us and falters. Her foot, encased in an impossibly high pink heel slips on the rough concrete. I'm moving before I realize it, catching her shoulders as she stumbles.

''God dammit,'' she exclaims as she trips. And she looks up. Her bright aquamarine eyes narrow when she focuses on me. Her pert pink lips blurt out. ''What are you doing here?''

I make sure she's stable and then release her shoulders. I flash her my most charming, ''I'm your ride.''

''What?''

''We're riding together.'' I gesture to the SUV behind me. ''Figured it would be pretty silly for both of us to drive when we could just go together.''

She continues to stare at me. I'm wondering just what's going through her mind. She's probably filtering through what she really wants to say and what she's actually allowed to say. I keep smiling, willing the First Lady to let her guard down.

And just when I think she's going to crack she smiles, ''That was so thoughtful of you!''

''That's me, thoughtful.''

She slides her aviator's over her eyes and saunters towards the car, mumbling. ''Just so damn thoughtful.''

I shake my head with a smile. Here we go.

I slide into the SUV with Ed after Margaret and the other woman accompanying her get in. The door shuts with a finality.

Ed is seated in the front, looking out the window, no doubt pretending to ignore any conversation he might hear between the First Lady and I. Margaret and I are seated in the middle, with plenty of space between the two of us. I relax though, letting my legs rest comfortably to minimize that space ever so slightly. Out of the corner of my eye I see her glance down and then subtly shift farther away.

The woman who accompanied Margaret is seated in the back. It strikes me that I don't even know her name.

''I'm so sorry, I should have asked earlier.'' I begin and then glance towards the back. ''I don't believe we've met. I'm Harry.''

The woman looks surprised, but smiles. She shakes my hand, and I appreciate her strong grip. I shouldn’t be surprised that Margaret surrounds herself with confident women. ''Anna Perez, the First Lady's Chief of Staff. An honor to meet you, your royal highness.''

So she's Margaret's right-hand man, or woman I suppose. The two must be close. I know how close Ed and I are. I wonder if Anna could be an avenue to bring out the real side of the First Lady. That might be a perfect job for Ed.

''Please, call me Harry.''

She nods, ''As you wish.''

I turn forward again and the car descends into silence again.

I start to tap my foot, disliking the silence. It shouldn’t be this difficult to facilitate conversation with a car full of people. Glancing up to the rearview mirror I catch Ed's eyes. I roll my eyes and he smirks, knowing I hate the situation. He doesn’t help though, he merely shrugs. Lot of good he's doing me.

Clearing my throat I turn back to Anna, ''How long have you worked for Margaret?''

She glances up from her notes, ''I've had the pleasure of working for Miss Randolph since the President was elected, virtually from the beginning.'' I notice her pointed use of ‘Miss Randolph.’

I nod, ''I'm sure you have some interesting stories…''

Her eyes narrow, and I wonder exactly why. Is she wary of someone delving into her boss’s privacy or is there distrust between boss and employee?

''From what we've discussed Harry, it doesn’t seem like you would find stories about me 'interesting'.'' Margaret coolly inserts herself into the conversation staring out the window.

Hopefully I hide my smirk as I turn to face her, ''I'm not quite sure I know what you mean.''

She shrugs, ''You probably wouldn’t believe the hype.''

So, she's still upset over last night's dinner, interesting. I can't help but wonder just how much thoughts of me have occupied her consciousness. Ed sends me an admonishing look. I ignore him. Most of the fun in my life is carefully monitored. It seems to me that teasing the First Lady might be one of the first things that’ won't be so closely watched.

Sure, the press will be paying attention, but they'll only focus on what happens in public. Whatever happens between Miss Randolph and I behind closed doors will remain private, simply because I know she doesn’t want her personal life in the press any more than I want mine.

It’s exhilarating, this promise of privacy.

''Regardless.'' I finally reply. ''The four of us should have lunch this week.''

''What?'' Margaret blurts out at the same time that Ed turns around to watch me with raised brows.

I shrug, and hold Margaret's gaze. ''What could it hurt?''

Her eyes, stormy with unvoiced anger I'm sure, shift to Anna. I keep my eyes trained on hers and when her gaze returns to mine I can see resignation in them. She knows that she can't turn down this invitation just like she couldn’t turn down my invitation for dinner last night.

Today though, I see something else glittering in those dark brown depths. I can only describe it as challenge. There's something in her eyes that tells me this lunch, if it even happens, won't be smooth sailing.

I don't even bother to hide my smile.

Sooner than I would like the SUV pulls up to Disney's World of Sports, the venue for the Invictus Games. Luckily it is early enough that there isn’t a large crowd gathered outside so our entourage slips in with little notice.

As I walk through the corridors with Ed by my side I feel a familiar knot in my stomach. I'm nervous. I'm excited as well of course but as I see the logo plastered everywhere I realize that this event is truly and only mine. Whether it's a success or a failure will land on my shoulders. I swallow deeply, trying to hold back the nerves.

Behind me, I can hear the telltale sound of Margaret's heels. It's an odd sound to me. I'm not used to hearing heels clicking behind me. Usually, I'm surrounded by men or by women who wear more sensible shoes than the First Lady, not that I'm complaining of course.

I shake my head. I don’t have time to dwell on how beautiful the Margaret looked this morning. No, now is the time to do work. I know there will be plenty of time to tease her later.

We turn a corner and we immediately step into a television set. Sure, it's set up to look like a lockerrom but this is first and foremost a stage; the bright lights would be the first giveaway followed by the rather large camera crew scattered around.

''Your Royal Highness!'' I turn, flashing a smile. I recognize that voice. It's Romana Robinson; she's conducting the interview this morning. We've met on a few other occasions and she's actually interviewed me before. I like Ms. Robinson. She seems like she truly cares about who she's interviewing or what she's interviewing about. When we were discussing possible interviews, I immediately thought of her.

''Ms. Robinson!'' I step forward and kiss her quickly on the cheek.

''Now, I thought I told you please call me Ramona.''

''Only if you call me Harry.'' I retort.

She pauses as if thinking it over, but then she smiles. ''Fair enough.''

''Good, I'm glad that's sorted.''

She turns now to face Margaret, ''Miss Randolph, always good to see you.''

Margaret smiles and the two women quickly kiss on the cheek, ''Ramona, how are you?''

''Doing well thank you." The newsanchor squeezes Margaret's hands. "I am honored to have you doing this interview. I almost couldn’t believe it when we heard.”

Margaret, if she’s annoyed by the fuss over her involvement doesn’t show it. She just smiles warmly, “Yes, I know it’s a bit unusual. But, this is an important cause.”

“So this particular cause or maybe the people involved is bringing about this change.” Ramona says, in full reporter mode. It’s a sneaky way of asking if Margaret is doing the extra press because of me.

Intently, I watch Margaret to see how she reacts.

Margaret smiles, unperturbed by the statement. “I always make time for important causes.”

“Perhaps it will start a trend?” Ramona asks hopefully.

“Who knows what the future holds?” She says mysteriously.

Ramona walks away, apparently satisfied.

“You handled that well.” I remark.

“Be a little more patronizing?” She asks, with a terse smile. “I know how to do this. Just because I haven’t done it in a while doesn’t mean I need to hold your hand.”

“I was just trying to be ‘professional’.” I hold my hands in surrender, “And you can hold my hand any time you like.”

She rolls her eyes and I can’t help but laugh quietly. It really is too easy to get under her skin.

Margaret walks away from me over to Anna. The chief of staff leans in and Margaret says something in a rush. I watch intrigued as the tense conversation transpires. The two are quiet so I can't hear what's being said but it doesn’t seem like anything good.

Ed appears next to me. I lower my voice, ''Any idea what that's about?''

''I'm not sure. I haven’t heard of any pressing news, at least nothing that would affect the First Lady.''

I nod. "Browse a few of the news sites. See if you can find anything. I don't know why but I have a bad feeling about this."

"It would seem that the First Lady and her Chief of Staff do as well.''

I look back at the pair.

They've taken a more relaxed stance now. Margaret is flipping through some papers, no doubt an agenda of some sort, while Anna is scrolling through her phone. Eventually Margaret pulls at her phone as well, frantically typing. Yes, whatever is going on is really not good. Unfortunately, I don't think Miss Randolph has any idea what the issue is.

''What do you think of her Chief of Staff?''

Ed looks up from his phone. ''Anna Perez. 33 years old. Law school graduate from UCLA, was working for a senator before accepting her post with the First Lady."

"Yes, yes. All good. But what do you think of her? I'm wondering how loyal she really is. There are a lot of ambitious people in Washington D.C."

Ed looks back over and gives the taller woman a once-over. His eyes scrutinize her a moment before looking back at me. "The two seem close. They might even be friends. I'm sure she's a very loyal employee.''

I nod. Maybe Anna isn’t the path to the First Lady.

''Harry, stop that. Formidable women stick together." He pauses. "Promise me, you're not thinking what I think you're thinking.''

I smirk at him. He really does know me to well. "Just keep an eye and ear on everything, okay.''

"That wasn’t an answer."

I pat him on the back still smirking, “She is pretty isn’t she, Miss Perez that is. In a very serious sort of way.”

“She is a beautiful woman.” Ed agrees. “Well they both are. Light and dark. The two of them complement one another.”

I glance at Ed, surprised at his words. He seems to be as well. Avoiding my gaze he clears his throat, “Anything else you need sir?”

I shake my head, smirking slightly. “No, I don’t think so. I have an interview to go do."

“Good luck sir.”

Minutes later the Margaret and I were seated across from Ramona ready to do the interview. Amazingly, Margaret was sitting relaxed, any sign of tension or stress completely gone from her face. She catches me watching and smiles. I'm lost in the radiance of it for a moment before I realize it's all for show. She's acting for the cameras. I shake myself. I need to do that as well.

The Producer steps forward, ''Alright, roll cameras. And Ramona, take it away.''

''…What do you want people to come away with thinking about these brave young men and women?'' She asks the first question.

I gesture over Margaret first, who smiles softly

I have to admit that I'm interested to see just what she's going to say. "I think first and foremost to be inspired by their bravery from their time in the service but also to be inspired by their resiliency and hope. Some of the competitors have struggled with things that can and do break the human spirit and yet here they are living, and thriving and competing. It's astounding.''

It's a truly heartfelt answer. I'm even moved by it for a moment. She turns to look at me, waiting for my answer no doubt. I can almost see the challenge in her eyes.

''I have to agree with Margaret. Their resiliency, their strength it's not something that exists everywhere in the world. And yes, the viewers will get to see great sport but also just this triumph of will as well.''

As the interview goes on Margaret and I settle into a sort of pattern. She'll answer a question first, pretty much flawlessly then I'll do everything I can to answer the next one better. In addition, I use her first name any chance I can get. I might be imagining it but I swear every time I do she winces slightly.

Ramona takes a pause and smiles before the next question. There's a worrisome glint in her eyes. My stomach churns, a bad feeling growing. ''Ever since the first time you two met the world really has been captivated by your…let's say chemistry.''

I immediately feel my face redden. I peek over at Margaret who is just shaking her head smiling. If I only I could read her mind.

Ramona continues, ''Now I don't want to get too personal-'' Margaret and I laugh obligingly. ''But what's been the best part about working with the First Lady and vice versa of course.''

I exhale, ''The best part?'' I look over at Margaret and I can tell she’s nervous. She's willing me to say nothing to incendiary. "I don't have to tell anyone just how beautiful or talented Margaret is. I think her work as the First Lady has shown that, and I expected that. No, the best part has been really discovering and getting to know the creative, kind and-'' I pause looking at Margaret. ''-passionate woman she is.''

My word choice is borderline inappropriate. I know that it will be picked up by the news outlets and I suppose I should feel bad. But I really don't. Margaret's mouth parts slightly before settling into a thin line. A slight flush rushes across her cheeks.

She looks at Ramona, shaking her head. ''He really is a flatterer, isn’t he?''

''A real Prince Charming?'' Ramona supplies.

Now Margaret laughs, "I wouldn’t go that far!'' She chuckles then pats me on the arm, a little roughly if I'm honest. I have to keep from wincing. ''The best part about working with Prince Harry has been hearing his drive and commitment to this organization. You know, we can all hear about how someone cares about something but it's not until you see it up close how deeply engrained it really is. Harry cares about this organization, the people involved and it's mission. That's been astounding to see.''

I sit back, a little surprised. ''Thank you for saying that Margaret.''

She inclines her head then looks back at Ramona.

The anchor is smiling like she's won the lottery. In all reality she really has. This has been a good interview, an entertaining one. And now she could possibly spin a romance angle. Mentally, I shrug. As long as it gets Invictus media coverage.

"Thank you both for your time. I for one am looking forward to the games. From what I've seen so far, Harry everything looks amazing.''

''Thank you."

''And Margaret, of course, thank you for taking the time out of your father's re-election campaign to be here with us in Florida.''

Re-election campaign?

I glance over at Margaret, just in time to watch her wipe the shock away from her face. Christ, I don't think she knew. In an amazing display of restraint, Margaret smiles fully at Ramona. "Yes, absolutely. I'm looking forward to another four years of serving the American people."

"We'll all be watching." Ramona turns to the camera. "the opening ceremony for the 2016 Invictus Games are tonight, on ESPN2 and streaming live. Keep an eye out for the rest of the tv listings. I'm Ramona Robinson, reporting from Orlando, Florida and the 2016 Invictus Games. Have a great day!"

"And we've cut." The producer claps. "Thank you everybody!"

Ramona gets out of her chair and quickly shakes my hand and Margaret, thanking us one last time.

Margaret looks a little out of sorts. She's not really focusing on anything as the assistants remove the chairs and microphones. I'm about to step forward to help when Anna appears out of thin air it seems.

She places a hand on the First Lady's shoulder, "Miss Randolph, are you alright?"

Margaret looks up and blinks, "They didn’t tell me." Her gaze is still faraway.

"Kennedy?" Anna asks nervously. Kennedy?

Ed appears next to me, water bottle in hand. "Harry, what's going on?"

I grab the water bottle and hold it out to Margaret. "Margaret, here, have some water." She's still looking off. "Margaret, take the water."

At the shortened name she glances at me, brows furrowed. "What?" She blurts out.

"Have some water." I repeat. "And maybe sit down."

She pause as if considering it then immediately turns away. "Anna, get me Jenkins on the phone now. Push back my 11 o'clock solo meet-and-greet by an hour. And then we'll work through lunch. Everything else can stay."

Anna immediately dials a number on her phone. Margaret smooths out her skirt for a moment. ''And give me my cell phone."

With steady hands Anna passes the small device. Margaret begins to scroll through it shaking her head and muttering.

Ed looks at me in concern.

''So, I guess we're not getting lunch?"

She looks at me in disbelief as if I'd just asked her to return to the thirteen colonies to my grandmother.

And then she rolls her eyes and just walks away. “I’ll see you at the Opening Ceremony.”

"Well, that was nice while it lasted."

''What was sir?"

"Margaret and I were civil to each other for about twenty minutes." I smirk. "I thought I might have worn her down."

"I think it had to do more with the cameras than you, sir."

"That was a cheap shot." I start walking towards the exit. Once I'm sure it's just Ed and I and my security officers I ask. "Do you really think she didn’t know?"

"That her father was announcing his re-election campaign?" I nod. "I would hope not, but it seemed that way didn’t it?"

"Did it leak? Or was this an official announcement?"

"From what I'm seeing it was an official announcement. Press conference, the whole works."

I shake my head, "Those bastards."

"I'm sure she knew." Ed says.

"Let's hope so." Regardless, even if she knew she was still shipped down here instead.

Chapter 6 Chapter 8

The back-and-forth between names (Margaret/Kennedy) is not a typo and will be explained sooner rather than later...promise!

#thespecialrelationship #prince harry fanfic #royalfanficcollection #phff #prince harry

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