Brief Encounters

Part 8

As I made my way toward Granny's private wing, memories of growing up here washed over me. It had been a while since I'd last visited this part of the palace, but tonight, I needed her blessing to attend Jeanna's show.

When I arrived at the entrance, I asked her staff, "Is Her Majesty available?"

One of the aides gave me a nod. "The Queen is currently in a state meeting, sir, but she should be free in about twenty minutes."

"Thank you." I took a seat outside her office, trying to be patient. But after ten minutes, I found myself pacing, stealing glances out the window. The palace gardens below sprawled across the grounds like something out of a storybook, the same gardens where Harry and I had spent endless hours as kids, getting lost in the maze.

Back then, the leafy walls of the maze had towered over us, turning a simple garden into a world of endless adventure. Harry would always be just a step behind, laughing, daring me to race him to the old oak tree in the center. I could still hear Mum's voice, teasing us as she somehow always found us in the maze.

"Alright, you two, think you can hide from me?" she'd call out, laughing as she closed in. "You know I invented hide-and-seek!"

I chuckled at the memory, my heart warming at the thought of those simpler days when getting lost was the greatest thrill. Just then, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Looking a bit pensive, brother. I've been searching all over for you," Harry said, grinning.

I turned, laughing. "Oh? And why's that?"

"Well, I heard you're going to Jeanna's show tonight," he replied, a knowing look in his eyes. "Mind if I tag along? It'll be less obvious if both of us go. Just two princes out for a night-it'll help keep the press off your back."

I had to admit, he was right. Harry had a knack for making things seem casual and deflecting attention. Alone, I'd draw far too much speculation. With Harry, it'd just look like another brotherly outing.

"Alright, you win," I said, nodding. "Let's make it a brother's night. But there's one small issue-no spare ticket."

Harry shrugged, unfazed. "Oh, they'll let me in. They don't really have much choice, do they?"

We both laughed, and he glanced at the grand double doors behind me. "I take it you're here to see Granny?"

"Yeah," I replied. "Thought I'd run it by her first."

"Good call." He gave a quick, approving nod before stepping away. "Let me know how it goes."

Just then, the doors opened, and a few dignitaries exited, followed by Granny's aide, who gestured for me to enter. Harry gave my shoulder a pat as he left, throwing me one last smirk over his shoulder.

"Don't take too long, or I might start the show without you!"

Taking a breath, I straightened my jacket and walked into the warmly lit room. Granny sat at her desk, her expression softening as she looked up.

"William," she greeted, her voice carrying the weight of years and yet as steady as always. "What brings you here?"

I hesitated just a fraction before speaking. "I came to ask for your blessing. There's a concert tonight-Jeanna de Waal's show. I'd like to attend, but I'd rather do so without causing too much fuss."

The Queen set down her pen, folding her hands over the documents in front of her. "Ah," she mused, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. "So that's what had you pacing outside my door." A faint smile touched her lips. "And you require my permission for a simple evening out?"

Iexhaled lightly, the corners of my mouth twitching. "I only wish to keep things quiet. You know how these things can escalate if not handled properly."

She studied me, a gaze that had weighed the worries of a nation and yet never failed to see the individual before her. "An actress, is it? I seem to recall a certain dinner not long ago where your brother found something most amusing about an actress you had only just met."

I shifted slightly, feeling the warmth creep into my face. "Her name's Jeanna de Waal," I admitted, softer now. "I like her."

The Queen said nothing at first. The silence stretched just long enough for me to feel the weight of it, as though she were considering things I hadn't yet dared to. At last, she leaned back slightly, her expression warm but measured.

"William," she began, her tone tinged with gentle caution, "I would never tell you not to follow your interests. But you must understand-no matter how discreet you are, eyes will always follow."

I nodded, appreciating the honesty. "I know. I just want to handle it well. That's why Harry's coming along-to make it all seem casual."

A hint of amusement flickered in her gaze. "That is perhaps the first time anyone has said Harry's presence would make something appear 'casual.'"

I couldn't help but chuckle at that, and the Queen's own smile lingered a moment before she straightened once more.

"This girl-no skeletons in her closet, I trust?" she asked, her voice light yet pointed.

"None that I'm aware of," I assured her, willing my tone to be confident.

She nodded thoughtfully, then lifted her hand in a quiet gesture of dismissal. "Then go, enjoy yourself. But do be mindful."

I inclined my head in gratitude. "Thank you, Granny."

As I turned to leave, I glanced back at her. She was already returning to her papers, yet the faintest smile still lingered. I often wondered how different things might be if she were simply a grandmother and not the Queen. Would she laugh more? Share more stories? Would she let the world see the warmth I knew so well?

I left her office feeling lighter, but also aware, as always, of the world waiting just outside the door. The night ahead was full of possibility-but in my world, even possibilities required careful navigation.