Chapter Six: "Lights, Camera, Executive Action"
Jenna had barely settled into her role on the set when the film's director, a sharp-eyed woman named Sandra, called her over with an excited look on her face.
"Jenna, we need to talk about the setting for the big scenes," Sandra said, gesturing dramatically. "This movie is all about the president's journey—his life in office, the weight of his responsibilities, the historic meetings, all of it. And we want to make it as authentic as possible."
Jenna raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sounds like a powerful story. Do you have somewhere in mind?"
Sandra hesitated, glancing around conspiratorially. "Well... not exactly. We're still negotiating locations, but the ideal spot would be the White House itself. I know it's a long shot, but I have to ask—do you know anyone who could help us get that level of access?"
Jenna blinked, processing the question. Then, with a smile of pure mischief, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick message to Charlotte.
Back at the palace, Charlotte was sitting in her study when her phone buzzed with Jenna's message. Her eyes widened as she read it, then she grinned.
Without a second thought, Charlotte strode purposefully down the hallway to the president's office, where President Everett was working on some documents. She knocked on the open door and leaned in, her face bright with excitement.
"Mr. President, I have a request," Charlotte announced, her tone official yet playful.
The president looked up, clearly amused by the young queen's formality. "Of course, Your Majesty. What can I do for you?"
"Well, Jenna's making a movie, and it's all about a president and the challenges of running a country. They want it to look as realistic as possible, so... I thought I'd let them use the White House as their set."
The president blinked, surprised, then chuckled. "You want to open up the White House for filming? That's certainly... ambitious."
Charlotte nodded, resolute. "Yes. I'll even make sure the Secret Service helps them out. Imagine how cool it will look, and how much it'll help people see what presidents go through. And it'll make Jenna's movie the best ever!"
Seeing her determination and her enthusiasm, the president nodded. "Alright, I'll make it happen. I'll notify the Secret Service and staff that they'll be expecting a film crew soon."
Charlotte's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Mr. President! This is going to be amazing!"
A week later, the White House was buzzing with the excitement of a Hollywood set. Jenna arrived with the cast and crew, still in awe that Charlotte had actually made this happen. With special permission granted, they were given access to certain parts of the building, complete with Secret Service agents monitoring every move.
Sandra, the director, was beside herself with excitement. "This is unprecedented, Jenna! Filming inside the actual White House? We'll capture the atmosphere perfectly!"
The set designers barely needed to do any work, as the authentic surroundings provided all the gravitas and history they needed. The Oval Office became the centerpiece for the key scenes, where Jenna, portraying the fictional president, would confront political adversaries, make challenging decisions, and experience the isolation and responsibility of the presidency.
In one scene, Jenna's character had to sit alone in the Oval Office late at night, signing a document with a heavy heart. The crew dimmed the lights, capturing the quiet, reflective mood of the room, while Jenna, immersed in the role, delivered a performance full of subtle emotion and weight. As she moved through each scene, she couldn't help but think of Charlotte and how their friendship allowed her to portray this character with newfound insight and authenticity.
Meanwhile, the Secret Service agents adapted to their temporary role as both security and film extras. Some were given scripted lines, adding a touch of realism to moments where Jenna's character needed protection or advice. At one point, an agent named Agent Carter was tasked with pretending to escort Jenna's character to a high-stakes meeting. Despite the seriousness of his real job, he couldn't help but smirk at his unexpected role in a Hollywood movie.
Back at the palace, Charlotte couldn't wait to hear updates, often calling Jenna during her breaks to hear about the scenes and the overall atmosphere of the shoot. Jenna would laugh, sharing the day's events with Charlotte, describing the excitement and the surreal feeling of bringing the movie to life in such an iconic setting.
As filming wrapped up, Sandra pulled Jenna aside, her eyes bright with gratitude. "This wouldn't have been possible without Queen Charlotte's generosity. Her support made this film so much more than it could have been."
Jenna nodded, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride in her young friend. "Charlotte just wants people to see what leadership is really about. And I think, thanks to her, we're going to show them exactly that."
With the White House scenes complete, the cast and crew bid farewell to their historic set, grateful for the unique experience. Jenna returned to the palace that evening, eager to thank Charlotte in person. When she arrived, the queen was already waiting for her in the study.
"So, did it go well?" Charlotte asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"It was amazing, Char," Jenna replied, pulling her friend into a hug. "Thanks to you, this movie is going to show people something real—what it's like to lead and to serve. You made it all possible."
Charlotte beamed, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. "I can't wait to see it! Maybe we can even have a special screening here in the palace."
As Jenna left that night, Charlotte watched her go with pride. She knew that her small but powerful role in making Jenna's film possible was just one example of how she could inspire others to see leadership through a different lens. The young queen was growing, learning, and showing the world that her unique perspective—however young—could have a lasting impact.
