“Nor will they find out,” Alex said. “We’re going to be relaxed at this dinner. No suits or ties or fussy clothes. It’s a casual dinner between old friends.”
Rebecca settled into a plush couch in an elegant sitting room. “Last time we met the prince was in a formal setting at his palace, where the protocol was much different. No curtsying this time and I’m relieved about it, to be honest. It wears on you after a while.”
Alex settled in beside her. “I’m sure they, of all people, understand.”
Anda settled on an opposite couch. “Well, I’m glad we’ve got the day off. I’m still exhausted from all that sightseeing yesterday.”
Murmurs of assent echoed through the room.
Rebecca stretched her legs out in front of her. “I haven’t walked so much in ages. My legs are definitely sore today, but it was so much fun.”
Alex smiled thinking back on yesterday and how much they’d enjoyed visiting museums almost like non-royals. It was especially wonderful to do it with his brother and Anda—his siblings and he rarely did such outings together unless it was a royal event of some kind. While they were on a royal tour, it had been a relaxed day of visiting several museums, eating good food at a local restaurant, and spending time with the people he loved. They’d picked up souvenirs for all their family and staff as well.
Rebecca glanced towards the sparkling pool. “Would it be all right if I went for a swim? Or would we be too exposed outside?”
“Bash said there have been some drones in the area trying to take pictures—a lot of celebrities live up here too—so there’s a chance a photo of you in a bathing suit could be leaked.”
Rebecca frowned but Alex said, “Go ahead. If you want to swim, swim. In fact, if we do a few posed pictures andrelease them first, it’s hardly a scandal. Let’s take control of the story before it even becomes a story.”
Rebecca bit her lip. “Will your parents mind? Should we run it by the press office first?”
“No,” Alex and Ethan said together, then Alex continued. “Vallerians generally don’t shame people for their bodies. A little European sensibility might be good for the American press.”
She still looked worried, so he picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. “We’ll all go out with you. Let’s show them what hot royals really look like.”
When he winked, she laughed and squeezed his hand. “All right, you talked me into it. Let’s all head to the pool.”
VALENTIA DAILY NEWS
RELAXING DAY FOR ROYALS!
A seriesof posts on the social media pages of several royals are sweeping the globe. The pictures, which show Their Royal Highnesses Prince Alexander, Princess Rebecca, Prince Ethan, and actress Anda Salamanca relaxing by a California pool, have received mixed reactions.
In Valleria, there has been nothing but admiration for the couples, particularly one photo showing both brothers shirtless and laughing with their arms around each other’s shoulders, and another photo showing the Princess and Anda in demure one-pieces, relaxing with smiles and fruity drinks.
In America, however, the reaction has been more severe, with some on social media and some conservative news stations stating that their behaviour is ‘unbecoming of a world leader’.
Meanwhile, the Palace has responded to support the couples and remind the naysayers that Vallerian sensibilities differ from those in America, so they see nothing wrongwith it.
Other world leaders have been asked to comment, and most are throwing their support behind the royals. “Doing a state visit to another country can be both rigorous and exhausting, and we all find ways to relax and replenish ourselves between events,” U.S. President Singh said in a statement. “I’m very pleased they are taking time to stay healthy, and enjoying themselves in our beautiful country.”
Regardless of the negative press, the royal tour continues. There will be one final event for Their Royal Highnesses, a charity ball to raise funds for a local children’s hospital in Los Angeles.
REBECCA
Los Angeles, California
United States of America
Rebecca leanedagainst Alex in the car, and watched the scenery outside as they drove back from Montecito to Los Angeles.
Alex brushed his fingers against her chin. “What are you thinking about?”
She shifted slightly but kept looking out the tinted windows. “They seemed really happy, the kids especially. I keep wondering…”
“…how different their lives will be compared to our children, if we have any?”
She nodded.
