Before he could say anything else, the intercom on his desk buzzed. Frederick couldn't stop himself from giving her another quick kiss before he walked over to answer it. "Yes?" he asked as he pushed the button.
"Sir, there are a few things we need to discuss with regard to the project we've been working on." George's voice sounded tinny through the speaker.
"Please come in."
A few seconds later, the side door opened, startling Elise who likely expected him to come through the main doors.
"George, you remember Elise Stephens?"
Frederick walked toward her, stopping at her side.
"Of course. It's a pleasure to see you again, ma'am." He tipped his head toward her.
"The pleasure is all mine."
George turned to Frederick. "Sir, I hate to cut your meeting with Ms. Stephens short, but we need to complete those tasks as soon as possible."
"They've already been taken care of," Frederick assured him, reaching for Elise's hand. "Ms. Stephens and I will be legallymarried as soon as possible then have the official ceremony as soon as it can be arranged."
Confusion crossed George's face. "Sir?"
"You know none of those other women would be the right choice. I'm certain one of them and I could have made it work to an extent, but Elise and I had a chance to become well-acquainted on the trip home from Eastern Novigradia. This feels right to both of us." Frederick also knew there would be no questioning the decision in front of Elise. "I was about to call you to see what we need to do to make arrangements for a very low-key legal wedding as soon as we can. I'd prefer to keep her name out of it until the filming onBecoming Mrs. Scroogeis complete."
George nodded slowly. "I understand the need for that, sir. However, as queen Ms. Stephens will not be able to continue her career as she has been. Security teams won't allow it, besides the other implications of a working queen."
"I understand that, George." Elise gave him a genuine smile. "We discussed that I do have some contracted things to finish, but I won't be signing any new contracts. Well, except one I've already given a verbal confirmation for. We'll have to discuss it later, but I would like to keep that verbal commitment."
"She'll have security with her at all times," Frederick promised. "We won't risk her safety. As for longer term planning, that will be a discussion for a later time."
"Very well." George looked at the tablet in his hand. "We'll need to have the legal wedding as soon as we can. If we can get an officiant here before Ms. Stephens needs to leave, we can do it now. I know it's not ideal, but we can. We'll need to inform the various leaders in Parliament and the Council. At the same time, we'll emphasize to them that the bride's identity is considered a matter of national security for the time being and therefore cannot be discussed with anyone outside of the very small circle,not even their closest aides. That should protect Ms. Stephens and her coworkers for the time being."
"Thank you, George." Elise's sincerity was evident and didn't seem like an act she was putting on. That would work well for her in the future.
In less than twenty minutes, the most senior member of the judiciary stood in front of them as Frederick and Elise spoke their vows. It only took a few minutes to complete the ceremony. They sealed their vows with a kiss.
And then...
The new Queen Elise left to go to work.
Being backon set was more than a bit surreal for Elise. She knew she needed to let a couple of people know - the producer and director maybe? The increase in security personnel was certain to be noticed. Or maybe she wouldn't and just say her team was concerned about an unspecified threat so they sent security with her for the rest of the shoot.
That was probably the best option.
The rest of the day went quickly with the scenes going well, with no major problems at all, and no questions about the new men keeping an eye on her on set.
As she finished changing clothes and removing her makeup, something else occurred to her. Would she go back to her hotel? Or to the palace? She hadn't thought through the logistics, and she doubted Frederick had either, at least not before she left the palace. She hadn't thought to have even a change of clothes with her in case the palace turned out to be her destination.
When she exited her trailer, the men sent with her from the palace were waiting. One walked with her while the other stayed a bit behind. There would be questions the next day. If it hadn't been noticed when she returned, it would be now. And on the off chance it wasn't now, it would be when she arrived or when she had constant shadows on and off set.
She took her spot in the rear of the black SUV with darkly tinted windows. The two members of her security team spoke quietly to each other but not to her.
"Your Majesty?" The one in the passenger seat spoke while the other put the SUV in gear.
Elise stared out the window, his words barely registering.
"Your Majesty?" He spoke again, a bit louder, and this time turned partly around in his seat.
She blinked. "Are you talking to me?"
