Multi Fandom Writer

[hrhdelos-blog]

A Pattern: Chapter IV

Chapter I / II / III 

The past keeps adding up for the Princess and Hector.

“I don’t want to hear it from you, not now” The Prince of Wales spoke in a tone neither his daughter nor Camilla had heard before. It startled them both as they shared a rare bonding glance.

Alice became infuriated and heartbroken at the same time and charged into her father's room. She was running on pure adrenaline.

“Your own brothers wedding!” he slammed the door and turned to her. Camilla raised her hands preparing to calm him but stopped when she saw his face turning red. “To run off and abandon your family. It was irresponsible and selfish and just like…” Charles’ body language slowly changed back to his usual form.

Alice stood there and crossed her arms, raising her eyebrows hoping he would continue even though she knew the words would hurt her more. Charles froze in front of her and stood there like a child awaiting a scolding.

“No please, continue” Alice spoke softly but aggressive, opening her arms and holding her hands out to both her father and step mother. “Please I want to hear it”.

Charles sighed deep and began to walk over to her. “You uhm, you know the only reason we’re angry is because we were worried. If you wanted to leave you could have said something. You, well, could have gone to the reception then left after”.

“And the same old thing would happen, we’d be tracked by a team and every person in London would know who I am and be inconvenienced by me”.

“I don’t want to have this conversation Darling. Your home, you well, will apologize to William and Kate when they arrive home and everything will be settled” Charles turned away and began unlatching the pins on his uniform.

“No!” Alice raised her voice. “You were going it say it weren’t you? Just like your mother! That’s what you were going to say” her eyes began welling with tears bringing up Diana.

“If you’re doing this simply to be more like her then that’s even worse” Charles quipped back.

“I did it for the same reason she used to. To escape” Alice shot Camilla a dirty look and for once she got the hint. She quietly left the room so father and daughter could hash it out.

Charles let out a faint laugh, “I’ll never understand that. Not with her or you. You have everything you ask for and people to do it all for you, and you stand there rejecting it? So uhm, where did you two go? Grab a burger while you have an entire crew of chefs here? Go to a theme park when you could drive around the entire estate yourself?” Charles let his voice go deep basking in the bitter memories of his ex wife taking their children out into the world and doing mundane things he resented. For never having that connection with his own mother and turning his boys and little girl against his lifestyle.

“We went to the park, with the fountain” Alice whipped her cheeks dry.

Charles quickly caught her eyes before she lowered them and fiddled with his hands. “I didn’t think you had been there since I took you when you were little” he said, sounding solemn.

“So you do remember a time when you weren’t so stiff? When you wanted to escape too?”

“I did that for you, to let it out of your system” he walked over to his daughter again, this time not stopping until he was right in front of her.

“I didn’t work Pa, I’ve been going back there for years” she looked up at the man who raised her. No matter how much she was tempted to hold the past against him she couldn’t betray the bond she felt as his only daughter. She let the tears freely fall.

Charles had spent his entire life being told emotions were to be repressed. Ruined his first marriage because of it. He had been working on himself but it was still second nature. He opened up his arms to his daughter and she immediately jumped in them to cry. Even against everything else, it still felt good to be needed as a father.

“Pa, please don’t fire Hector. He has to stay on. I promise you” she lifted her face up from his chest, “It was all my idea. He didn’t want to do it, really”.

Charles looked deep into her eyes, placing his hands on either side of her face and using his thumb to take away her tear. Before letting her go. Alice stood stunned for a moment, she shrugged feeling stupid for forgetting her dad couldn’t hold a connection for that long. She should be grateful he tried that hard.

“Oh uhm, well” he stuttered through his thoughts. “You don’t think I know that?”

Alice shot up looking at him confused.

“Of course it was your idea. I’m not that dull darling. The problem is I like the security guards who actually do their job and say no to your antics”.

Alice could feel her heart racing as she panicked. “Pa, I swear that if you give me one more chance there won’t be any more antics. He’s the only guard I’ve had that actually makes me want to settle down a bit. It’s not so lonely or suffocating with him. One more chance. I’ll apologize to Wills and Kate and Harry and everyone”.

Charles wasn’t saying anything back to her, he didn’t even want to keep eye contact with her. He knew what the right thing was to do, even if it did hurt her more. Alice felt fear in the pit of her stomach and prepared herself to do whatever she had to do.

Hector sat in silence, trying to wipe the blood off his face away with his bloody hands. When he heard the door unlatch behind him he sighed and grinned ready to be intimidating instead of the victim. When he turned his head the anger floated from his body as he saw Alice standing there.

She returned his gaze with horror before running to his side and resting her hands on his shoulders.

“What the bloody hell happened to you?”

Her sudden calmness equally confused him. He rose to his feet from the interrogation table and towered over her not saying anything. But he had a look of determination on his face.

“They won’t get away with beating you like this”.

“They didn’t beat me, trust me” Hector said confidently.

“Come with me, let’s get you out of here and cleaned up”.

Alice grabbed his forearm and went to lead him out of the room before he grabbed her and stopped her.

“No, Princess. Not again. I have to leave and you stay here. Go back to your life where I won’t cause you any more trouble”.

“Hector” she tried to hold onto him so he wouldn’t walk away from her.

“I’m walking out of this room” he said leaning his forward down on the top of her head and placing his hands on her waist. “You can’t come, I won’t let you come with me. Your place is here”.

Alice was taken aback by the sudden change of heart. He wasn’t speaking like the man by the fountain anymore.

“Hector you don’t understand I-”

“You have to be the Princess all right? I never belonged here anyway. I’ll find something else. I don’t think the Queen would want me back in the Marines now, maybe I’ll find my dad and just-”

“Hector!” Alice cut him off and he was genuinely impressed and shocked all at once. They stared at each other not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “Please. Come up stairs, my father has called the Palace medics and they will help you. They’ll drive you home too if you want. You have to be at work early tomorrow” she smiled up at him now with happy tears glistening in her eyes.

/ 1996 /

Hector’s father pushed the suitcases into the hallway and called out to his son to move them into the living room. He was eager to make room for his new bride to enter. He’d never seen his father so frantic, moving in and out of speaking Spanish and English and sweating. Hector couldn’t even pretend to be happy to welcome a step mother, but he wasn’t about to let anyone read him.

“Come on, son” his father pinched his son’s cheek “Don’t be so serious, I want her to feel at home” he ran back out the front door to help her out of the car and up the stairs.

Hector didn’t want to entertain it. Once he placed all the bags down he sat in front of the television and switched it on. He immediately put on the news to distract himself from his own world with the rest of the world. He could hear the new woman enter and squeal with excitement at her new home. His mother's home.

“Hector!” his dad called out but was ignored. Before he could get angry and march over to his son his bride grabbed him and distracted him with a kiss.

Hector kept his gaze on the TV. The BBC cut the story about Northern Ireland short to inform the viewers that the Prince and Princess of Wales officially finalized their divorce. Hector chuckled to himself, thinking how silly they considered a royal marriage more important news than the chaos of the Troubles. He grabbed the remote prepared to turn it off until he saw his father and step mother kissing.

He turned back to the TV showing the highlights of the doomed royal marriage and talking about the settlements. He suddenly was very intrigued. He was fascinated by the contrast unfolding before him.

[hrhdelos-blog]

A Pattern: Chapter III

Chapter I / II / IV

It was everything Princess Alice and Hector wanted but would be the thing to destroy their relationship before it even really started. 

Hector could feel his phone blowing up in his pocket, looking over to his left to see Alice who had moved up to the front checking hers. They had been driving for what felt like an hour, the wedding reception in full swing by now without her.

“What are they saying?” he said in a demanding voice.

“Guess it doesn’t really matter anymore, we already made the decision” Alice quipped looking over to be greeted by a stern look from her bodyguard, knowing she should tell him the truth. “I’m telling my father everything is alright. He’s still sending security to find us. Camilla is maintaining the family”.

“Oh I’m sure they’ll love that” Hector sarcastically replied immediately. As soon as the words left his mouth shock came over his face and he turned back to looking at the road.

Alice’s whole face lit up and she let out a belly laugh. Hector had never heard her laugh so genuinely before and it instantly calmed him down.

“You should let your honest opinion out more often, I’m starting to like this. So you’ve been following the royal family enough in life to know that huh?” Alice untied the buckle on her heels strap and lifted her knees up onto the seat getting more comfortable.

“I know the general things” Hector regained composure.

“A person who knows general things about my family doesn’t look so furious when the beloved Prince Harry walks in” Her tone became stern to match his.

Hector was always kept on his toes with her conversation. He wasn’t expecting anyone to notice when he let his emotions slip up. He was equally impressed and confused. Again, he was speechless because of her.

Alice continued, “You’re already in deep shit Hector, might as well keep the honesty going”.

“Tell me where I’m headed first”.

Alice sighed and turned to the window again, “there’s a park not to far from here, just take a left and keep going for a few minutes”.

They sat in silence for a few moments. Now it was Alice’s turn to worry, that she had pushed too far and did the one thing she new always ruined her relationships.

“He wasn’t too popular with his fellow troops” Hector blurted out making Alice snap back to look at him. “We all knew he was getting special treatment. It was to be expected but it doesn’t mean we weren’t”

“Jealous?” Alice finished for him.

“Angry is more like it”.

“He was torn up when he got back, after his location was exposed” Alice attempted to defend her big brother.

“Yes but, we all were still left there”.

“I’m sorry” Alice softly spoke feeling guilty.

“Don’t apologize for things you can’t control”. Hector saw the park coming up and slowed the vehicle to park.

“Is that what’s with you and him?”

They came to a complete stop and he met her eyes, for a moment forgetting they had just run away from the family. “For now it’s all we need to discuss. I’d much rather spend my last day on the job asking you questions” Hector put a natural smile on his face. No more facade, they weren’t in the palace. He wanted to feel like a real person with her.

Alice returned the smile and put her shoes back on without verbally assuring him, but she could tell he knew. She went to reach for the door handle when Hector shot out of the car and made it to let her out.

Alice laughed and took his hand to get out, “You know I can do that on my own?”

“Oh I’m sure” he smirked and followed her lead into the park. It was empty except for a a few passersby with dogs. He figured she must have been here before to so confidently walk in, so sure she wouldn’t be noticed.

Alice led Hector to her usual spot by the fountain, mostly covered with trees and out of view of the street. She sat down on the grass next to it putting her elbow on the concrete and taking a glance in the water. Hector took a moment to take in the view before he joined her.

“How many times have you been here?” he asked already concluding she had been.

“I used to come here almost every night” Alice responded without taking her eyes off her reflection.

“Why did you stop?”

“Time to grow up I guess” she looked over and forced a smile. “No one has ever stopped me here, or taken a photo. Almost like even if I do see others we all have an understanding that this place is for relaxing”.

“I don’t know how you stand it. I could never be hounded like that”.

“Hell of a job to take then” Alice said curiously.

“They’re not after me”.

Alice locked in her eyes with his. She was starting to feel like she’d known him for years in such a short time already. She felt like she never wanted to go back to the palace. She wanted to rent a small apartment in central London and build a quiet life for herself. She wanted to invite Hector over for tea and a movie. She wanted to wake up and go to work and blend in with everyone.

“You’re not going to get fired” she blurted out.

Hector couldn’t help but snicker, “something like this, I’ll be surprised if I’m not put in jail for kidnapping”.

“I’ll tell my father the truth. I forced you to do this”.

“You think you had to force me?”

Even though he asked the question it sent chills down his spine just like it did hers. After trying to guess and figure each other out, shocking each other along the way. They finally were on the same wavelength in a matter of seconds. Leaning forward to be closer to him and him resting his palm on her cheek didn’t feel out of place at all. All the confidence Hector had during his interview for the job was back. There was no hesitation when he pressed his lips gently against hers.

As nighttime came it was time to accept the inevitable and go back to the palace. The reception was well over and the newlyweds would be on their way to their honeymoon. Hector pulled into the back entrance to Clarence House. Alice had herself right next to him, head on shoulder for the long ride. They were getting in the last few moments of peace before it all blew up.

They barely were inside the gates for a few seconds before security was surrounding the car. They pointed their guns at Hector and ordered him out of the car. Alice quickly shot out and bypassed the team trying to hold onto her.

“Stop it!” she shouted at them and waved for them to put their guns away.

Hector knew better than to resist and kept his hands on his head. He turned to Alice and tried to reassure her but she wasn’t taking it.

“I told you to stop, put down your guns” she said more calmly but still furious.

Oliver followed out of the palace to confront her.

“Ollie it was my idea, he was just following my orders. Like the rest of your team should be doing right now”.

Oliver sighed and ran his hand over his face, “Princess it doesn’t matter quite frankly. A bodyguard should bloody well know better than to abandon plans and hijack the granddaughter of the Queen” he turned to Hector.

“Where’s my father? Let me talk to him. Hector’s coming with me” she insisted.

“No” Hector interrupted the moment causing both Oliver and the Princess to look at him along with all the shocked security. “Alice it’s my duty I’ll face it”.

Instantly tears began to gather in her eyes. The severity of the situation was setting in and she felt gutted for getting him into this. If he was gone she’d never again get back the feeling of freedom she had in the park. When Hector saw her eyes glisten he had to look away from her.

“That’s what a good Marine would do” Oliver snapped at Hector hoping he’d feel the anger and pettiness.

Oliver waved his hand and the guards surrounded Hector and led him into the palace. Oliver opened his arms offering the Princess a hug but it was no use. She barely even noticed because she kept her eyes on Hector. When they all disappeared into the place she turned and let the tears start rolling.

“Ollie please listen to me he didn’t do anything wrong”.

“You’re right, you both did. It was your brothers wedding” he said concerned, not meaning to hurt her further.

Alice took in a deep breath and began to make her way inside. When she reached the steps she noticed Oliver wasn’t following her and raised her voice out to him.

“What happens now?”

Oliver kept his back to the palace and gazed out at the gates. “They’ll keep him in the security room for now. Your father will be alerted to your return. Hector will have his security revoked and fired you can count on that” his tone was a mixture of guilt and fury.

“I’m going to talk to my father. Please have my back” her voice cracked and it forced Oliver to turn out of instinct. He didn’t show her any reassurance, he stood there set in stone.

Alice turned and entered the palace and made her way up to her father's room. Hoping that she could trust Oliver like she always could. After today there was no going back to not having Hector in her life. She made it to her fathers room and raised her hand to knock, but before she could the doors swung open and there he stood.

Hector sat in the underground security room. It was built like an interrogation room. He assumed all the palaces had a place like this but this was beyond his expectations. It was a cruel reminder he wasn’t in charge and there was still things he didn’t know about the palace. The other guards didn’t hesitate to make their way down, all knowing exactly what this was.

“You’re fucked boy, I bet the Prince will ship you back off to Spain were you belong”.

Hectors blood began to boil as the taunts rolled out from his former team. He kept himself composed.  He needed stoicism right now.

“You really thought you had a chance huh?” the guard leaned close to his face “You know what I think? I think I’ll tell the Prince you confessed”.

Hector shot him an unnerving glare.

“There’s no cameras in here. You think he’ll take the word of the man who kidnapped his daughter? Yeah, that’s right you fucking son of a bitch. You confessed to kidnapping the Princess and maybe a few other things”.

It was too far, if he was going to be fired and stripped of his titles he wasn’t going to let this man talk about the Princess as the final moments in the palace. Hector lunged forward and head butted him. It was over in a split second and his nose was bleeding while Hector leaned back like nothing had happened. He closed his eyes preparing to get punched back.

He put his thoughts back on the Princess, even if the worst case scenario happens to him, his career, his life it was worth it. He was never going to forget how it felt to have her in his arms. He let out a laugh, the one person he swore to protect was now the only person who could save him.

[hrhdelos-blog]

A Pattern: Chapter II

Chapter I / III / IV 

Princess Alice and her bodyguard Hector test each others limits on the day of her brother Williams wedding to Kate.

 2011 /

Princess Alice sat in front of the Tv while the makeup artists worked on her. Every time someone would even come close to walking in front of it she’d quick wave her hands for them to move. She wasn’t sure if she was excited to see her brother get married, or just enchanted by the spectacle of it all. It was a relief for the attention not to be on her for one day, and to watch like the rest of Britain. She hoped things would get better for her and Kate after she was finally her sister in law.

Hector arrived at Clarence House early as usual. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the Princess before they had to become formal for the day. The security team gave him dirty looks as he strolled in. To be a leader was the norm for him, but for the rest of the team an outsider was at the bare minimum an annoyance. He made his way to the CCTV room to check the perimeter. The people were lined up outside hoping to get a first look at the Princess, her father, and stepmother. Oliver smirked when he saw Hector stray in.

“You’re early, again” he kept his cheeky grin on turning to him.

Hector bowed his head and kept his own smile to himself. The cat was out of the bag, at least where Oliver was concerned.

“You know, I’ve seen dozens of men who work at the palaces, and probably hundreds more in Britain alone fall for the Princess” he took on a more serious tone.

“Bold of you to assume so early” Hector spat back.

“You’re not a good actor son” Oliver wasn’t surprised at Hectors ability to switch his moods so fast. It worried him, but it was also the first thing he liked. Changing in a flash was good for their profession. “The Princess was supposed to be ready ten minutes ago. I’m sure the Prince of Wales is expecting you now”.

Hector nodded his head and paced his way out slowly not wanting to hear Oliver mock his eagerness again. By now he could find the Princesses room with his eyes closed and was up the Palace stairs in seconds.His vanity was beginning to surface as he caught himself fixing his hair and adjusting his suit before knocking.

“We’re passed schedule, Princess” he spoke through the door.

Her team helped her zip up her dress and set her hat in place. Alice’s dirty blonde hair hung loose down the pale pink back. She made her way to the door and took a deep breath, nerves becoming unsettled. When she opened up the door she barely made eye contact with Hector.

“I have told you before I hate being called Princess in my own home” she spoke softly passing him and making her way down the hall.

Hector followed close behind, “You are what you are” he tried not to let his voice seem unsteady. He could read her body language easy now. She was nervous, a bit of anger. He sped up to walk next to her. “Last time I saw you, you were happy about this marriage. What’s changed?”

“You’re quite comfortable aren’t you?” Alice looked up at him towering over her.

“You did say you wanted things to be more casual, I can do that… occasionally” Hector matched her smile, whether it was genuine or not he liked to pretend it was him that caused it. “Plus, it’s my job to read you and be prepared for anything”.

“If I weren’t a lady I’d accuse you of calling me emotional” Alice quipped, attempting to confuse Hector and not let him be so cocky.

Hector cleared his throat and held out his hand to help her down the stairs, she accepted. “It’s more prepping for how the crowd will read you. If they see a vulnerable moment someone could act on it”.

“I seem vulnerable now?”

“I think any sibling would be on her brothers wedding day”. They stopped at the bottom of the stairs. She gazed into his eyes attempting to read him back, but he was a good hider to her.

“Let me ask you Hector” her voice lowered as they stood there paused. He still hadn’t released her hand from helping her down. “If you were me, would you at all feel slighted if your mothers wedding ring was given to another woman?”

Hector was speechless for the first time in a while. Alice went from sassing him to pain swelling in her eyes. He opened his mouth to speak several times but fell short. Alice let out a side smile, realizing she had put a lot on him by asking. She already regretted sharing so much so soon. After promising herself not to do that to people again.

“You know…” she continued but in a preppy voice and taking her hand from his as they made their way to the front doors, seeing her father and Camilla waiting for them and checking the clocks impatiently. She figured she wouldn’t abandon the entire conversation and make this awkward, she’d put on a mask of confidence and sarcasm. “My mother promised me that ring, but my brothers took it upon themselves to make an oath to use it for their wives” she fake laughed at him. “Oh Hector you’re a man right? Why you you all so dim?”

Hector couldn’t return her laugh. He appreciated her trying to make the atmosphere better but her words resonated hard. He wasn’t expecting to ever dislike the Princes. Not more than the disdain he had after serving in Afghanistan with Harry. A fact he was hoping she’d never find out. Alice kept her gaze on him as they finally approached their father.

“I think you may be taking it more personally than me now, huh? Don’t let the crowds see you vulnerable okay? You’re supposed to be protecting me remember? Or is the job going to be too much?” she took her eyes off him and turned to her father. “You look handsome Prince!” she said lovingly while giving him a hug.

“Not likely” he muttered under his breath.

“Darling, um, you do know we operate on a schedule. Been that way for the past twenty or a thousand years” Charles said half jokingly.

“Well it was Hector here! He was late for work”.

Charles let out a sweet smile to his daughter, always having a soft spot for her jokes. Camilla rolled her eyes still unimpressed and eager for the day. The three royals made their way to their car. Hector followed behind, a smirk finally released on his face. He wasn’t sure how to define his relationship with the Princess, but he was starting to feel they were on the same page. He snapped back into work mode and picked up his pace to make sure he could get the door for them before making his way to the driver's seat.

The crowds roared with cheer as they passed. Alice sat opposite from her father and step mother facing front. She raised up her hands to wave back at the people. The contrast of the waves between her and her parents was polar opposite. Hector sneaked glances away from the road, her sureness with the people never went unnoticed.

Alice was faced with the same question she always was when she saw the crowds. Did they love her for her and what she's done or just because she was Diana’s daughter? She was them showered by a wave of guilt. Was she being petty over the ring? Was she not standing up for herself enough with her big brothers? She didn’t know what but she subconsciously met Hectors eyes in the rear-view mirror. He was stubborn and stoic but he made her feel comfortable.

Hector impatiently checked his watch every minute. The ceremony finally over and waiting for family to show up for the balcony appearance. Then he could finally be down with the show part of it. He hated more than he thought he would. To see people fall all over the Prince and his new bride. He could understand being excited, but the spectacle got tiring for him. He was loyal but that didn’t stop him from thinking the whole affair was ridiculous. He knew he was only there for one member of the family.

Harry and Pippa were the first to walk through the doors and begin preparing for their finale greeting to the people. Harry didn’t hesitate to shoot Hector an unflattering look. Hector kept himself still, trying to stop their not to nice past from deployment back to him. He was relieved when Alice joined them with the little flower girls. Seeing Hectors demeanor changed didn’t go over Harry’s head. He looked at his little sister then back to her bodyguard and shook his head in disappointed, questioning whether he should have said something to his father. But his confidence came back quickly. He knew he’d never let a thing happen between that man and his sister.

After Kate and William made their way out Hector knew he was supposed to be scanning the crowds, but his eyes were uncontrollably going back to Alice. He wish he knew for sure whether or not she was pretending to be happy in that moment. He took in the sight of all the royals waving to their subjects. There’s no way, he thought to himself, that she could be like her brothers or father or all the rest. He got a flash to Diana’s funeral and seeing her. A stark and dreadful contrast to today. His father's words of them being unable to protect her ringing back. The soldier in him quickly killed the daydreaming. He had a job to do. He tried to convince himself that what he was about to do was apart of that job. He was supposed to protect her, body and soul. When the family all came back inside, Hector took a shot when she wasn’t being distracted and placed his hand on the small of her back.

“Princess I have to get you to your room on time to change the reception” he said not releasing his glare. Alice didn’t offer a verbal response but responded to his touch and followed him down the halls. The family dispersed to all get ready.

They took the private route to the care to avoid the screaming and carrying on. The carriages were gone now and discreet black cars waited for all the family. Hector opened her door for her and she entered without exchanging anymore looks or words. The motorcade followed close to make sure they were getting there safe. They were barely half a mile away from Buckingham before Alice released her seat belt and leaned on the back of the driver’s seat.

“I think I’d like to change into my gown for the reception” she whispered. “But I don’t want to go to the reception”.

Hector turned his head slightly to listen to her closely.

“I can’t disobey my orders Princess” he said aloud and then “No matter how much I want to” to himself.

“Well” Alice leaned back in her seat removing her hat and tossing it into the front seat with him. “If you insist on disobeying your Princess. I suppose you really aren’t cut out for this”.

Hector kept his eyes on her through the rear view. Seeing her seriousness and playfulness all rolled up into one. He caught a glimpse at the motorcycles riding behind them and took a deep breath. He was never persuaded into doing anything before, but he reminded himself of what he saw on the balcony and the promise he swore not to break. He put his foot down on the break gently and the motorcade passed him suddenly. Before he took a hard left and bolted down the streets, completely lost from sight from his fellow royal security. Alice giddily turned around to see them disappear in traffic before turning back to face Hector.

“Where to?”

[hrhdelos-blog]

A Pattern: Chapter I

Chapter II / III / IV 

When the daughter of Charles and Diana falls for her body guard, she'll have to decide just how far she's willing to go to protect the firm.

/ 1997 /

Silence consumed the entire household as they waited for the funeral procession to start on TV. Hector had just turned twelve, yet he was as glued to the screen as his parents, sitting on the floor right in front of it. His step mother kept tissues to her cheek as she rested her head on her husbands shoulder. Finally it began, no news anchor, just directly to the streets of London waiting for Lady Diana to pass down them one more time. Hector could feel himself wanting to cry but it was no use. Once he saw the casket his face went completely numb. Just the sight of it was enough to bring the memories of his mother’s death rushing back to him. His father looked down at his son growing paler.

“Hector?” he whispered as to not drown out the funeral. But his son didn’t respond or even flinch. He spoke Spanish to his son, to remind him of living back home in Spain with his mother, it had always helped him in rough times before.

Even though he was only a few feet away from the couch where they sat, Hector felt miles away barely being able to hear his father. Once he got the first look at the Princes and Princess behind the casket, following Diana, he felt like he was in a trance. There was Philip, Diana’s brother, her two boys, and holding Charles’ hand was her, Princess Alice. She kept her head low, but just upright enough that Hector could see her face and immediately connected to the look on it. He knew she’s understand what he felt.

Finally someone else he could relate to in losing his mother. The feeling soared back into his body, Hector stood up and rushed to the couch to be next to his father.

“Such a shame” his father continued in Spanish to his son. “They couldn’t even protect the mother of the future King”.

“There’s a pattern in that family. Too close to happiness and you’ll be destroyed by it” his wife responded.

Cuddling up to his dad, Hector finally spoke up again, not to his parents in particular, but making a promise to himself. “Someone needs to protect the princess”.

/ 2011 /

Clarence House was in chaos preparing for the Royal Wedding, Camilla was on the phone with Kensington waiting to hear updates on the rehearsal while Charles waited for the head of security to arrive with news on the latest recruits. In the briefing room Oliver sat across from a very confident young man reviewing his file.

“Twenty-six. Born in Spain. Eight years in the Royal Marines. Six foot two.  Weight one hundred and seventy.” Oliver paused and looked up after each word.

“My favorite color is Red” Hector quipped back and smirked.

“Did that sass go over well in the service?” Oliver was not amused.

“I’d like to think my charm helped me survive” Hector flashed a big smile, met with a stern look from his potential boss. “Sir”.

“What’s a Spanish boy doing serving the Queen?” Oliver rested the files on the table that separated them.

Hector held back from rolling his eyes. At this point, used to concealing his annoyance at his loyalty to country being questioned. “My parents immigrated to England when I was very young. I was raised here. I speak with an English accent. I took an oath to serve England. I’m just as much as an Englishman as you, Sir” his dark brown eyes caught Oliver's and wouldn’t let up. He could feel, as much as he tried to bury it, the anger conspiring inside his stomach.

“I meant no offense kid, just trying to understand. This is a hell of a job for someone so young. I usually wouldn’t take someone who isn’t experienced”.

“Two tours in Afghanistan is good I’d say” Hector never hesitated and was never speechless to any question.

Oliver smirked and took his glasses off to stare directly back at Hector. “Frankly, the Princess is… well… quite tired of us old folk following her and her friends around. She requested,” Demanded, Oliver thought to himself letting out a slight chuckle. “A younger security team to make her feel more…”

“Normal” Hector helped him finish his thought. Feeling better seeing the man become more casual. He had day dreamed about this moment. Hoping one day he could stop the good and proper soldier routine and be casual like that in this palace, with this family.

“Yes. And hopefully, she... settles down more having someone closer in age. What I’m getting at here is... are you sure you want to take this on? This isn’t a glamorous job. We are the eyes and muscle for the glamorous. The Princess gets a lot of attention as you can imagine, being the only daugh-” Oliver paused and looked down before abandoning the thought. “The media circus around her can get out of hand. Especially with the Prince and Miss Middleton marrying in a few days, security has to be pristine”.

“I can handle it”.

“Well I hope so” Oliver reached his hand out across the table, Hector not hesitating to join and shake his hand, sealing the deal. “I’m happy to welcome you on board to the Royal security detail. Fair warning, the Princess likes to give nicknames to all her staff. I’m, Ollie. But don’t you dare. If you do I’ll walk around calling you Heck”.

Hector should have amused his new boss as a thank you but he tuned him out. He was preparing to get his heart regulated but the beat didn’t change at all. Instead of overwhelmed he felt a sense of calm as he leaned back into his seat.

“Now, I suppose it’s time you met the Princess. She’s the real boss, it’s a good tip to remember” Oliver stood up and invited Hector to do so as well before they headed to the door and out into the halls.

Charles paced in front of his daughters door, waiting for it to be opened. The guard outside, breaching fifty watched in amusement. Finally they swung open and Alice greeted her father, pins in hair and measuring tape still wrapped around her almost finished dress for the wedding. Charles’ face immediately lit up when he saw her.

“How could you keep your loving father waiting for so long?” he joked with a smile.

“How could you think I wouldn’t find out you’d be hiring new guards today? Kicking him out last minute” she joked back motioning to the guard. “No offence Richie” she turned to the guard and winked.

“None taken mam”.

“Richard is not going anywhere” The Prince said to him. Richard nodding pretending he didn’t get the Princesses sarcasm and Charles helped him. Still spying on the dealings of the house or did a little birdy tell you?” Charles said passing his daughter into her room, he waved his hand for the dressmakers to exit.

“Does it matter” Alice said under her breath, the smile melting away from her face.  

Charles felt his face heat up, he hated when she did that. One minute to the next her mood changed so quickly. It frightened him but he didn’t want to admit it. He never even wanted to confront his own emotions with himself.

“Don’t worry darling, I took your wishes to heart, Oliver is going to get someone closer to your age”.

“Last time I heard that Richie showed up still hung over from his 48th birthday.” Alice removed the pins from her hair and sat on her bed laughing to herself.

Charles couldn’t help but laugh back, seeing her perk up again. “Hm, at least you and Richard had something in common on the first day!”

“Ha- ha-” she mocked him.

“I do hope darling, that, you will be able to say, become more stable with your life now. Running around and ditching your guards was a teenaged amusement I can understand. But well, you’re twenty one now. Hm,” Charles paused and took a second to reflect still amazed at how fast she’s grown. He toyed with his ring as he always did when lost in thought. “Well, it’s time to really take your duties seriously”.

Alice was unsure of whether to fight back the idea or roll her eyes and pretend she didn’t care. She was prepared with a list of all she’s done to help people ready to quarrel with him. You don’t have to prove anything to them. She repeated that phrase in her head she heard when she was barely five. Today was a day she was taking that advice and putting on a face and just going with it. She was too exhausted to go round and round with her father. She couldn’t take his tough talk with such a pity look on his face.

“I understand” she said, coldly trying to divert the conversation. Thankfully a knock at the door distracted them both.

“Uh, yes” Charles said darting his gaze. “Alice darling why don’t you get changed and meet us out in the hallway.

Alice headed to her closet, eager to take off the wedding clothes and get into her usual style. Oliver and Hector waited at the door and when Charles appeared out of it they both bowed their heads slightly.

“You wanted me to come right away when the process was over Sir”.

“Thank you Oliver. I, uh, suppose this is him?” Charles pointed to Hector.

“Hector Fernández” he lifted himself up from his bow to see the Prince of Wales.

Charles looked him up and down and asked his age. Hector was taken aback by his informality.

“Twenty six, your highness”.

“Oh very well then, that’ll do”.

That’ll do, Hector repeated in his head. He held back his laughter figuring that summed up his life not too poorly. Before they could continue the doors to the Princesses room swung open and Alice stood there.

“Ollie!” She greeted Oliver drawing a grin from him.

She turned to face Hector, dressed in light green pants and an Aston Villa sweatshirt. That's when the rhythm of his heart changed, but he couldn’t stop it this time. Hector and Alice stared at each other for what felt like a century but in reality was only mere seconds before Charles began the introductions.

“Alice, darling, this is Hector. Your new bodyguard. I figured you would appreciate the less regulated and traditional introductions. Alice paid no attention to him, keeping her hesitant gaze on the stranger in front of her.

“I suppose this will be a tricky one to think of a nickname for huh?” Oliver expressed with delight. “I do have a suggestion if you’d like Princess?”

“No” Alice said in a strong voice, snapping out of her timid moment. “No, no. I think I’ll stick with Hector”.

/ 1990 /

The nurses rushed the young boy through the halls to get him to his dying mother in time. His little feet couldn’t keep up so she eventually just hoisted him up and ran to the room. Hector had only been in England for a few months and couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying. When they got to the room he saw his mother laying on the bed. Her eyes shut and skin turning grey. His father sobbed and clawed at her hospital gown. The nurse set the little boy down and he ran and clung onto his father's leg.

“She was fine just yesterday, I don’t understand this…” the nurses talked among themselves.

“Does she fucking look fine?! Get out!” He shouted at the nurses.

They shot him a dirty look, unsympathetic to him, gaining sympathy for the little boy before leaving.

Hector began to cry as well, never before seeing his father like this. He tugged at his mother's hand confused.

“No!” his father shouted. He turned from pain to anger in an instant. He took deep breaths before laying his head on his wife's chest.

Hector buried his face into his father's thigh and sobbed quietly, letting his mothers hand drift away from his. The TV was still blaring in the room, but Hector was unable to understand any of it. But it was the only thing in the room that he could pretend was noticing him. He turned eyes swelled red and filled with tears and tried to escape from his reality.

“The Prince and Princess of Wales are delighted to announce the birth of their third child, a girl. Alice Victoria Anne Elizabeth.”