The countryside was a wonderful time and a refreshing getaway, but I have been drawn back to reality and it has been nothing short of horrible from the moment I stepped foot back on the grounds of the palace. I'm starting to resent Buckingham, I can't wait to move to Windsor or one of the other palaces; I'd be more than pleased to travel to the private palaces, we all know my love for. I'm at the point where I want to get away from my father. I would like to have more space between us. Buckingham, although has 775 rooms, isn't large enough for his temper and narcissism. My father doesn't appear like my father, he is furious, all of the time. Nobody wants to be around him, and I am not quite sure how my mother deals with him. I don't know whether or not she sees what the rest of us see, she is silent and using her time to do her duties.

I heavily sigh as my ladies maid opens my bedroom door and steps inside my room, a small indication I have overstayed my welcome in my bed. I sit up as I gaze over at her, surprised that I have managed to stay this long in bed without being interrupted. "It is quiet," I point out, cocking my head to the side while she steps closer and begins to adjust the covers of my bed.

Since I got home a few weeks ago, the Palace has been far from placid, from my father firing and yelling at people to him throwing things around, today is the first morning I haven't woken up to him on some sort of rampage. "Where's my father? He is still alive, right?" I half chuckle.

"He is in town, Anastasia, I'm not meant to talk to you."

I roll my eyes as I get out of bed and I shuffle closer to her, "That is nonsense, I don't care what my father says, he is being a prick right now. You can talk to me, Eleanor." I assure Eleanor, a little bothered that my father has decided to take his wrath out on the staff, they shouldn't be frightened to speak to anyone, no matter the status. "What happened?" I prompt Eleanor, beginning to help her with making the bed.

At first, she is hesitant, but I continue to probe her, eager to get an understanding of what is happening with the staff. "He doesn't want anybody speaking... May I speak out of term?"

"Go ahead."

As I have gotten older, I have been the one to listen to what the staff have to say, I don't take much offence to their opinions or even their advice. I may be in line for a crown, but I am no better than they are, I still see them as equals. Sometimes, they are a better companion and support than my parents'. Don't get me wrong, my parents' have been excellent with raising me and shaping me into who I am. I have never had much of an issue with them, but when my parents' were gone, it was the staff who also contributed to who I am, they helped me when I was at my whits ends, they encouraged me when I felt down, and they have stepped up as a friend when I have had nobody to turn to. There are somethings outside the castle that can't be understood to most people. I haven't had the privilege to have numerous friends', they have all twisted into snakes, therefore, my circle is extremely small. To be honest, my circle consists essentially of Harry and the staff assigned to me who I have formed relationships with. My father doesn't get to tell them they aren't allowed to talk to me when they have done nothing wrong.

"Princess," Eleanor whispers, "I think-, I think he is scared the palace staff will rat him out."

"Rat him out?" I immediately question, my mind driving to race with the possible things that could be happening behind the scenes.

Eleanor looks around my room, scared that someone may overhear us, "I'm not sure, but nobody is allowed to speak and we aren't allowed to clean his office, it is now off-limits."

I frown for a moment, unsure of what is going on, but I can't help but remember what Harry told me over the weekend about how there are theories that all the staff have. I can only assume he knows a little something about what is going on. He has to know things, he is constantly watching and kept in the loop of things.

"Where is Mr Styles?" I challenge, noticing how I have yet to see him this morning. He usually makes it a routine to at least stop by if he has other things to do. Usually, Harry steps in the room, kisses me goodbye and leaves or he will send me a text, but today, not a word.

"He is escorting your father, he insisted on having the best of the best. I was told I need to have your suitcases packed, is there anything specific you would like to wear?"

"Anything is fine, Eleanor, I have a few meetings and things to attend to, I trust your judgment of clothes." ... "The best of the best?" I raise a brow.

Eleanor nods her head, "Mr Styles is the best, the entire palace knows it. Always on the move, assertive and knows what's happening. His looks are also a bonus," Eleanor chuckles.

"Is it common knowledge that he is good at his job? Is this what the ladies maids do? Swoon over him?" I question with a laugh, rather intrigued. I have heard a few sly comments about Harry that the ladies have made before.

"I don't think he is aware of how good he is at his job, quite humble."

"Mhm, let's keep it that way. Too many compliments and he might gain an ego," I playfully wink and Eleanor nods her head. "Does he have a girlfriend?"

Eleanor shrugs her shoulders, "Nobody knows, he doesn't talk much on personal matters when we are off the clock... He's never really around. We have our speculations that he has a lady. We joke that he meets her in the underground tunnels around town."

"Everyone loves a mystery man," I respond, "I will leave you alone now, I have to prepare for Greece." I politely excuse myself from Eleanor and I's conversation, discreetly moving to my closet to get dressed.

When I was rambling to Harry about running away to Greece or something, I did not mean I wanted to go to Greece because of royal duties. I guess the universe got my requests confused. I'm not sure why my father has decided a prompt royal visit is to happen. I am sure we will find out what the reason is. We don't do significant business with Greece, in fact, I don't remember my father ever having much collaboration with Greece. We have been to several countries on official state visits, but not Greece. There isn't diplomatic sensitivity, at least, not in my opinion, so I can only assume it's mainly because there is no monarchy in Greece.

♔♔♔

I pace the aisle of the private plane, my nails tapping against my phone screen anxiously. I haven't heard from Harry all day, no text or call, and here I am on a plane with no clue what's happening. I have no clue why I am even on the plane, I don't foresee there is any logical reason for us to be going to Greece. There are no foreign affairs for Greece that need our attention. If I had my way, I would be using this time and the taxpayers' money to be going somewhere beneficial to the monarch, I would be doing a small trip to bring light to the monarch since Henry has created a turmoil of issues and slammed me with the press. But, I am not Queen, I do not have the say, it all lays in my father's hands-on where we go as royals.

I'm not entirely certain what the itinerary has me doing, I have a gut feeling that it will change one-hundred times before I get to the hotel, but with the way Eleanor packed my suitcase I can only assume this is going to entail five outfit changes in a day and consists of lunches or formal dinners' with diplomats or god knows who.

I gasp as I hear the plane door open and I immediately settle when I see Harry with his suitcase right behind him, "I'm sorry, just know I'm sorry," Harry immediately begins as he gives me a quick kiss to the cheek before walking to place his suitcase at the back of the aircraft. "It has been a long and rough day, my phone is dead in one of my pockets and Matthew is probably going to strangle me for being late but it wasn't my fault. Your Father almost missed his flight with British Airways and I don't know why we can't all just fly together and save me some time. Had to run to opposite ends of Heathrow." Harry mutters, not too amused with his journey for the day.

My parents are flying British Airways, meanwhile, I have the privilege of the private plane, mainly because my meetings ended later than my parents' flight. "Yes, I know heirs can't fly together, I'm just tired. Did Matthew already check the plane?" Harry glances over towards me before he shakes his head, not giving me a chance to respond, "Nevermind, I'll check it myself. Before you ask one hundred questions, we have a full team of security, I'm on your service, there's a new kid I have to train but that's beside the point, high security, which means Matthew is concerned there's a threat, so don't stray." Harry begins informing me of what he knows without me having to ask.

I guess he's used to the questions by now.

Harry settles his hands between each seat, tugging at seatbelts and eyeing every inch of the plane he possibly can, "We should be taking off in a few minutes, it's a clear flight plan. Matthew will sweep the hotel first. It's a three and a half hour flight, we should be arriving at four in the morning since they're two hours ahead of us."

"Harry," I step in front of him as he's manoeuvring his way around the plane, "You can relax. You're like spitting out information."

Harry pauses for a moment and takes a breath, "Been a long day, I'm ready for bed, I'm sorry."

"It's okay,

"Why is the royal family going to Greece? Do they even have a king?" Harry questions.

I shake my head, "The Constitution of Greece, which describes Greece as a "presidential-parliamentary republic"-" I begin but I'm promptly cut off.

"Darling, I'm tired, can you dumb it down or say it in English, please?" Harry offers me a petite smile, stopping me from rambling and explaining things thoroughly to him.

"There's no monarchy. In July 1973 the Greek military called a 'referendum', which abolished the Monarchy for the second time in Greek history."

"It failed, twice?" Harry curiously inquires.

I nod my head, "The Greek monarchy existed from 1832 to 1924, and again from 1935 to 1974."

Harry grows withdrawn for a moment. "So, tell me again why we are being dragged to Greece?"

"Well, I was hoping you'd have the answer to that."

"Why would I?"

"You were with the king all day."

Harry heavily sighs and nods his head, "And it was a long day. But he didn't tell me why we are all going to Greece, in fact, he barely spoke to me. Which, I'm fine with, I've heard he has been an ass to everybody."

"He didn't mention anything?"

Harry shakes his head, "No, nothing that could point to why we are going to Greece. Are they bringing back their monarchy?"

It appears as though we are both at a loss as to why this trip is happening. There has to be someone who knows the exact reasons. The itinerary doesn't reveal much. For the most part, it is my father doing most of the obligations solo and at unusual hours.

"I highly doubt it. Maybe we have finally been invited by the Greek president to make a state visit? Maybe he wants to boost ties in the region? I don't know. Nobody wants to be around him, nobody knows what the hell he is doing. I think he's going to end up turning the monarch to shit." I inform Hary of my opinions. Up until recently, he has done a standup job with handling things and with keeping the monarch up to high standards, but for some reason, he has flipped a switch.

He wants me to get married and to take over for no real reason. There is no reason for him to abdicate and I don't see why he would want me to stand in for him. This isn't a situation where he is handing me his legacy because he thinks I am fit for the job because let's be real, he doesn't think I am ready yet. I'm not ready for the responsibility, but everyone wants to bestow it upon me. It is all anybody talks about since it was announced.

"I don't think he'll ruin the monarchy, I'm sure he knows what he's doing."

"Yeah, burning it to the ground," I grumble.

Harry grows reserved for a moment before clearing his throat and speaking, "Would that be such a bad thing?" .... "I mean, I'm just asking as a future king, ya know?" Harry immediately adjusts his tone, regarding my glare and the fact I'm not amused by the concept of the monarchy burning to the ground.

I hum, "Mhm, I'm sure the future king is very concerned about the monarchy."

"Of course, I am. I mean, the people's lives are in my hands."

"Steady there, don't get too far ahead," I chuckle, "There's no way my people's lives are in your hands."

"Wouldn't they be our people?" Harry emphasises 'our.'

I roll my eyes playfully, a chuckle escaping between my lips. This is why I love this man. "Uhm, do you know how the monarch works, darling? You're lucky if they honour you as king consort, and at this rate, you aren't being honoured at all, did you forget? Nobody knows we are engaged because everything will fall apart."

"I don't care if I don't have an honour title as long as I'm your husband."

"You can claim that title when we get married."

Harry nods his head before slumping down in a seat, his hands rubbing his eyes while his elbows rest on his knees.

While Harry takes a minute to decompress and relax, I begin to rethink everything that has been packed, the feeling of forgetting something sinking into my thoughts.

I mentally check off the things that I'm aware have been handled, passport, black outfit (mourning attire), skincare, makeup, jewellery. "I feel like I'm forgetting something," I murmur, watching as Harry leans back and closes his eyes, "The luggage has all been counted for, right?" I ask Harry, aware that he has probably double-checked everything as well.

"It is hard to ignore the colour-coded luggage system. It's all perfect, monograms and all," Harry responds with a petite grin, "I know you're staring at me, stop," Harry chuckles.

"Harry, I'm forgetting something... luggage, passport.." I begin to think out loud.

I can't wholly think of what it is, but there is a deep-rooted sense in the pit of my stomach that I can't shake. It is either my gut telling me I have forgotten something or my intuition is screaming at me for some reason. I can't assume it is a bad feeling, but whatever it is, I can't seem to shake it. Whatever it is, it worries me.

"Did you forget your ring?" Harry opens an eye and glances at me with droopy, grey eyes.

I shake my head, drawing my necklace out and showing him my ring on the chain, "It's here... oh no... Harry..."

"What?" He softly challenges, still wanting to doze off.

"My briefcase, it has all my documents and work in it, correspondents and—" I begin to fret.

"I got it." Harry cuts me off with a heavy sigh, "I saw it when I had to grab your father's luggage because he fired his damn valets."

I let out a breath of relief and smile at him while I carefully decide to rest in his lap, straddling his hips.

He opens his eyes, blinking at me. I don't say a word, instead, I lean down and leave a trail of sugary kisses on his neck and jawline. His hands move and rest to the small of my back as he lets out a heavy breath. "Anna," Harry whispers. "Darling, I can't, I'm tired. I love you, but the next four hours are the only hours I get to sleep, as soon as we land I have to work, can we finish this later?"

"Later? We won't have time, I have my duties." I huff, a little irritated that he is turning me down. We have been too busy and constantly surrounded by people that we have not had many moments to be intimate.

"I promise there will be time, I'll make sure of it."

"What do you even have to do when we land? Can't you come to the hotel with me?" I ask Harry, batting my eyes at him in an attempt to get my way.

"I have to make sure the itinerary is being kept secret by the palace. I have to do my job, Anna, so many things to do before your family meets with the public officials, or the world leaders, I don't know what the hell your Dad has fully planned. What I know is that I have a lot to do. I have a new guy to train, I'll be jumping from your service to the kings—" Harry begins to somewhat ramble about things, his thoughts running at one-hundred different things. "You need to do your SAS training, you have a refresher course to do."

"Just go to sleep, you need to turn your thoughts off. Turned down again." I mutter unhappily, getting off of him and sitting in the seat beside his.

Harry sighs heavily and places his hand on my thigh, trying to inch towards my hand, "Come on, don't be like this."

"No," I shift his hand away.

"Anna—"

"Don't 'Anna' me."

"Princess." Harry is purposely attempting to irritate me now.

I glare at him and huff. "Don't, you know how I feel about being called a princess by you."

"Darling," Harry sighs, "I'm tired, I am. I love you and I'm not turning you down. I know it has been a while but I promise we will find the time."

I understand he is exhausted, he has been working without much sleep for the last few weeks. I am not solely sure what he has been working on. Harry hasn't had to watch over me; I have kept to myself at the palace and been in the office doing paperwork, responding to letters and over the phone conferences. "Go to sleep."

"Tell me you love me, too," Harry sleepily requests.

I rest my head on his shoulder, allowing my fingers to slip between his, "I love you, too." I respond.

♔♔♔

Harry's pov

Since landing at four this morning, I haven't slept or stopped working, I feel as though it has been one thing after another that has necessitated my direct attention.

It's times like this that I wonder why I agreed to become a royal bodyguard, life would be more peaceful if I had stayed in the countryside with my mother, but then I wouldn't have met Anna.

I'm on the Kings service for most of the day, and I already despise it. He's not the most straightforward man to look after at the moment. He can't give me a full list of the men and women he desires to meet today, therefore not permitting me to do a fitting background check to ensure the safety of the family. He won't cooperate at all, and I've already had to play hide and seek with him twice. By the time I'm off his service, I'm going to require a stiff drink, perhaps even the bottle. I'm not sure what has shifted with the king, but he is not acting like himself. Well, he's acting shadier than usual, and it doesn't settle well with me. Matthew has noticed a few red flags but not enough to take too much action, not that he can do anything, he is hired by the king, who is Matthew to confront the king?

I take a sip of my third coffee of the morning and stroll down the hallway of the hotel room, checking each door handle in the corner of my eye, making sure they all still have the do-not-disturb sign on them. We've managed to clear the floor so only the royals and the staff are on it. If any sign is disrupted, I know we aren't the only ones using certain rooms. I reach the end of the hallway where I meet the trainee, Oliver.

I give him a nod and he clears his throat, "The princess hasn't come out."

"Mhm, I was requested to go over protocol for today with her. While I explain it to her, I expect you're already aware of the procedures and the itinerary?" I challenge, taking another sip of my coffee— I need something stronger. If it wasn't immoral I would add a shot of liquor to this coffee.

Oliver nods his head, "Yes. Do I ride in the car with her?"

"Yes, and you never let her open or close her car door. Don't let anyone touch her, today isn't about hugs." I inform Oliver. "Do you know where the nearest A&E in case of a medical emergency?" I question, making sure he has the basics covered.

I don't assume a trip to A&E is on the cards but there is no telling what will happen.

Oliver nods his head, "Twelve minutes from where we will be at. And twenty-five minutes from this hotel."

"Correct." I swipe the key to her room. "Put your tie on before you leave for the event," I instruct firmly. I know wearing a tie is irritating and an insignificant thing, but we have to fit in with everyone else, which means dressing the part as well. If photos are taken, we don't want to look like the odd ones out in the background. Also, it is part of our attire when diplomats and possible other royals are around.

I walk into Anastasia's room and close the door behind me. I step closer towards her as she remains at the edge of the bed in her coat-dress, "Good morning, sweetheart." I softly beam, leaning down and kissing her cheek.

She looks beautiful. I am one lucky man.

"Good morning. You never came to bed last night." Anastasia gazes up at me while I take a step back.

"Your father has had me working since we landed. Already done two meetings and I'm on my third? Cup of coffee. Could it be my fourth?" I challenge myself, unsure of what number I am on.

Anastasia beams up at me, "I'm sorry, will you be on my service today?"

She's hopeful, I can recognise it in her eyes, but we both know the answer. "I'm leaving you in the hands of my trainee, but I'll keep a close eye on him and you. Your father wants me. Not sure why." I inform Anastasia, placing my cup of coffee down before I kneel before her, "Maybe tonight I'll make it to bed," I smile up at her, taking one of her heeled shoes and sliding it on her foot.

Anastasia sighs, "I hope so, I'm tired of sleeping alone."

I fiddle with the clasp of her shoe, struggling to clip the damn thing securely around her ankle, "At least you're sleeping," I mutter under my breath, not meaning to sound like a prick. Once the words slip from my mouth, I know she didn't deserve the comment. "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for."

Anastasia shakes her head as she leans back on her elbows, waiting for me to clasp her other shoe for her, "I'd be irritated too if I was you."

"Well, doesn't mean I'm entitled to snarky comments with you." I point out my own mistake.

"I'll remind you the next time we argue and you throw me snarky comments." Anastasia chuckles.

I roll my eyes before I stand to my feet. I tower over her before I place a hand on either side of her on the bed, gingerly lowering myself closer to her. "That doesn't count," I whisper, kissing her lips slowly and sweetly.

My lips proceed to brush themselves against the delicacy of hers, teasing her for a brief moment. I take possession of her mouth, my lips syncing with hers, tongues colliding while her shameless hands investigate my body, one hand pressed to the back of my neck, the other travelling up and down my body, cunningly, undecided on what part she wants to devour more.

I can't help myself as I drag my lips from hers and begin to leave kisses down her neck, loving the sensation of her fevered skin and her breaths accelerating. Amid audacious hands striving to seize every inch she concedes, my own hands working their way to the hem of her dress, delicately gliding my warm hand gradually up the side of her leg, my fingers resting when I touch the lace hidden under her dress. I leisurely creep my agile fingers to fondle the lace line, delicately dipping my fingers around them, the bold caress of her tongue becoming further filled with passion, my fingers mildly teasing her with every graze over the lace.

I move them to the side and before I can do anything, a knock at the door sounds. "Fuck," I murmur with a heavy breath.

"Harry," she breathes, "Please."

"I can't explain this to the King on why I am late, I need my job."

Anastasia huffs and sits up, adjusting her dress as I move away from her, "You can afford racehorses, I think you'd be fine."

"Without a job, I could never afford your lifestyle," I respond.

I might be able to afford racehorses and a few other things; I am not grappling for money, but it doesn't mean I can leave my job. I make great money with what I do, I know it won't ever be enough to buy some of the things Anastasia has, but I can afford to look after both of us with what I have... As long as I have a job.

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

I roll my eyes with a sigh, "I have to go, start looking for a wedding dress."

"I spent most of the flight over here looking while you were asleep. You know, we aren't too far from Skopelos." Anastasia points out, reminding me of her comment in my mother's garden when she wanted to elope and move to Skopelos.

"We are very far," I chuckle.

"So we aren't eloping to Skopelos?" Anastasia grins while I adjust my shirt and tie.

I shake my head, "Sorry, can't make it happen."

I can't make it happen, it did cross my mind to endeavour to take a few hours to go elope, but the itinerary doesn't give us enough time.

"Can we talk about our wedding?"

"We aren't eloping in Skopelos, but yes, when I'm not on your father's service, goodbye before he kills me." I step to where I left my coffee, cupping it in my hand as I wander towards the hotel door. I need to walk out before I end up hovering over her again.

I step out of Anna's room where Oliver and Matthew stare at me with their pockets in their hands, "She is well aware of the protocol," I inform them both, keeping up the charade. Matthew hides his smirk as he clears his throat and nods. I should probably be more careful about how I handle things with the new guy, I'm not sure whether he can be trusted or not, and since he's on my service, I need to have excuses for why I'm around Anna when I technically don't need to be. I'll be glad when we aren't having to hide and tiptoe around everybody, but I have this feeling that things won't change soon.

"Harry, the King is ready for you to escort him to the car. Oliver, you're with the Princess. I'll be watching you both and scouring the boat." Matthew informs Oliver and me, keeping a stern glare towards Oliver. It's not the easiest to train someone when I'm having to be on someone else's service, but I'll do my best to watch him from afar and keep an eye on him. Surely, he can manage a few hours while we are all together.

I nod my head and begin to wander down the carpeted hallway, enjoying my last few moments of silence and coffee before I'm thrown into the hectic world of watching over the King.

♔♔♔

I stand beside the King, examining each person who shakes his hand, one immediately catching my attention. I take note as his eyes shift from the king to me, following my suit jacket and resting at my waistband. He can be gazing at one of two things, and I sure as hope he's looking at, or for, the pistol that I have hidden in my waistband but not where it can be seen. I stare the man down and he pretends to stare innocently in another direction. I continue to stare him down until the King decides to move forward, moving to another area of the boat with one of the few men he has been talking to.

I accompany the king around on the tour of this navy boat, not impressed with the boat itself, more so interested in why there's a meeting with leaders on a retired navy boat. This has to be the most pointless and uninteresting reveal that I have had to attend. I don't understand why this was on the itinerary or even why Anastasia came but the Queen was able to stay at the hotel.

The King's conversations have been kept very hushed, not even I can listen in too much, for some reason, the King doesn't want me hearing and he is doing everything possible to keep me in the dark when it comes to the conversations taking place. At least he isn't running off on me like he has a few times. I am surprised he hasn't forced me to stay in a corner while he discusses affairs with these men. I chew on the corner of my mouth, noticing that Anna and Oliver are nowhere around me. I side-eye towards Matthew, looking towards him for instructions or some sort of update. He knows my look when I want an update on Anastasia. It takes Matthew a moment to catch my stare before I hear him come through my earpiece.

"You have a relentless stare. She is fine, Oliver is downstairs with her. Watch the man in front of you, he's pacing," Matthew instructs, forcing my attention to go towards the man who already has an eye on me. I mentally sigh, reminding myself that deep down, I love my job.

With a swift moment to spare, I glance at my phone— no signal. It hits me. This meeting is happening off the grid, there's nothing to track us besides the tender boats that we took out here and it also means no unwanted people can listen in on conversations.

"Harry." The king grasps my attention, pulling me to the side once one of his conversations is dismissed. "This isn't the unveiling of an old boat like I thought, get Anna out. Leave my service and take her to the hotel." The King instructs, catching me off guard for a moment.

Just a little ago, Matthew informed me Anastasia was fine. I am not sure what has altered, I can only imagine that the King has picked up on how these men he is engaging with don't appear to have great intentions. No government officials or royals have ever looked me up and down in search of any weapon I may have on my person. I have never been watched by multiple people as I have today. Things don't add up, things haven't added up from the start.

I waste no time following my orders. I discreetly leave the king and radio into Matthew, attempting to explain the orders in code in case anyone is listening to me and observing me.

I weave in and out of areas of the boat, thanking god for my photographic memory, this ship is a maze in itself.

I discover Oliver who is guarding Anastasia. I stand beside him, "Go to Matthew, don't speak to anyone, understand?" I mutter loud enough for the two of us to hear. He glances over at me with furrowed brows, confused and wanting to question me. I don't blame him, he's new and has no clue what's happening, he needs an explanation but not right now. "Go," I instruct firmly. I trump him, and if he can't listen to me and take my instructions in situations, he doesn't need to be apart of our travel team. I don't need anyone to question my authority or my instructions when on duty. I despise travelling as it is, I don't need others to make it more difficult. Matthew and I have a system, we know what to do in situations and we know how to communicate; Matthew trusts me and knows me. I require Oliver to listen and learn.

Oliver steps away and walks off, leaving me with Anna who has three officials talking with her. I heavily sigh as I think for a moment, needing a way to lure her away from her conversation. "I'm sorry to interrupt," I begin with half a smile as the men stare me down like I have interrupted a presidential speech. "But I was asked to check on you, your father knows how you are on boats."

"Uh— not the best."

"Princess, would you like to get some air?" I suggest, trying my best not to tip anyone off that she's getting off the boat. I don't trust anyone on this damn thing and her father shouldn't have put any of us in this position.

Anastasia nods and excuses herself from the three men.

Without a word, I begin to escort Anna through the boat. I don't say a word and she continues to walk beside me, allowing me to lead the way. This will be the last time I work on a damn boat that has too many areas to keep track of. I can't watch my back and lead her to an exit at the same time. I need a damn map. We are stopped by two men, one of them being the one that was searching for my pistol. "Princess Anastasia, I haven't had a chance to talk to you," he grins ear to ear, "I hear you'll be taking over the monarchy soon, or is it all rumour?"

Anastasia politely smiles and shakes her head, "That's not up to me to decide. It was nice seeing you."

"Where are you going?" He questions, blocking us from walking further.

Nosy. I see. I don't like him. There's something about him that is far from charming. Before Anastasia can answer, I begin to speak. "She needs some air."

"I'll join you."

"No need to join, just a bit of motion sickness."

The man stares at for a moment, testing my patients. "You can barely feel the boat move."

I clench my jaw with icy content, taking a breath and stopping myself from escalating matters and shoving him against the wall. One step closer and I might just have to put my hands on him. "She's sensitive," I respond, placing an arm around her, forcing my way between the two men and leading her away.

I finally make it to the outside and onto the deck of the boat, relieved more than ever.

I tenderly tug on Anastasia, stopping her from walking. I can't turn around to see if we are being watched, it would be too obvious. Anna turns to gaze at me, "Anna, look discreetly over to my left, is anyone watching?"

"Yes."

"Fuck," I mutter before letting out a heavy sigh. "One person?"

"Yes."

I tilt my head to my left, "Eagle, I'm being watched. Be Careful. Send me Eaglet." I radio into Matthew in code. If we are being watched, we are being listened to as well. It's a no brainer.

Getting Anastasia out of here without issues is proving harder than I had anticipated, the slightest tip-off to anyone that we know something is happening could potentially make things worse. We need to get Anastasia and her father off this boat promptly and subtly.

"Harry, what's happening?"

I shake my head, not wanting to answer her question, signalling for her to stay quiet for a moment as I listen to what Matthew is striving to tell me.

"I can't hear you, I have interference," I respond, carefully peering over my shoulder to see where the watchers are. "Eagle, come in?"

Matthew responds but I can't understand him, it's like static on an old radio, and pierces my ears. It's the sickening screech of an AM radio where it gives you a headache for a split second and makes you reconsider ever wanting to listen to the radio again. Matthew attempts again to get through to me, but the screeching pitch causes me to take my earpiece out.

Something's not right.

I check my pockets and subtly pet myself down, looking to feel for any sort of difference within my suit jacket, although highly unlikely I'm to discover anything.

Anastasia stares at me, her hand pressed to the railing of the boat while I take my jacket off and shake it out. Nothing.

I take notice of her for a moment, taking my attention away from my search, "You okay? Motion sickness isn't kicking in is it?"

Anastasia shakes her head, "I'm fine, you're making me anxious here."

I slide my jacket back up my arm and I step forward, closing the space between Anastasia and I. "Don't say a word, I'm just checking something," I whisper in her ear as softly as I possibly can, gently pressing my hands behind her, feeling every inch of her back— nothing. There's nothing on her back. I carefully slip my hand into her jacket pocket, grasping the small circular device between my fingers.

I discreetly remove the small device from her pocket and I lean over her to drop it into the water. "You were bugged," I inform her, not too pleased with how the events of the day are taking place. Oliver shouldn't have let anyone close enough to her for her to be bugged. "I'm trying to get you off the boat, this was meant to be some unveiling of an old ship, but it has turned into... how do I put this..." I begin, unsure of how to explain to her that some shady things are happening, "Just... just know I need to get you off the boat, okay?" I mutter, glancing around in an attempt to find something to help me figure out what the hell I'm meant to do.

There's a reason why I sought to tell the King being on a boat with foreign leaders and God knows who, was a dangerous idea, but he refused to listen to me.

Sometimes I wonder why I stay in my position of job, life would be simpler if I quit my job. I could find something less bothersome. Special intelligence is only riveting when the king listens or when Anastasia isn't in harm's way.

"Protocol?" She whispers, her voice breaking as her eyes grow wide, the sensation of danger settling in.

I nod my head, "Don't panic, I'll think of something."

"How? We're stuck on a boat and—" She's spiralling, I can see it in her eyes that she's beginning to panic and mentally think of scenarios that could occur.

This is the part I loathe.

"Anna, darling," I kindly cut off her, "Let me do my job and worry, just trust me. I'm trained for this." I remind her of my duty, at the moment I'm not her fiancée, I'm her bodyguard that has her life in his hands. I'm the one who is trained to take a bullet for her, I do it because it's my job, but also because I'm madly in love with her.

"Trained to get me off a boat in the middle of a volcano?" Anastasia questions, pointing out the location of the boat.

"Actually, a water-filled caldera is what it's called." I correct her, not knowing how to handle the situation besides using a sense of humour.

"Harry."

I heavily sigh and my eyes catch a glimpse of the distance between the boat and the shoreline, "You can swim, right?"

"Yes?"

"You might have to." I flick my head towards the water, causing Anastasia to stare at me.

"This isn't funny."

She's going to kill me. But if it comes down to it, I need to know that she understands that she might have to take the plunge.

"It's the last resort, but uh... it might have to happen," I respond, "I'll get you off, one way or another."

"Why can't we just keep the peace and stay until we're meant to get off?"

"Because this doesn't seem like a peaceful ending, just stay with me, okay?"

"What do these people want?"

"Sweetheart, I don't know. I don't have many answers. Come with me." I mutter, beginning to get frustrated, but not with her. I'm frustrated that we are put in this situation, I'm frustrated that the king ignored the red flags that Matthew and I expressed, I'm frustrated that because of the King's ignorance and determination, we are in a mess that I'm not sure we can get everyone out of.

The people on this boat are not here for a grand tour of an old navy boat that has come back to life, this isn't a celebration or a coming of a union, this is a nightmare, a nightmare that could have been prevented.

I should have listened to my instincts and told Anna to stay at the hotel, I should have done the thorough background check on each member, but the King had me occupied running errands with him and meeting with other leaders. He managed to direct my attention away from where it needed to be, he created his destiny with this mess and he'll have to reap what he has sowed.

I follow the edge of the railing and Oliver finally comes into view, stepping out of one of the doors. Anna and I make our way towards him and I waste no time with barking orders.

"Get her off the boat," I instruct, gesturing towards Anna.

Oliver shakes his head, "I can't, there is no way off, we are all being watched. The next Tender isn't for another hour." Oliver responds, looking at me for answers that I don't have. Part of me feels bad for him, his first trip and attempt at being a part of our team and he has been thrown into this monstrosity.

"Get her off the boat or keep her safe for an hour."

"How?"

"Get creative, I don't care if you go through the galley, keep her safe."

"What's the galley?" Oliver questions.

"For christ sake," I shake my head, surely he isn't this dense. "Either get her off the boat or keep her safe for an hour. Keep her safe. If anything happens to her, I will personally kill you, got it?"

Oliver nods his head, his eyes wide as he nervously peers around. I can't believe I am leaving her with him, but I have no choice, I know I need to get back to the King, he is my priority at the moment, I am on his service, I have Anna somewhat safe, I have to do this.

I turn towards Anastasia and I lean closer to her, "I love you, take my jacket, there's a spare in the inside breast pocket." I whisper in her ear before I slide my jacket down my arms. Anastasia takes her jacket off and I take her jacket and give her a small smile before I throw it overboard.

She stares at me with the eyes of daggers, and as much as I wish I could laugh, now is not the time to let my guard down. There was already one bug in her jacket, there could be more. I slide my jacket up her arms while she huffs, a clear indication that she is far from pleased with me. Right now, pleasing her isn't a part of my job description, she will have to get over it.

I kiss her on the cheek before I look towards Oliver, "I'm serious, if anything happens to her—"

"I get it, you'll kill me," Oliver nods his head.

I don't want to leave her with him, but I know I've given her enough hints and tips over the years for her to figure out ways to keep safe if Oliver fails. All I can do is pray that nothing happens to her.

I march away from the two of them and I begin to make my way to the men who have been watching. I climb the stairs and disregard them as I walk past them. I feel their eyes burn into my back but I don't dare turn around. I keep moving forward. I have bigger fish to fry.

I walk the different passageways of the ship, striving to locate Matthew and the King. I can't get any response from the radio and there's no cell service for me to track any phones, all I can do is rely on memory for how the ship is built.

"Where's the princess?" I'm distracted from my search and I stop in my tracks. I turn around to face the same man who was trying to look for my concealed pistol.

"Why?"

"She's meant to be in a meeting."

"She's unwell and won't be attending the meeting," I respond.

"Where is she?" He's determined to get his hands on her from the sounds of things, and I'm not okay with it.

I lift my shoulders into a shrug, "Don't know, but do you know where the King is? I assume his meeting is where hers is meant to be as well?" I'm somewhat being a smartass. There's no way in hell anyone is going to tell me where the king is, everyone is shady. The man stares at me in an attempt to assert dominance.

I heavily sigh and reach behind my hip where my pistol is. I use my left arm to push the man against the wall before my right-hand holds the barrel of my pistol to his neck. "Tell me where the king is and don't cat and mouse me. I'm not in the mood."

The man gulps, his life perhaps flashing before his eyes as he begins to stutter, "I-I—"

"Spit it out. Where are they?" I demand.

"Upper deck near the upper deck escape hatch, there's a room, they're there."

With my pistol in position against his skin, I use my other hand to promptly search him, finding his pistol and shoving it where I keep mine when it isn't in my hand.

"Lead the way." I instruct, pulling him away from the side of the wall and pushing him in front of me, keeping the gun to his back, "Don't try any funny business." I forewarn, pushing him to start leading to where I need to go.

♔♔♔

I cough out the portion of seawater I managed to inhale as I eventually manage to get to the shore, pushing myself to get a little further before I give myself a break, collapsing to the sand. I glance to my side and Matthew and the King are doing the same, all of us coughing out salty water. My lungs burn from the salty intake and my body aches from the long-drawn swim and the bitter coldness of the Aegean sea.

I take a few deep breaths, "Everyone okay?" I cough while the King assists me to my feet.

"Ye' a fuckin' asshole," The King murmurs.

I glance at him, moving my arm into an L formation and holding it with my other hand, "I guess that is code for thankyou," I respond, trying not to lean on the King as we both move away from the water but I can't help it.

All three of us sit on the sand and take the moment to fully catch our breath back and rest what little strength we have left from fighting the currents. We sit in silence, nothing but the crashing of the waves echoing between us. I stare out into the water, keeping an eye on the navy ship we left behind, all we can see of it is the lights of the boat. We left the vessel at dusk and at nightfall, we have made it.

With heavy breaths, I think about the events that have transpired.

I stared at the king as he scowled at me, not wanting to take my instructions for the hundredth time since we landed here in Greece. "Sir, if you do not jump, they will kill all three of us, jump." I raised my voice towards the King who was contemplating whether jumping was the best option. At that point, it was the only option.

When I was lead to the king and Matthew, I encountered Matthew being held at gunpoint and the King tied up. I don't know what lead the two of them to that point, but I do know that everyone on this boat is against us. No amount of training can prepare you for the moment you have to fire your pistol to save not just the King but also the head of security. No amount of training prepares you for the sight I walked into and created. Untying the king was easy, getting all of us out and away from the other members on the boat, not so much. I heard a gunshot and my eyes widened, but none of us was hit, the shot came from another area of the boat. I held my breath for a moment, hoping and praying that Anastasia managed to get off the boat. "Get up, let's go!" I commanded, hauling the King to his feet and shooting a glare towards Matthew, requiring his direction. From that moment, it is mostly a blur. Everything happened quickly.

I glanced around, taking note that nobody had yet to follow us to the point in the boat where we were at, but it was only a matter of time before we were discovered. "Sir, you have to jump, we need to get off," I commanded again, driving him closer to the edge.

A gunshot fired and for a split second, my world froze, my breath hitched in my throat and I looked behind me. I disregarded the King and pushed him into the water, giving him no option. It was and still is my job to take a bullet for him and keep him safe, no matter what it takes.

"They were going to kill us, weren't they?" The King questions, taking me from my thoughts and breaking the silence between us, the realisation of what happened finally settling in with him.

I nod my head, "Anna," I breathe out, suddenly becoming alert with the fact I have no earthly idea on where she is.

The King punches my shoulder, causing extreme pain to shoot through me so severely that it makes me want to throw up. "You were in charge of her, don't you dare tell me you don't know where the fuck she is."

I wince, slamming my eyes shut and I bow my head, trying to catch my breath back as it feels like I have had the wind knocked out of me, "Matthew," I cough, "Where's Anna?"

"Fuck mate, I didn't put a full swing behind the punch." The King positions himself in front of me, Matthew inching closer. The king wastes no time with unbuttoning my button-down, trying to move the material to get a look at my shoulder.

I look past him and glance towards Matthew, "Find, Anna," I instruct.

"Harry, how the fuck did you swim?" The King questions with wide eyes.

I shake my head, not concerned about myself, I did my job, I got us all to safety. "Find your daughter, I left her with Oliver." She wasn't on my service, I did my job as security but I failed as her fiancee. "Everything is wet, we can't call," I mutter, using my good hand in an attempt to reach into my pocket, unfortunately realising that there is no way my phone or radio will work.

"Harry, she is fine. She got off," Matthew informs me while the King runs his finger over my collarbone, causing me to flinch once he reaches the corner of my shoulder.

Thank God she is okay. I don't think I could have ever forgiven myself if I had of left a dangerous situation meanwhile she was still on the boat. I should have stopped to think before following Matthew and the King with swimming to shore. I should have double-checked. I a notorious for double-checking but this time, I failed. I failed on many levels.

"What did you do?" I look at the King, wanting answers in an attempt to ignore the throbbing pain I am feeling and have been feeling since the boat.

The King stares at me for a moment, his lips curling into icy contempt. He wants to lie to me, but he can't think of anything plausible. "Don't lie to me," I continue with a heavy breath, my eyes and body burning. I know I am overstepping my job description, but if I can dodge bullets and swim for my life, I can ask for an explanation for what the hell is happening.

The King nods his head, bowing it in defeat, "Ever love someone so much you'd do anything for them?"

I nod my head, knowing all too well what it is like to love someone so much you would do anything for them. I would walk to the ends of the earth for Anastasia, I would wholeheartedly do anything for her, no matter the cost. Of course, I cannot tell the King that that 'someone' is his daughter, although, I wish I could.

"They saved my wife. When I first married my wife, a terrible accident happened, Harry, she was dying in my arms. They saved her, I vowed to do anything in return, and from that night, I have had a debt to pay."

"Who is they?" Matthew quickly questions.

"The Ace's," The King whispers the name, almost too scared to speak of the name too loudly.

I grow withdrawn for a moment, trying to figure out who he is talking about, then it hits me. "No," I breathe out, putting the pieces together.

"Henry's family saved my wife. When Henry was born, they forced my hand and made me promise he would one day be King and have a higher royal title than what he was born with. I paid them for years but the money isn't enough. They want his title, they want the estates, everything, they want it all to cover their debts. I can't give them what they want if Anastasia doesn't marry him."

"So, they orchestrated all of this?" I ask, needing to understand things.

The King nods his head, "A life for a life. They saved my wife and I haven't kept up to my end of the deal so they want my life in return. The Ace's have to be behind what happened, they are a big influence with who was on the boat, turned them against me."

"All of this for a fucking crown?" I mutter.

"Harry!" Matthew scolds.

"It's fine," The King sighs, "Things were fine until that family started their 'life for a life', I didn't want to include Anna in any of this but they forced it. It was either try and force their relationship or they..." The king trails off.

"Or they what?" I quickly ask. I don't think I want to know the rest of the sentence. I can read between the lines, but I need to hear things first hand.

"They threatened to kill her."

I shake my head, not wanting to hear anything further, I have had enough for one day, "I'm ready to go to the hotel, it is fucking cold," I mutter, forcing myself to my feet.

"Mate, we need to get you to a hospital."

"I'm not going to a hospital, I want to go to the hotel. We need to get the fuck out of this place. It is safest for all of us to be back home."

"Let me take care of that, Harry, we need to—" Matthew begins but I cut him off.

"I'm not going to a hospital here. If they catch any of us at the hospital, it is game over, that will be the first place the look expecting the King to have been shot."

♔♔♔ ♔♔♔

Matthew and I stand in the elevator, watching the golden numbers increase slowly.

"Matthew, I want Anna on a plane back home."

"Harry—"

"Matthew," I cut him off, not wanting to hear anything about the fact that it isn't my decision since it is a royal duty, "We may not be married just yet but for the sake of this conversation, I want my wife on a plane back home, now."

"I'll have the jet ready for her as soon as we wake her, we're all getting out of here. The palace will be in lockdown, we will take them in through the tunnels before deciding where to keep them. I don't think Buckingham is the safest."

I nod my head as the elevator doors open and we step out, discussing a few things as we walk down the hallway.

I stand in front of Oliver and he looks me up and down, "Please don't kill me."

I glare at him, unsure of why I'd kill him if he got Anna here safely, "She tripped, but she's fine, barely even a scratch."

"It's your lucky night, even if I wanted to kill you right now, I probably couldn't," I half chuckle, "Good job, Eaglet."

"Thank you. She has been asking for you every thirty-minutes... are you two a couple?"

"No, I just do my job very well." I dismiss his question about the relationship. I can't tell him about the relationship. I don't tell anyone about us, mainly because Anna doesn't want everything to be exposed and right now, I don't need everything to be exposed. With what's happening with Henry and the intent of them murdering the king or Anna, I don't think it would be a good idea for our relationship to be outted. I can only imagine the turmoil it'll cause. Fuck.

Matthew and I both step into Anastasia's room. The light is on and she's wrapped up in a blanket on the bed with the television on low. "Harry!" She's quick to her feet.

Matthew lets go of me and I open my arm for her, welcoming her with a partial hug. I kiss the top of her head, "Hey, darling."

Anastasia steps away from my half-hug, instantly looking me up and down, "You're wet, and look like hell. What happened? Are you okay? Matthew, what happened?"

"Princess, pack your things," Matthew instructs and Anna looks towards me.

"Sweetheart, just listen. Do you need help packing?" I offer, not wanting to have to explain everything to her right now.

If I'm being quite honest, all I want to do right now is to lay down.

"No, you're not lifting a finger. You're off duty until further notice."

"Helping my fiancée isn't a duty," I respond, nudging Matthew away from me as he attempts to help me to sit on the bed.

I rest on the edge of the bed, disregarding my wet clothes for a moment. Matthew and Anna go withdrawn as I lay down, my eyes following them around the room while they gather all of Anastasia's things.

"Harry, do you need anything?" Anastasia softly challenges, looking over at me.

"Morphine."

"Why are you not at A&E?"

She's not going to give up, she means well, I know, but I am the one that needs to worry, not her. "Anna, I'm fine. I'll survive until we get home."

"That's not for a few hours."

"My priority is getting you out of here."

I can't say that I don't care about the pain or myself, I do, the pain is excruciating, but either way, her safety is my priority. None of us are safe at the moment if we stay here, getting her and her family back home is the safest and most logical plan.

"Harry, you need to be checked. Did you break something? Did you dislocate something? If we don't pop it back in, you could need surgery and—"

"Anna," I softly cut her off, "I am fine."

"You just asked for morphine."

"You'd want morphine too if you felt this pain. I'm alive, I'm not dying, I can wait for a better moment to go to a hospital where we won't be watched. Jus' pack your things, or do you need my help?" I question, slowly sitting up to face Anna.

Anastasia shakes her head, "No, just lay there." Anastasia instructs, beginning to help Matthew pack her items, leaving me to lay on the bed, resting my eyes in an attempt to relieve the pain.