☆ WRITTEN IN JUNE OF 2020 ☆

A/N: Aight SO. I was never especially interested in this dude before but I felt this idea was fun enough.

A family friend of yours notices how you've been single for longer than she thought you should be. She considers you beautiful, smart and competent, so she arranges a date with someone.

Guess who, right? Lol.

"Do I have to go?" You sighed, frowning before folding your arms. "I believe I should make my own decisions in this area, don't you?"

"{Y/N}," a tall woman with pristine features smiled at you, red lips curling away from white teeth. "Most young ladies would be more than grateful for a chance like this one."

You groaned, tossing your head back, casting your gaze outside, down to the garden below, hoping for an escape. Red and golden leaves swirled down all around the green of the bushes as the last embers of a dying summer lay evidenced all around your home. "Mum, do you really think I'll like him, or are you just being polite?"

Your mother laughed. You glared at her. Looking at you with a soft fondness, masking slight irritation, she nodded. "Oh, I do believe you will. Now, the car is waiting for you. Be on your best behaviour."

You sighed one last time and agreed, heading out into the sunny afternoon of early fall, only half eager to meet whoever your family friend had arranged for you to meet with. She was smart, powerful and kind, but you wondered if that made her a decent matchmaker.

You'd learn the truth of that matter soon enough.

_____________________

You thanked the driver as he opened the door for you. Dusting yourself off, staring up at the high walls of the most impressive house in the country, you began your way up the steps, as men dressed in red coats opened the grand double doors for you. Ready to direct you to her, another assistant smiled, and you did the same. He turned down a long hallway, lined with priceless art, as three eager corgi puppies barked cutely, trailing you as you continued, all the way to the private office of your mother's oldest companion, someone with whom very few people shared such a close relationship.

With a soft knock, you heard a sweet voice call out, permitting your entry.

"Thank you, Michael." She stood up as she dismissed her staff member, smiling as you stepped inside. Clad in a light blue dress, her soft white hair shined in the viradescent light of the desk lamp beside her. After all these years, she was still regal. Smiling, she beckoned you forward.

"{Y/N}, my dear." You embraced her. She looked up at you as she held you at arms length. "You are as beautiful as ever. How is your mother doing?"

"She's well." Letting you go, she turned to look out at the same day you found so beautiful. The skies were clearing, as a blue expanse unfolded above the two of you. "How's everyone here?"

"Oh the same as always, but I must admit, things have been a tad uncomfortable with Harry's departure."

You nodded. "Yes, I'm sure that's taken a toll on you all. Is there anything I can do?"

She laughed, smiling broadly. "As if you could, my love." Wiping her eyes, she cleared her throat. "No more talk of the family troubles. The Crown has dealt with drama such as mine for centuries. A matriarch must face what may come."

"Very wise, Your Majesty." You smiled. "So, who did you prepare for me?"

She smiled again, donning an almost giddy expression, akin to that of an eager schoolgirl. In that moment, she seemed younger, revitalized by thirty years. She cared for you. You were so lucky, to have Queen Elizabeth as your mentor.

"Oh, you will simply adore him. I can't believe I've overlooked this chance for so long." She took your arm, leading you forward. Opening the doors for you, an older man smiled as you passed through, yet another servant employed by the royal family. "He works for me, but not like the others. He handles special cases." She whispered her next comment. "He's a fighter, educated at the best schools, and undeniably handsome. Also, he comes from a fine family."

"What's his name?" You mirrored her actions, finding joy in the moment, acting like a teenager with a woman who ruled over more than you could ever truly understand. "I've always imagined it would be Tom."

She laughed, regaining her normal voice and posture. "Sorry to disappoint, but it's Charles. Charles Grey. He's an Earl."

"Earl...Grey?" She laughed at your reply.

"Yes! Now, I will be leaving you two alone." Another door opened, as Elizabeth led you into a beautiful drawing room, decorated with the finest wood, carpet, furniture and paintings you could find in England, and as you looked directly across from you, you made out the loveliest part of the parlour. "Charles, this is {F/N, L/N}. She is most glad to meet you. I hope you have fun. Just let Michael know if you want to go anywhere else once you decide you simply can't get enough of each other."

The young man stood, nodded, and placed his hand on his chest. "Thank you, your Majesty. I plan on enjoying myself." Turning to you, he looked more than intrigued. You felt a warmth trace your face, and a prickling sensation crossed your back as your stomach fluttered. Wow. She was good. You already liked him.

"Yeah...thanks...Your Majesty." A light laugh accompanied her departure, as the doors closed softly behind her.

You stepped forward, sitting down on the sofa across from him. "It's nice to meet you, {Y/N}." He smiled, and it was beautiful. His hair was unique, light, almost white, and it framed a pale face, and grey, almost silvery eyes. You found it hard to breathe as he smiled at you. "Tell me about yourself."

_____________________

"No, I'm serious!" You laughed, tossing your head back once more, smiling as bright as the sun growing even stronger outside. It streamed in dazzlingly through the high window behind the man by which you were becoming more enamoured with each passing moment. "It is! It is my favourite."

"You're just saying that to get me to like you more. I hardly doubt it's that desirable. It's not a posh tea."

"I don't care if it's posh, Charles. It's good!"

He laughed, crossing his leg, looking playfully away from you. "Oh, sure. I'm supposed to believe you, am I?"

You'd been sitting with Charles Grey for hours, talking all about your interests, histories, and hopes for the future, and you couldn't remember the last time you'd had that much fun. "Yes! You are!"

He turned to you. "Alright, then. I have a proposal."

You raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's that?"

"Let's call Michael, and have ourselves driven to whichever tearoom you most fancy in London, and I'll pay for whatever you want, and if it is Earl Grey, then I will want a second date. If it is £2.000 champagne which they do serve in many of the ones our lot visit, then I'll forsake you and all we share, and you'll never hear from me again."

You smiled, extending your hand. "Deal." He took it, and pulled you up as he did so. A bit startled as he hugged you, you held your breath as you settled into his arms. He pulled you away, holding you at arms length, just as the Queen herself had done that morning. She was right. You adored him.

"Though, if you want both, I'll let that slide." You laughed as he nodded in the direction of the door. "How about it? Let's go."

You took his hand as he pulled you forward. "Charles."

He stopped, turning to address you. "Yes, {Y/N}?" You held your breath as he smiled down at you, the picture of nobility as he stood, clad in white, like a terrestrial angel, someone you never thought you'd meet in your life. "What is it?"

"Can...I hug you one more time?"

He laughed as he pulled you into his arms. You smiled as you buried your face in his chest, feeling the rapid beating of two hearts. You finally let go, and followed him excitedly out of the parlor, through the halls of Buckingham Palace, down to the waiting car, out into the sunny fall afternoon in search of the perfect continuation of the perfect date.

Charles Grey was the perfect match after all, and it only took you a day to become completely enchanted by him. That desire would only continue as winter began, and by the following autumn, the Queen would be more than happy with the relationship she helped foster, and the love she helped kindle.

You'd be her favourite couple, that was for sure...and...you'd be more popular with a wider circle of the English people than you'd have ever imagined as you came to truly appreciate the best thing that ever happened to you.

A/N: Yayyyy ~ I hope that was entertaining enough. I wrote a lot about the Queen there, and not as much dialog with Charles directly, but eh, it was cute.

Thanks to anyone who read! I ♡ u.

Best wishes and much love as always,

☆☆Britt☆☆