By The Ruins (Prince Harry Fan Fiction)

Champagne Wishes

If Alexandra has to describe the United Kingdom, the first thing she will say is that it's 'gloomy.'

It's a stark contrast to Syldonia's weather that is almost always sunny weather. However, Alex likes the rain. As much as she denies it, she does have a soft spot for napping on a rainy afternoon- which she intends to do for the next six days that she gets to spend in the UK.

"Your Royal Highness, welcome to Buckingham Palace."

Alexandra smiled at one of the Royal Assistants that awaited them by the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace at the inner forecourt and quadrangle as she got out of the car she was riding in. Contrast to William and Catherine, King Arthur does not ride on the same plane nor the same car with Alexandra. Ever since, William and Catherine rides on the same plane and car with their children- which in royal protocols is hugely frowned upon. It's not because royals are snotty but it's a way to protect their lineage.

Due to the fact that Alexandra is Crown Princess and only heir, she is considered as a rare treasure- she cannot ride the same transport as her father ever since she was born.

"How was your flight?" King Arthur whispered too low for anyone to hear as they watched Harold Greer, King Arthur's Private Secretary, hand over their presentation card to the Master of the Household.

Alexandra gave out a smile but muttered, "Great." And she saw Queen Aurelia give her a haughty side look which the princess tried her very best to ignore.

"Well, I hope you're ready for your first British Banquet." The king said arranging his tie properly and Alex looked up at him with arched eyebrows. However, she didn't get the chance to speak as they were led to the drawing rooms with her trailing behind the king and queen.

After being greeted by the Senior Royal Courtier, the Lord Chamberlain, and the Mistress of the Robes, the two royals were finally taken to another room where they were presented to King Charles and Queen Camilla.

"Ah, you haven't changed- not one bit.." King Charles said smiling after their proper introductions and before the guests starts piling in for their greetings. He has a particular fondness for Alexandra as, for him, she's his daughter that he's never had.

"Wrong. I got shorter by a foot." Alexandra said sarcastically yet jokingly clearly referring to the recent humiliation she had suffered.

King Charles laughed clearly catching on to Alexandra's humor. "Well, let me give you a stool for you to stand on." He said back and Alexandra smiled before walking towards her proper place beside her parents.

It was the same as any other state banquets that she had attended- she does not know how different it is from the Spanish, Belgian, or Syldonian ones that she had attended. They greeted their other guests that are mostly important figures in the Parliament and the Military personnel.

The younger British Royals are not attending. As Camilla had whispered towards Alexandra while they walked towards the Ballroom; William and Catherine shall be at the after-dinner private party and Harry might come if William can force him to. Not that Alexandra minded that Harry comes, all she wants is to see William, Catherine, and their children.

Alexandra fiddled with her long white gloves that lay on top of her lap as she pretended to listen to Charles' speech with a soft smile on her face. She sat beside Queen Camilla while her father and Aurelia sat beside Charles at the head of the table.

"How is Syldonia?" Camilla asked trying to make conversation with Alexandra who's placing the table napkin neatly on top of her lap where her white gloves rested. "I heard your horses are very much racing worthy now."