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."
"Yes." The princess said smiling. "They're all growing up quite nicely."
"I've got to show you mine." Camilla said and she continued talking about horses as their dinner progressed.
Alexandra tuned her out clearly not much of a talker about horses even though she adores them.
After the guests had gone after dinner, they moved to another drawing room where, slowly, the other younger royals started arriving. For a while, Alexandra stood on one of the far corners of the room sipping her fifth glass of champagne just watching everyone interact. Yes, she's not her usual approachable self ever since the wedding- that she can admit. She does talk when someone walks over and initiates conversation but she could not pull her mood up to satisfactory.
"Come on, lighten up." Eugenie said handing another glass of champagne towards Alexandra who accepted it willingly. "We haven't seen each other since-"
"-in ages." Beatrice cut off her sister quickly before linking arms with Alexandra who can only down her glass in one gulp. "Come on."
They walked around the room randomly talking to dukes and duchesses that Alexandra could not remember the names of mostly. It took them a while until they reached William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales. And William, although lightheartedly, commented, "You look like hell" towards Alex who rolled her eyes in return.
"Well, nice to see you too bald spot." She retorted dryly making Catherine laugh.
The Princess of Wales had loved Alexandra's humor ever since. Catherine shook her head as she tried to stop herself from laughing, "Ever the pleasure, Alex." She said patting William, who's chuckling, on the arm. "What are you up to lately?" she asked and Alex breathed in deeply, thinking of an answer to Catherine when the latter saw someone come in on the door. "Oh, Harry's here."
Eugenie, Beatrice, and Alexandra whom all had their backs on the door turned slightly to see Harry come in. "I swear he looks more rugged every time I see him." Beatrice commented silently so only those on her group can hear. "And not in a good way."
For a fleeting moment, Alexandra's eyes scanned Harry's stature before turning her attention back to Catherine who's smiling at her. "What?" she asked clearly aware that Catherine is thinking of something: then she remembered her question. "Ah. I've been on my honeymoon." She responded making Catherine arch an eyebrow. "You know. Touching myself and all that."
William groaned while Catherine choked on laughter, "That's not a good picture."
"But you thought of it." Alex said cracking on a sly smile.
"You're like the sister I never had, dear God. The image." William said closing his eyes tight as if thoroughly disgusted of what Alex had said and the women around him laughed. "I'm going to go fetch my brother before he takes all the drinks." He suddenly said as he saw Harry position himself beside the waiter that had a tray of whiskey on his tray.
Eugenie and Beatrice left to go back to their respective husbands as well leaving Alex with Catherine.
"So, really, how are you?" Catherine asked looking seriously at Alex. "I mean, what the press are saying.."
"I'm good. Coping." Alex said smiling at Catherine who gave her an unsure smile back. "Seriously. It's just another bump on the road."
"I suppose." Catherine responded smiling yet her eyes travelled towards Alex's back to briefly look at Queen Aurelia who's clearly looking at them. "Your mother told me otherwise, however." She said when Queen Aurelia had already looked away.
Alex is about to say something when William returned with Harry in tow. "Join the club." William said leaving Harry to stand beside Alexandra.
"I'd rather be anywhere than here." The ginger said clearly disgruntled.
Alex rolled her eyes, "Always the life of the party."
Harry looked at her. Being already half drunk when he got to the after party, he has troubles having a grip on his temper. "How's your husband?" he asked and Alex breathed in deeply as her lips formed a thin line while William and Catherine tried to hush him.
"Rolling in a grave somewhere." Alex responded looking up at Harry fiercely. She noticed his tired eyes that used to be so bright and full of life. Yet, she could not control the question that came out her mouth. "How's your wife?"
His mouth went into a thin line. Well, you started it. He thought staring straight into Alex's brown eyes. "I'm not doing this." Harry said turning around and walking away.
"I apologize." William suddenly said as they watched Harry walk away. "He's just stressed out." He continued referring to the separation of Harry and his wife.
"Understandable."
William and Catherine left half an hour after talking more to go back to their children. Truthfully, for Alexandra, William and Catherine are what couples should be. They both support each other, understand each other, and both always look like they're meant for each other. In a way, Alexandra felt absolutely jealous that she couldn't find the right partner just like how William found Catherine.
An hour later, King Charles walked over to her with Harry following him with an unfathomable look on his face. "Alexandra." The king said and Alex smiled at him. "I was just talking to my son here.." he started and Alexandra arched an eyebrow towards Harry who rolled his eyes in return. "And I realized one thing."
Oh no. Alex thought. Usually, when Charles realizes something so sudden, it doesn't end up good. Like for example, when Charles suddenly thought to do a barbeque in Windsor Castle grounds when they were kids completely disregarding his advisors prediction that it's going to rain due to the sun- a torrential rain poured in the midst of their barbeque.
"I think he should invite you to be an ambassador to his charity in Sentebale." King Charles finally said. "Our countries are friends, I think it's a splendid idea."
"Oh." Alexandra said completely caught off guard.
"She's not interested." Harry said ready to keep his father from further inviting someone as problematic as him- no matter how attractive she is. "It's not her forte."
Not my forte? Alexandra asked looking at Harry annoyed. Who is he to say what my forte is?
"Hush, Harry." Charles said clearly not feeling the tension between the two royals he's talking with. "She's a humanitarian at best. I believe you should also take part on her charity in Venezuela."
Harry quickly responded, "I have a lot of things to do."
"Sulking at home is not a lot." Charles said dismissively and Harry's face turned into stone while Alexandra's turned into one of astonishment. "You two were great friends when you were kids, I am absolutely sure you two will work well together." He continued in thought as his idea seemed to go better the more he thought about it. "I shall talk to Arthur about this."
Charles left Harry and Alexandra with dumbfounded look on their faces. "He's not serious, is he?" Alex asked towards nobody as she does not expect Harry to respond.
"No one is forcing you."
"Ah, you surprise me." Alex mumbled looking towards Harry. "Are we really going to do this?" she asked the ginger who only looked back nonchalantly at her. "Be at each other's necks."
The prince shrugged his shoulders not really understanding why he feels so agitated at the mere presence of Alexandra- truthfully, he does not know if it is agitation. He used to look up to Alexandra so much and is deeply interested in her. Used to- well, ever since he was young up until before he got married. He always thought of her as strong-willed, witty, poised, elegant- he could go on and to top that off, her face if very nice to look at.
But, of course, life goes on and feelings change.