Page 2 of Royal Extra After

Too late.

The trailer door opened. A pretty woman in her late twenties stepped out wearing an elaborate full-length red velvet gown and a sparkling diamond tiara.

“That is a lovely outfit,” the princess said, admiring the actress. “You must be shooting a ball scene.”

The girl smiled back and did a little spin. “No, a royal tea party in the park. Isn’t this beautiful?”

The princess frowned. “No, it’s all wrong.”

“Princess, don’t,” Benson warmed.

“What do you mean,” the actress asked, upset.

The princess smiled to soften her words. “You look amazing. You’re stunning. I’m sure you’d look fabulous wearing anything, but…”

“But?” the actress walked over. “But what?”

The princess continued. “While this gown is lovely for a ball, a state banquet, or a formal evening event, no one would ever wear a dress like that during the day to a royal tea party. The tiara is all wrong, too. There are rules for wearing a tiara if you’re a royal.”

The actress, worried, touched her tiara. “Are you with wardrobe? Are we changing costumes?”

“No,” a male voice shot back as he appeared from behind the princess. “We are not changing anything.” He gave Princess Isabella an incredulous look as he approached her. “Who are you?”

Benson immediately stepped forward. “This is prin…” but the princess stopped him.

“I’m Izzy,” the princess said, using the nickname only her family and closest friends called her. When their eyes met, the princess’s pulse quickened, and her heart raced. The attraction was undeniable. It surprised and confused her. For once, she was speechless.

Benson, watching her, jumped in. “Sir, we are sorry to intrude. We were just leaving.”

Still staring into the man’s eyes, the princess finally found her voice. “Who are you?” she asked boldly.

The man, surprised, laughed.

“He’s our director, Ned.” the actress answered, looking the princess up and down, taking in her classic custom-made winter white pantsuit paired with a dusty-pink cashmere trench coat.

The princess’s eyes lit up. “The movie director, perfect! Then you can get someone to change her outfit.”

“What?” Ned asked, incredulous.

“For a tea party, any female member of the royal family should be wearing a dress or a skirt, not an evening gown. And the hemline should be at least to the knees and no high heels. And if you’re going traditional, all the women should wear hats or fascinators.” The princess quickly looked around. “What do you have the men wearing? They must be in black or navy suits. No pinstripes or other colors. A tie and waistcoat would be best. You need black shoes, and a top hat always adds a little something extra. Again, depending on how formal or traditional it is. And whatever you do, for goodness sake, please make sure if this is a tea party that everyone’s holding their teacups correctly.”

Benson nodded.

Ned looked at the princess like she’d sprouted two heads. “What are you talking about? Who are you? Are you some kind of crazy fan? Security!”

The security guard they’d dodged earlier hustled over.

Princess Isabella waved at him. “He knows us.”

“They’re extras,” the security guard said. “And I told them this area was off limits.”

“He did,” the princess said. “It’s my fault we’re here. I was just trying to help.”

“And now we’re leaving,” Benson said, linking arms with the princess. “We are truly sorry for any intrusion.”

The princess sighed. “I’m sorry. I just love American movies. I’ve watched so many that were shot right here in Central Park, like some of the old romantic comedies When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, Enchanted, and Serendipity.”

“I love that one, too,” the actress chimed in.

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