Home for a {visit}, tag; Aemilia

[Olivia Lancaster]

Olivia tapped her fingers nervously against the side of her chair as she waited for her sister to appear. Although not as imposing as the drawing room (which, frankly, she had always found a bit intimidating), the morning room of Kensington Palace was still a lot to take in, what with all the formal furnishings, decorations, and paintings. She had spent countless mornings here when she was younger, entertaining visitors with her mother and sometimes Aemilia. Occasionally a guest would be particularly interesting interesting to talk to or at the very least somebody she could laugh at afterwards, but usually the mornings had been rather boring. Olivia would pretend to be interested of course, but she'd be secretly looking forward to it being over, when she would be able to go back to her friends or dancing or whatever else she was doing that day.

Olivia had chosen to wear a patterned coral blouse with thin straps and a pair of wide-legged white pants to the visit. She had layered a couple of strands of beads over this and slipped on a pair of brown boots to complete her outfit. An outfit she liked, yet still suitable enough for a casual visit. Perhaps not a formal one, but that didn't matter. After all, she'd only be seeing family today. Olivia was only expecting to see Aemilia today, but was aware that there was always a chance of coming into contact with her parents also. Not that she minded talking to them or anything, but it was a bit strange being a visitor in a place she had called home for so long.

Her eyes flicked over to the door, her ears listening for the anticipated footsteps. Aemilia was the one person who understood what it was like to be a daughter of the king and queen. Olivia had plenty of friends who were from the aristocracy (and some who weren't), but even they couldn't fully understand what it was like. To have national attention focussed on you, on every single move you made. It could be unbearable, yet it had also brought her closer to her sister.

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[Princess Aemilia]

Aemilia had been lounging around her room in blue jeans and a tshirt when one of the palace maids had come to tell her that she had a visitor in the drawing room. Naturally the maid didn't tell her who it was, so Aemilia sighed and disappeared into the room that served as her wardrobe. The wardrobe was larger than the average bedroom, and all of the clothes were hung in the inset racks. There was a push seat in the middle of the room, and mirrors lined the far wall. Everything was plush and posh, but Aemilia didn't seem to notice. She quickly picked a sundress off of the rack and slipped it on, not bothering to brush her long blonde hair, which she left loose around her shoulders. The dress was just formal enough to satisfy and "British Mum", but casual enough so that she wouldn't be overdressed if it was a close friend.

Aemilia made her way gracefully down the stairs. It had been said that she walked like a fairy, which she thought was utter nonsense, but it was true. The walk to the morning room led through the entrance hall, and Aemilia's heels clicked on the shiny marble floor, causing her to smile. Finally she opened the double doors to the morning room and slipped in, wondering who on Earth was calling on her.

"Livvy!!!" Exclaimed Aemilia, flying across the carpet and giving her sister a hug. Then she kissed her sister on both cheeks; a real kiss, not the air kisses that people who wanted to be "sophisticated" gave.

"What a surprise! I'm so glad that you're here! But did you send word that you were coming? If so, I'm afraid that Ava forgot to tell me. Never mind that, I always enjoy a visit from you!" Aemilia missed having her sister living with her, so she was very excited that Olivia had dropped in. And thankfully there was nobody else around to witness her behavior.

dress

[Olivia Lancaster]

"Emmy!" Olivia's head swiveled sharply around as her sister ran through the door. Her arms wrapped tightly around Aemilia, returning the hug. "It's great to see you," was all she managed to get out before she was cut off once again, this time by kisses on her cheeks. "Don't blame Ava; I just thought I'd stop in for a surprise visit. I knew you were at home, so I figured I might as well come and surprise you! Anyways, how've you been since I saw you last?" There was so much for the two to talk about. Even though they had almost daily (at least) contact through email, phones, and such, there was nothing quite like actually talking with each other face to face. "And how's everybody at the palace doing?" Olivia knew that she was bombarding her sister with questions, but that was what it was like when you lived away from your family. Even if she didn't live with them, Olivia still wanted to know everything that was going on.

[Princess Aemilia]

Aemilia sat down in the chair next to her sister, immediately curling up in a most unladylike way. She curled her feet under her and sat on top of them, playing with the folds of her sundress. She could have just stayed in her sundress if she had known that it was only her big sister coming to see her.

"Surprise visits are so much fun! Well, I saw you at that garden party that Silvia was having last Tuesday, so what have I done in the past week..." Aemilia bit her lip and thought for a moment. "I went to the state dinner held for the Ambassador from Iceland...it was boring. I did a ribbon cutting for a cruise liner that was named the Royal Princess, I went to a couple of Public Outings, represented the UK across the Chanel at some groundbreaking in Normandy. And I went to the theatre several times." Aemilia made sure to keep a straight face when she mentioned the theatre, though she really wanted to grin. After the shows she and Will had met up for a couple of hours. But nobody except for Sophie, Ava, and Dahlia knew about the Will situation. Aemilia hadn't even confided in her big sister in regards to that matter. It was too big of a secret. And if Aemilia's parents ever found out...well, it would be really bad.

"So, what've you been doing?" Asked Aemilia nonchalantly, twisting her hair around her finger.

[Olivia Lancaster]

"Well..." Olivia fiddled with the bottom of her shirt as she tried to remember. "Lots of dance practices and rehearsals as usual. Did I tell you that we got this new choreographer? He's been working on this dance that's sort of a cross between ballet and more contemporary stuff. There've been some rough spots that needed working out, but overall it's turning out quite well." As she talked about dance, her face began to light up and her hands moved animatedly. "Other than that, I went to a friend's party, just a small thing, attended a charity dinner to support youth-arts, and saw a play the other night."

Olivia remembered having to attend so many events. A few had been interesting, but most were rather boring. Just a bunch of people speaking for hours but saying nothing that was actually meaningful. So instead, she chose to ask Aemilia about the theatre. "Did you see any particularly good plays or musicals?" Olivia loved going to the theatre, but she hadn't gone in a while, so she figured she'd listen to her sister's reviews and choose thusly.

This was nice--almost, but not really, like being back home. Just talking with Aemilia, catching up on things. She missed how life used to be. But that didn't mean she was ready to go back to it.

[Princess Aemilia]

Aemilia loved the change that came over Olivia when her sister talked about dance. It was obvious what her sister's passion was, and that was the reason that Aemilia so whole-heartedly agreed with her sister's decision to give up her title and become a "normal person".

"I want to come and see the dance when it's performed. It sounds so interesting!" Aemilia danced herself, but she had never gotten as much into it as Olivia had. Aemilia could do ballet, and do it well, but her sister was like a vision when she was dancing. Aemilia had tried to draw the picture once, but it had turned out looking like a blurred, blotted mess. And that was why Aemilia wasn't an artist.

"Oh, the plays were all excellent. There's this one actor that I'm sure is going to go onto great things. And then I saw Helen Dallimore in Wicked. Thank goodness Helen is going to Australia soon, because I know the dear girl is pretty, but her voice leaves a bit to be desired. And after Helen leaves, I can go see Wicked a lot more often, because I'll be able to stand it." Aemilia sighed dramatically, then looked up as tea was rolled in.

"Thank you, Frith," said Aemilia. Technically she was the hostess, so she should be the one in charge or pouring tea, but Olivia was the older of the two, so once Frith was gone, Aemilia looked at Olivia expectantly. She could remember being younger and entertaining friends, and having Olivia serve the tea. It was just more natural that way.

[Olivia Lancaster]

"Of course. I'll save you a front row seat." Not that Aemilia needed Olivia to do that; anybody would be more than happy to give one away to a royal princess. Besides her fame and power, if any newspapers caught wind of the princess's plans, it would mean a lot of publicity for the theatre or dance company. Aemilia was still her sister though, and it was the thought that counted. "The first performance should be in a couple of months. I'll let you know closer to the actual date." Even though it seemed right now like the performance wasn't for a long time, Olivia knew that once it got nearer it would be very different. Everybody would be rushing around, trying to find things, practicing, making sure they knew all the dances well enough.

"I'm glad you enjoyed them. It's too bad that you didn't get to see somebody else in Wicked, but who's this actor who's going to go on and do great things? Somebody new to the West End?" Even though she had never been more than passable at acting (her greatest accomplishments was being an extra in a couple school plays that required knowing how to dance), Olivia loved going to the theatre. Perhaps not quite as much as Aemilia did, but she still enjoyed it.

Olivia watched as the tea-cart was rolled into the room. Was she supposed to pour, or would Aemilia? She was older and had traditionally done it, but Aemilia was the one who still lived here, she was the hostess. Aemilia didn't seem to be waiting, however, so she went ahead and picked up the teapot. "Milk or sugar?" Even though Aemilia was her sister, Olivia had been trained since she was little to ask what people wanted with their tea. And besides, what if her sister's taste had changed?

[Princess Aemilia]

"Great! But tell me, is this hush-hush, or do you want media coverage? Because my presence may be a little bit of a stir, if you want it on the down and low," Aemilia paused after saying the last phrase, grinning to herself. She had heard that whole "Down and low" phrase on some American television show. It sounded simply hardcore.

"Milk and sugar," said Aemilia, who liked her tea diluted. She played with the pastries as she put them on her plate, looking totally preoccupied as she answered her sister's question in a roundabout way. "Yeah, you should see Wicked with me. Not much dancing, but the dancing that's in it is good," She nibbled on a corner of the pastry, wiping her mouth daintily with a cloth napkin with scalloped lace edges. Only the best for the princess(es), even when they were only have a private tea time.

"So, have you heard of the actor Will Speare?" Asked Aemilia nonchalantly, nibbling a bit more off of her petit four. "He's pretty good. I expect a BAFTA from him in the not-to-far future."

[Olivia Lancaster]

"Don't make a huge announcement about it or anything, but whatever inevitable media attention there is is fine." Olivia had learned by now that there was only so much one could do about the media. They went wherever they wanted to and did whatever they wanted to do, regardless of the feelings of others. "A disguise isn't necessary. It doesn't have to be that much 'on the down and low.'" She chuckled at the turn of phrase, picturing her sister sneaking around London in a ninja costume or some other such costume.

Carefully lifting the teapot off of the tray, Olivia filled Aemilia's cup and added a bit of milk and sugar. Even though it was just her and her sister, she performed the actions in a very precise, proper manner, as had been taught to her. When one repeated an action often enough, it just became second nature. Olivia passed Aemilia her cup then filled her own, also adding milk and sugar. "That sounds great! I have plenty of free time, so whatever works out for you is good." Sure, she had a few events and such, but Aemilia was the one with the really busy schedule, so it was probably best to plan around that.

Will Speare...Yes, the name did sound familiar. "I read about him in the Times not too long ago. What play is he currently in? I can't seem to remember." Olivia picked a pastry off from her plate and took a bite. She had to admit that she definitely missed the palace chefs.

[Princess Aemilia]

"Aw, no disguise?" Asked Aemilia, though she was only a little bit disappointed. She liked dressing up and having people not recognize her, but sometimes it was nice to just go to things as herself, as just plain Aemilia. Of course, the people that called her just plain Aemilia were few or far between. Normally it was "Your royal highness" or "Princess" or that media nickname "Princess Mimi." Aemilia wasn't quite sure where the last name had come from, but she didn't dispute it.

"We can go next Tuesday, if you want. I don't have anything on that night, and it's been a while since we had an Emmy and Livvy bonding experience. I'll call the theatre and get a box reserved for us." It would be hard to get any tickets that were any good at that late date, so Aemilia would just invoke her power as a member of the Royal Family, and use the box reserved for dignitaries.

Aemilia's eyes grew a little dreamy as she talked about Will, but it would have taken a very practiced eye to notice it. Aemilia had been trained to keep her poise and dignity in public.

"Will Speare is doing a one-man show now, I think...he's really good. Makes you forget he's the only one on stage. And his voice is kinda mesmerizing...you know, like James Earl Jones on The Lion King. Well, it doesn't sound like that, but it's mesmerizing like that." There went Aemilia, bungling her words again.

[Olivia Lancaster]

"If you want to..." Olivia shrugged her shoulders in a gesture of mock defeat. "Just don't disguise yourself too well, or I won't be able to tell who you are. I just might end up deciding that somebody else is really my sister and inviting them to come hang out with me the next day instead of you. So you be careful," she warned, wagging her finger comically at Aemilia. It was a gesture she had always associated with fairy tales and the books about poor girls in orphanages that she had liked to read when it was raining out. The first, and one of the only, real people she had ever seen do it was one of the teachers at her primary school. Olivia had never liked her much, and consequently the wagging finger had always loomed ominously in her mind.

"You're right, it has been. And Tuesday's good for me." Olivia missed everything she used to do with Aemilia. They still got together often, but it wasn't the same. It had to be planned, scheduled, coordinated. No more spontaneous trips out into the city to go shopping or to the theater. Being princesses, they hadn't had to worry about whether there were any seats left in a theater, and they always had plenty of money and favors at their disposal.

Olivia listened with interest as her sister described Will's show. "Have you seen much of his work?" Even if she didn't detect the minuscule change in Aemilia's expression, it was obvious to her how much Aemilia admired the actor. "If you haven't, we could always go see that sometime too."

[Princess Aemilia]

Aemilia shook her head slowly. "No, I'll come as me. Because I need to get out more as "Just Me," according to Mum. She says that it's all right for me to be seen in public, instead of just at parties. Apparently I need to preserve my wholesome image. Something about that way people will feel more sorry for me when..."

And then Aemilia trailed off. She had been about to say "People will feel more sorry for me when Dad dies," but she couldn't bring herself to say it out loud. It was a fact of life, and something the family had known would happen, but now it was going to happen sooner rather than later. Probably in the next couple of months. Suddenly Emmy felt guilty for not spending as much time with her father as she should have been. She had been squandering their precious last months, and soon he wouldn't be around anymore. It wasn't as though Aemilia and her father were particularly close, or anything, but he was still her father.

Aemilia shook her head this time, but this time it was to prevent herself from becoming emotional. If she started crying, who knew when she would stop. And why cry over something that hadn't even happened yet? That was like crying over the milk before you spilled it.

"Um, I've seen a lot of Will's..." How to put it? She had seen a lot of him, basically. She had only seen the one show he was in, because she'd only known him for a couple of months, but she had seen him elsewhere quite a bit. Because they were in a relationship. "I've seen the show several times," she finally finished. Then she decided to bring up what she and Will had talked about. "But I've also seen him not on stage. Like, in person. And I think you should meet him." That sounded platonic enough, right?

[Olivia Lancaster]

Olivia listened sympathetically to Aemilia. She remembered being encouraged to go out as "just her." Except "Just Olivia" wasn't really herself; it was a toned down, polite, well behaved version of herself. Not exactly something she had enjoyed. Enough of herself, though. Aemilia was the one talking right now. Even though she hadn't finished her sentence, Olivia could easily tell what was implied. She had been thinking about it a lot lately. A death in an ordinary family was bad enough, but how was she supposed to deal with all the pomp and circumstance. There'd be a big, public funeral procession no doubt, people lining the streets, thousands of cards expressing people's sympathy and sorrow. And then Vincent's coronation. Coronations were supposed to be happy things, but instead it would just serve to remind her of it...her father's death. It was hard to believe, after all these years. Olivia had learned a long time ago that death was a fact of life, but was something that happened to other people, to distant relatives, not to her. Somewhat impulsively, she reached over and wrapped her arms around her sister, hugging her tightly.

But on to something else before she started crying. So Aemilia had met this guy and wanted to introduce him to her. That added a new perspective. "Okay," Olivia said, nodding agreeably. "But I have one question. Why?" Even if she didn't know the truth, Olivia suspected that there was something more to the story than she was being told. Aemilia first mentioned him in a 'by the way...' sort of way, and now she was saying that Olivia should meet him. Hmm...

[Princess Aemilia]

Aemilia leaned into her sister's hug, trying not to let images of herself in a black dress, black coat, and black hat, following a casket with thousands of reporters watching, clog her brain. And then she wouldn't be allowed at the coronation, since she was next in line for the throne. So she would be stuck alone in the palace, while everybody else celebrated with Vincent. And then she would become the Princess of Wales and have a lot more pressure put on her. Great. Just great. Royal Princess was enough title for her, personally, but it wasn't like she exactly had a choice in the matter.

"Why?" Aemilia faltered for a moment, not quite sure what to say. Should she just go ahead and admit to Olivia why she liked Will so much? Why she wanted her to meet him? That the relationship wasn't purely platonic? Or should she pretend that nothing was out of the ordinary? But this was her sister, and she could let her sister know what was up. Plus, she wanted Will to meet at least one member of her family.

"Well, it's because Will and I...that is to say, there is a Will and I. There is an us. Do you get what I mean?"

[Olivia Lancaster]

Olivia knew that their father's imminent death would be even harder for her sister than it would be for her. After all, she was the one still living at home, and she would become the Princess of Wales after Vincent was crowned king. Olivia wished there was something she could do to make it easier, but knew in her heart that it would be hard for Aemilia, no matter what she did. She would undoubtedly come back home to visit more often and spend more time with her family, but what else could she do, both to help her family and to help herself? She was used to being independent, living on her own, having control over what happened in her life. Soon, though, she'd have none of those, and where would she be then? What would happen to her?

That wasn't something that Olivia wanted to think about though, so she tried to push the thoughts away as the hug ended. She knew she would have to deal with it sometime, but now all she wanted to do was be happy and have fun with her favourite (and only) sister. "Ooh!" she said, grinning mischievously. "My little sister's got a boyfriend. Tell me more." Olivia leaned forward, eagerly awaiting whatever juicy details Aemilia would be willing to tell.