The Bodyguard and I

Chapter One

The sun is beaming down onto the lake while the small fish add ripples to the surface. The trees are still as they should be on a nice summer morning. The squirrels are racing each other to see who can get to the tree first. The butterflies and the bees are settling on the flowers. I look across the pond from the tree swing to take in the peaceful wildlife before I begin another hectic day. You would think at 21 years old my life wouldn’t be hectic, but only fun and carefree. I wish it was that simple. The only time I can have fun is at the weekend without the carefree. Apparently, I still have rules when I am out on the weekends because I have a future and reputation to uphold. This might seem a bit drastic for a 21 year old, but when you are months away from being crowned queen, this is the life for the future queen. However, I do thank my lucky stars as my parents granted me my birthday wish on my 18th birthday.

For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a normal teenage girl. I watched all those teenage films like clueless, legally blonde, breakfast club and mean girls. I watched nearly every kids tv series like Hannah Montana, ICarly, Wizard or Waverley place and H2O. I have always dreamed of having a teenage life. I am grateful for everything that I have, but having your sister as your best friend isn’t the same. Or the only time I leave the palace is for royal duties or events. You have to be homeschooled because you have to learn how to rule a country. It’s not ideal for a young girl. Every year on my birthday and Christmas, I would ask to be able to have weekends where I can be a normal teenager. Of course, my parents were reluctant to the idea which I understand that I don’t want the future queen looking like a fool and at risk of danger. Along came my birthday and my parents gave me what I wanted with a set of rules.

Rule 1: I have to wear a disguise with a brand new identity

Rule 2: Never reveal my true identity

Rule 3: Avoid photos with people

Rule 4: A bodyguard would be following me from afar, but close distance

Rule 5: No pubs or nightclubs

Rule 6: No boyfriend

Rule 7: No drugs or getting into trouble

Rule 8: Be back by 11 pm

The list goes on for the rules to follow, but I think the rules are slightly over the top. This is why I bend the rules, I don’t break them I just bend them. Due to me bending the rules a lot, my parents have struggled to keep a bodyguard long enough. I think my longest bodyguard was David, but he was my bodyguard when I was a young child and he sadly retired. All the other bodyguards left because I was giving them too many grey hairs.

“Olivia Mae” I heard someone shouting my name which takes me away from my thoughts.

I ignore the person for a couple of more minutes because I know my day is about to take a bad turn. Also, I wanted to appreciate my secret garden for a little bit longer. After hearing more than voices shouting my name, I decided to leave my safe place. I walk towards the 10 foot hedge to open the hidden black, metal fence that has been engulfed by this hedge. This is why my garden is a secret. I mean my father knows about it as these are his grounds, but he allowed me to have this space for myself.

I slightly poke my head through the hedge to make sure no one is around before my way back to normality. I pace myself down the gravel path as I get closer to the palace and I can see the maids running away screaming my name. I roll my eyes because I find it ridiculous that they are panicking about my whereabouts.

“I’m here, so stop running around like headless chickens” I say to them as I give them a small wave.

“Well, they wouldn’t be like that if you actually did your duties” I heard my little sister snap at me.

I turn to the left and saw my sister sat on a chair with a newspaper and cup of tea. She is only 2 years younger than me, but I have always believed she should have been born first. She would have been a better queen than me as she concentrated on all the lessons and a proper try hard. I know deep down she knows that too. However, father said I would be better for it and wants me to give it a shot. It’s kinda hard to say no to a man who is suffering from multiple sclerosis.

“Rosie, has anyone told you to act your age?” I snide back at her.

“I am acting my age” she replies with a glare.

“Oh sorry I forgot that you were 40 years old”

Before she could reply, I wondered into the conservatory which led to the grand entrance of this palace. I would say the conservatory is my second favourite place in this prison. The conservatory is huge with a bench going around the building below the windows with cushions and pillows. There is also a bunch of hanging baskets for every other window along with a bookcase against the wall. I would come here on a stormy night and lay on my back on the hard, cold tiles while I listen to the angels play the drums and watch the gods throw bolts across the sky as if they were going into battle.

As I come out of the conservatory, I see my mother standing there with her arms crossed at the bottom of the grand staircase. This is the ‘I’m disappointed in you’ or ‘you have messed up again’ pose. It is probably due to me losing another bodyguard. However, this wasn’t my fault for getting him fired. He was too busy flexing and showing off to single mums about how he is a bodyguard. Honestly, it’s very unprofessional and shameful that I couldn’t put him to the test. As they all say another one bites the dust.

“Good morning mother, did you sleep well? How was your breakfast? I hope it was divine” I cheerfully say to her as I stroll towards her.

“Not today Olivia Mae! I have had it with you and these bodyguards. Why can’t you just learn to work with them and not cause any hassle?” My mum yells at me as she breaks out of her mad pose to wave her finger around.

“Hold up! This time it wasn’t my fault. Todd was flirting with women while I enjoying my weekend. If anything, you should tell him what’s what” I argue back.

“Don’t you dare argue with me. I am your mother and queen, so you should show me some respect”

Here we go again with the title, it’s not like some random person who isn’t going to become Queen is six months. Honestly, this woman is just about titles and money. I wonder how my father puts up with her, then again it wasn’t like they had the choice on who to marry. It was like Prince Charles and Princess Diana, but it’s not the same as my parents eventually fell in love along with abolishing the tradition. Even though it is abolished, it hasn’t stopped my mother from pushing me towards wealthy men which is pointless as I’ll be more wealthy.

“Well, I will be queen in six months and the shoe will be on the other foot” I snap back at her.

“You aren’t even ready or perfect enough to be Queen by the way you are acting. You have had more bodyguards than anyone I know. You are always out partying and doing god knows what. If I had it my way, I would have your title stripped and given it to Rosie as she is the Queen that country needs” She screams at me with her face turning red.

I would say the words she is saying hurts me, but it is the truth. She is stating what every bodyguard, family member and staff in this castle is thinking. I even think it. My father is the only delusional one who actually thinks I can run this country. Maybe he will eventually see that I am not suited for the crown and let me renounce the throne for Rosie.

Before I could reply with a snarky comment, I hear a heavy door slam from the corridor. My mother and I turn towards the sound to see my father in his wheelchair looking agitated with his aid by his side. I guess we were arguing loud enough to ruin his meeting which is another thing we are not allowed to do.

“Olivia Mae Victoria Alnwick, my office now” My father sternly says.

Well, I have definitely done it now. My head is about to be chopped off.