Author's Note: I fell in love with this movie after seeing it for the very first time a few months ago. For those of you Audrey film fanatics, you'll notice I've used some of the dialogue from Roman Holiday in a few scenes, as well as dialogue from some of her other films. Happy Easter egg hunting, and enjoy the story!

The atmosphere at Rocca's was buzzing with life. The tourist season in Rome was in full swing, and Joe Bradley sat among the crowd sipping his cold coffee as he watched the city go by. 17 years had passed since he last sat in this same spot with a runaway princess. He smiled at the memory. They had had less than 24 hours together, but in that small amount of time, they fell in love, but ultimately had to bid farewell to each other, as well as to whatever hopes they may have had for a future together.

It was six months after her press conference that he was finally able to relocate back to New York, and once there, he followed her career as best he could. Two years after their meeting, she married, and a year after that she gave birth to a son, and two years later, a daughter. 10 years after the birth of her daughter it was announced that the couple had divorced. The official story to come from the palace was that the pair had split due to "irreconcilable differences." Joe investigated for the ANS, to try and uncover more, but after two months of phone calls and research, he was unable to find a definitive answer. The divorce caused quite an upset among the people of her country, and Ann all but disappeared from the public eye, choosing to relocate with her children to a remote home deep in the heart of her country. It was only one month ago that it was announced that she would be making her first public appearance in two years.

News services from all over the world had already lined up journalists and photographers to send to Rome for a political world summit, but when it was announced that Princess Ann would be attending in her father's place, all news services scouted their best and brightest. A political summit was nothing close to a royal goodwill tour, but this event would be the world's first glimpse of the recluse princess and future queen. Joe Bradley was fortunate enough to be among the journalists sent from abroad.

As the sun began to set over the city, Joe finished the last of his drink, paid, and then headed out for an evening stroll down memory lane. ANS unfortunately flew him cheap. He'd left New York at five the previous evening and had layovers in both London and Munich before landing in Rome in the early evening. Hoping to shake off his jet leg as best he could, he opted for a late coffee and walk before heading to his hotel to sleep.

Three hours later he found himself at the barges at Saint Angelo. He looked at his watch and noted the time: 1:30 AM. The last of the dancers had departed an hour before, but Joe still walked onto the barge to overlook the river. He'd always loved this part part of the city. His eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, and across the water he spotted a lone figure sitting among the stones, and in an instant, he knew it was her. He had rehearsed a dozen times over the years the things he'd say to her if he ever saw her again, but on this occasion, the words would not come. All he could do was watch her. Finally, as if sensing she was being watched, she looked up and their eyes locked. She stared as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing, but Joe broke the spell by letting out a breath as he smiled and slowly raised his hand in greeting. She jolted out of her spot and took a few hurried steps as if she was about to run to him, but stopped the moment her feet hit the water. She looked up and gave a smile and Joe laughed and signaled for her to stay put. He made his way off the barge and up the steps to the bridge that connected to her side.

He made it down the steps to where she stood and walked to her, stopping only until they were a few feet apart. They continued to stare, neither one knowing what to say or do.

Joe spoke first, "I'm afraid we've missed the dancing."

She smiled warmly at him, "Would you think it terribly silly of me if I was to tell you that I've been sitting here the last two hours, wondering if I'd see you while I was here in Rome?"

"No, not silly. I'm just glad I didn't disappoint."

They smiled at each other, and after a few moments of silence he spoke again, "How are you, Anya?"

Her eyes lit up at the use of her full name, "No one has called me that in years," but then she gave him a mischievous, knowing look, "On the record, or off the record, Mr. Bradley?"

He glanced down at his shoes, a moment of embarrassment, "Off the record, of course."

She took a moment, breathed in, and gave the honest answer, "I'm doing a little better, thank you."

She'd taken a step forward, "How are-"

"Your Royal Highness?!"

They both jumped at the voice which sounded not too far away.

"Yes, Marcel, I'll be right there, I was just returning from my walk!"

She turned back to Joe, "I'm afraid I have to leave you. Would you meet me again tomorrow?"

"Any time, any place."

She smiled again and blushed, "11 o'clock tomorrow night, is that too late? There's a garden just next door to the embassy."

"Until tomorrow."

He held out his hand to her and she took it. They squeezed, but before he could pull her to him, she was gone.