You didn't sleep as well as you'd originally hoped but given what you were in for as the day ahead approached, it was to be expected. You were scheduled to arrive in England for 1PM the following day however there was a slight delay not that it fazed you at all as it was an excuse for you and the Princess to make one little stop for lunch at small cafe.
It was approximately 10 minutes away from the airport on a corner. Margaret was a little hesitant about approaching the cafe hence sending security to 'check the place out' as she called it. However, in your eyes, it was perfect. It had a different energy to it. Energy that flourished off warmness, positivity and kindness. It was refreshing.
Carefully above the door was a sign with hand painted letters delicately placed reading 'BRIDIES DINER'. It had two large windows, beneath held two flower baskets filled with with fresh petunias of white, pink and purple. Once it was declared safe, you and the Princess walked in and got seated at a small table. It was clear Margot wasn't used to smaller cafes like this and was more comfortable in more glamorous restaurants, socialising with people closer to her status. Margot decided to get a traditional greek salad that came with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and creamy feta cheese. You opted for a melted chicken and bacon baguette and of course, you both ordered your favourite iced tea.
It was quite a lovely afternoon given the circumstances. Filled with love and laughter which to be honest, is what you both needed. After your time together, it was time to leave America and return home. You were escorted to the airport by the Princess' driver and despite what awaited you back in England, you were excited to be sleeping in your own bed and to be having a nice normal routine again, whatever normal was.
Walking through the airport, it was eerily quiet. Everywhere had been closed at the Princess' request. It felt quite strange to you as the last time you'd walked across this airport floor, it had been filled with paparazzi, press and people who would've given everything just to get a glimpse of the English Princess. "I do think a massage is in order darling we definitely deserve it after this bloody trip" Margot giggled, as she boarded the plane. "Certainly" you said, trying to contain the nervousness that was swirling around in the pit of your stomach as you took your seats.
"Everything okay Y/N?" Margaret said, as a concerned expression formed upon her face. "I'm just worried Margot.. about everything at home" you gulped. She placed her hand on the top of yours and gave it a squeeze. "Oh Y/N" she said, with a weak smile as she looked directly into your eyes. "I cannot tell you how things will go tommorow I can't promise you it will be easy as nothing like this has well really ever happened before in our family however I can assure you that no one makes me smile like you do and I'll do everything in my power to save us". Her words completely melted you. Her compassion and the safe feeling that fell over you as soon as her hand reached yours was undeniably one of the best feelings you'd experienced. This wasn't just a fling. She was your soulmate. Your true love, which made every moment you spent with her more fulfilling. The unexpected bit of magic in your life that you never knew you needed.
By the time you got back to England, it was quite late. It was decided that the whole situation would be discussed in the morning and that The Princess Margaret needed 'well deserved rest' after her errands in America. You took this time to reflect upon everything that had happened over the last year or so. How you'd originally came to Buckingham Palace to work and nothing more. That your position was only temporary yet it led you to become the Lady In Waiting to one of the most senior royals and eventually form a love that consumed you and a relationship which left you both on Cloud 9. Or how you were now possibly if not most likely meeting the Queen of England due to the love of your life being Princess Margaret Rose of England. It was really quite laughable.
You spent the rest of your evening bathing whilst looking out over London with a glass of whiskey in your hand - another trait you'd picked up from the Princess during your stay at Buckingham Palace. You eventually got out and walked over your bathroom cabinet which was filled with all different ointments and creams and did some well deserved skin care. Next, you slipped on your favourite pair of silk pyjamas and snuggled into your bed. Your 'favourite' due to the fact this particular set had been infused with the scent of Margot which brought you a great sense of comfort. You decided it would be best to get as much sleep as you possibly could to ensure you were prepared and ready to face whatever tommorow brought. Your thoughts kept you up most of the night contemplating how tommorow would go, how the Queen would react but most of all, how the Queen would be like. Would she accept you and Margot for who you were? Would she be able to look past the fact that your two women madly in love and be able to see the love, the passion, the connection that was getting stronger and stronger everyday? It was a thought you couldn't shake but couldn't find the answer to.
Waking up at 7AM the following morning, everything suddenly hit you. It wasn't something that could just 'go away' by closing your eyes and pretending that it doesn't exist. It did and you couldn't escape it no matter how hard you tried. You selected a very conservative outfit for your meeting. You wanted to carry yourself with elegance.. with class and show Her Majesty that you weren't just someone who worked for her or the Princess' latest fling. You were serious about the whole situation and had never felt this way.. this type of love about anyone other than Princess Margaret.
You styled your hair in a way that made you seem more sophisticated and then went to say good morning to the Princess as well as call for her breakfast to be brought up. 'Morning love' she said, looking up from her paper. 'Good morning' you smiled, walking over to her bedside and gently kissing her on the cheek. 'Y/N darling, I just want you to know that whatever happens today.. I love you and only you remember that' Margot said, as you looked away in fear you'd have a complete breakdown if you looked into those chocolate eyes once more that could so easily be taken away from you.
Walking through the corridor down to a room where her Majesty had requested you'd meet, memories of your first meeting with The Princess Margaret came flooding back. The nervousness you'd felt entering her room for the first time had came flooding back as you approached the room where Elizabeth awaited you. Three guards stood outside the room. You stood there, waiting in anticipation until one turned round and spoke to you 'Her Majesty will see you now'. You slowly walked towards the door and carefully twisted the knob. This was it. This was the moment you'd been dreading since falling in love with the Princess. The moment that could either make or break you. The only moment that mattered. Taking a deep breath, you cautiously opened the door and stepped inside.
A/N
Heyyy, Wattpad messed up whilst I was writing this chapter and published the first two paragraphs whilst I was still editing so that's possibly why some of you got a notification about Chapter 24 a few days ago! I hope you enjoyed this chapter🍭🤍Love you all 😻
YOU ARE READING
Lady In Waiting
FanfictionY/N is offered a life-changing experience to become the new lady in waiting to Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. Based on Netflix 'The Crown' - particularly on S3 & 4 where Margaret is portrayed by Helena Bonham-Carter.
