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"This was my mother's sapphire engagement ring, I told her I would give her back her title when I am King." He kissed it, then got down on his knees. Everything in my body was frozen. I couldn't react. My body didn't heed my thoughts.
"I know you are uncertain, but when I decided to propose to you, Harry suggested doing it with our mother's engagement ring. We've been in a long time relationship and I would like to take the step forward as King, with you. Hackathrift Pippa, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" As the words left his lips, my mind registered everything and finally, I found my voice.
"Yes, William I'll marry you." I embraced him. William kissed my lips, slipping the engagement ring on my finger. I pulled back. His eyes were full of adoration and love. Married or not, he was mine and I was his. A royal wedding was in the offing!
A ball was held at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the royal engagement of me and Prince William. Dignities, allies of the royal family, even royals of other countries attended. Despite the raging war outside, the room was filled with laughter, singing, and chatter. Guests came up to congratulate us and, although I tried to look focused, I listened aimlessly during the conversations. My attention was turned to the people on the ballroom floor, all of them. Seeing them all dressed in their finest, I felt foreign even though my maids had taken much time with me. The garment itself was a deep, satin emerald. Delicate lace and small crystals fell in rain around the bottom giving off elegance when I walked. Lila wanted to make my engagement gown as special as possible.
"Pippa, is there something the matter?" William whispered so that only I could hear him.
A feeling of regret for not listening went through my head. Dismissing the thought, I kissed his cheek. "It's just a lot to take in, the ball, the announcement. It's overwhelming,"
"Do you regret this?" He held my hand with Princess Diana's engagement ring.
"No, being your future wife is something I'll never regret, so long as I have you," I replied, pulling him closer to me.
"And you will when I protect you for life and be by your side before and after we are married." William brought my arms to wrap around his as he leaned forward, once again bringing his soft lips to meet mine.
"A toast! To Great Britain's future King!"
I raised my wineglass as noblemen and their wives echoed King Felipe IV. Unfortunately, wine was not to my taste though it was part of royal life. I hated how it burned my throat, leaving a dry aftertaste. Quickly I sipped a little and set it down, attempting not to grimace. Lively chatter spread around the banquet table. Thankfully no attention was paid to me. Until last second...
"How are you enjoying your engagement ball, Hackathrift Pippa?" an older-looking noblewoman asked me. Her bright gown reminded me of the gardens in Spain.
"It is hard to believe I am going to be a married woman," I replied, adjusting my emerald bracelet.
"Oh just think, my dear. You'll be the Duchess of Cambridge," her companion gushed to me. I gave her one of my gorgeous smiles, but on the inside my heart hurt. It knew I was asking for more trouble and there would be consequences, not just broken hearts and lies, but secrets I would be killed for.
