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"I shouldn't have said yes-I shouldn't." my palms were sweating; after the celebration ball. Prince William and I were going to announce our engagement to the world which would happen this afternoon. It would lift the darkness the war had befallen on us but it wouldn't lift the darkness that loomed behind me. I glanced down at my engagement ring (that was Princess Diana's) and let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding as familiar fingers took hold of my palms.
"Pippa, you're shaking-" Lila's delicate fingers rubbed my palms in an effort to distract me.
I attempted to speak but it only came out as a breathy laugh, "I know, it's just a lot to take in; First the ball and now the public."
"...Which is understandable, but look at this at another prospective. You and His Highness Prince William are shedding brilliant light to this dark, cold time and right now. They need that light to keep going." Lila spoke firmly but not unkindly.
A smile managed to get through my lips, I nodded briefly and placed my hand on her shoulder and uttered a small "Thank you-" as the doors opened and William walked in with two of the palace staff. Lila curtseyed. "Your Royal Highness."
"Lila." William acknowledged, "You are dismissed-"
I watched Lila scurry away and quietly shut the doors, William turned back towards me and walked over to where I was sitting and placed his hand on my shoulder. Immediately, I clasped his hand in mine.
"I-don't know-what to say." was all I could manage,
"You don't have to say anything Pippa." William replied, stroking my hand with his thumb than he pulled his hand away and wrapped it around me. I gently leaned on him.
"But Britain is waiting for the announcement,"
"Well, we shouldn't keep them waiting." I let my hand caress his cheek for a brief moment than I stood alongside William and together we made our way to the balcony of Buckingham Palace, the royal guards opened the doors and I was greeted by thousands of people who were eager to see William and I.
"Pippa," greeted Prince Harry who stood by my right side.
"Lovely to see you, Your Highness," I replied and turned my eyes back to the crowds, the British flag was hung on the balcony. Reporters were also present. Setting aside the uncertainty that clouded me earlier was pushed aside. I turned towards William and saw him smiling, however. He noticed me glancing over, I gave him a radiant smile and moved closer. William pressed his lips to mine, I knew that the entire world was watching.
I was content with that and we slowly broke away. Turning back to the crowds, both of us waved along with Prince Harry and Charles, The Prince of Wales who was also present, he seemed to be proud of his eldest son-.
During the dark hours after night had fallen over Buckingham Palace, I was defenseless, though I was not alone, somethings that were in the past tended to slip into dreams and even I couldn't stop them.
We were staying at the House which was one of the royal residences. At first glance, it would seem like a normal, beautiful lodge but if you walked into the heart of it. The first floor was open with no walls, except for the staircase and the study. There was a long red carpet, made of soft velvet. On a higher level was the dining room, with large windows and dark oak chairs, a railing separating it. A small painting with black and white fish was also seen on the table in the middle of the railing. On the left is the lounge alongside the matching railing. A storm-grey bearskin is on the floor with luxurious grey lounger chairs, and double glass doors leading to the courtyard are also present. On the right of the dining room, up a small flight of stairs was the study, two very large oak doors finished with gold décor separated it from the outside. William was often in the study and at that time but he seemed to change behind those doors. His gentle personality left and it was replaced with a stern nature.
Like his fathers, I guess I didn't notice it nor could I understand his emotions but at that time, all I could do was be an adviser but that changed.
