Rise To The Crown- The Story of the Third-In-Line

Twenty-Six (2009.6)

"Philip?"

"Yes?"

The couple was talking at lunch.

"Charles told me about the scene Lissybette made at the museum," she put down the cup, "what do you think?"

"Apparently, it has become a topic of great discussion among some people," the Duke looked to the Buckingham Palace staff members who were serving by their side, "is it not?"

"Philip, I'm serious!" the Queen clearly has zero tolerance for her husband's childish manners in situations where they were inappropriate.

"Fine, from my point of view, Lissybette thinks a bit deeper than the other girls of her age, and therefore it's not uncommon that these people like to voice their opinions a bit more," Philip leaned over the table and half-flirted, "Just. Like. You."

"Philip!", a blush spreads across her face, she argued,"... well...at least, at least I didn't dare to show such great disaffection to someone, I should've taught her."

"Darling, Lissybette's three, and how old are you? Eighty-three. I'd assume that those eighty years made a difference. Besides, we all learn from our mistakes right?"

"Yes, I know that, that was not my intention in my asking you the question," she continued, "what do you think it shows us about Lissybette's character?"

"Well, that she likes to talk what she thinks, like any other three-year-old," Philip paused, "anything wrong with that?"

"Yes! Obviously! She needs to know how to behave, her image, her manners, her reputation!"

"Elizabeth, I think you are mistaken, yes she needs all of those things, there is of no use denying that. It is also absurd to assume that she needs to achieve all of these when she's three."

"Philip, these are the precise words you told me when the kids were her age, and whenever they've done something wrong. You always tell me to give them a chance, to respect their choices, to let them find freedom. You say that even if they make mistakes, they are going to change the second time. Sure! They can have second chances! Is there a second chance for the family?", the Queen yells, terrible memories waking up again, "You and I both remember the year when Charles got divorced. The monarchy was tottering! Did the protesters for a republic CARE that we were human as well? Did they understand that we make mistakes every so often? They didn't! We ARE perfect in their eyes, and perfect Lissybette must be."

"Elizabeth, no, I can never understand why you would enforce this upon a child. Can't we do all of this perfection training when she's older? "

"Philip, let's have a moment of truth, she's the last heir we are going to see. She is our future, I can't risk--"

"You Majesty, Your Royal Highness," Robert Teleman, a trusted staff member of Philip, rescued the Duke from the conversation, "Adelaide came for a visit."

"Oh my lord how can I be so forgetful!" exclaimed the Queen.

a/n

super sorry for the long wait! And yes, IM BACKK! <3 It's September in this real universe and in this fictional universe Delly will be entering preschool in September, isn't that exciting?