When royalty and racing collide, who will come out on top and who will be left in the dust?
Kathrine Montagne, Princess of Monaco, met Charles Leclerc, Monegasque Formula 1 driver, one fateful day. But will they be able to hold onto what is impor...
I drove indirectly to the palace, taking many different routes. I wanted to make sure that no one followed me or put two and two together to realize that I had been at Charles' place. Ronaldo opened the back gate for me when I reached it and I parked the car in the back courtyard. I sent Charles a quick text.
Princess👑 Made it back alive, let's see if I end the night the same way
It was after dinner so I knew that Alex and our father would be in his study, playing chess. I walked around to the glass doors that opened from his study to the garden. He liked them because on warm days he would open the doors and be able to enjoy the garden while working.
Knocking softly on the door, I waited for the curtain to move. When it did, Alex peaked out. He opened the door when he saw it was me and instantly pulled me into a bone crushing hug.
"You're here." He held me at arm's length and looked at me. "You're safe. What is that?"
His eyes focused on the now faint bruise on my cheek.
"You know how those galas go," I replied, playing it off.
"Kat," my father said softly from behind Alex.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him. In the less than week I had been gone, he had aged. His face was haggard and his shoulders dropped. I went to him and buried my face in his shoulder.
He hugged me tightly. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. I swear when I sent you as our representative I had no idea he would be there."
"I don't blame you for any of it." My voice came out muffled by his shirt.
"I will do everything I can to make sure that you don't have to be around him again. He shouldn't be allowed to go to events, he shouldn't be allowed anywhere." My father's voice broke with emotion.
My mother came in after hearing the commotion. "What is going on? Kat?"
She ran over and hugged me.
"I'm back, I'm safe. I shouldn't have run off without warning, I'm sorry," I said once all the hugging was over.
"At least give us a heads up next time or maybe send a postcard," Alex teased, lightening the mood.
"And miss the chance to interrupt chess? Never."
Our father stood with his arm around our mother, both smiling, watching us. "It's good to have you back."
"You were losing so of course you're happy she interrupted," Alex joked.
I sat down in the chair across from the chess board. "I will challenge you tonight."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "You? We haven't played chess in ages, you sure you still remember how?"
"It's like riding a bike." I cracked my knuckles.
Our parents sat in the high backed chairs by the bookshelves, talking, as Alex and I competed. At one point one of the servants brought us all wine which I assume my father had asked for but I was locked into the zone. However, the zone didn't like me.
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"I'll get you next time." I said, resetting the board for the next night.
Alex straightened out the pieces. "You wish."
We said good night to our parents, which resulted in more hugs, before heading up to our rooms. Alex stopped at the top of the stairs. "I am glad you're back, just say the word and I'll always be there for you."
"I know, and if I gave the word I don't think you'd be alone." I explained what Charles had said about the other drivers.
"I'm glad you have them in your life. I know that people love to talk, but I think they could be good for you."
"Good night Alex."
"Good night Kat."
As soon as I reached my room, I pulled out my phone to facetime Ines. I had texted her earlier and promised to facetime her as soon as I had the chance.
"Kat!" She shouted as soon as she accepted the call. "I never had to wonder if you were still alive because of the headlines, but you're alive!"
I laughed. "Yes, I'm alive."
"Are you ok? You just ran off and you weren't answering anything, but that's not important. What's important is if you're ok."
My brow creased as I thought for a moment. "No, but I'm getting there. I'm closer to ok than I have been for a while."
Ines' face relaxed. "I'm glad to hear it. Whatever your reasons for leaving, I'm glad you're back now."
"I'm glad too."
We smiled at each other through the screen.
"Ok, I was gone for a bit, there has to be some update on you and Lando!" I ended in a sing-song voice.
The young woman blushed. "There is."
I gasped. "Tell me everything."
"Why don't we get coffee tomorrow and I'll update you on everything," Ines suggested.
"I can do that, there will be bodyguards though."
"I've always wondered what that would be like," she laughed.
"Well then I guess tomorrow you'll find out. I'll pick you up at 9am."
"Perfect, I can't wait to see you!"
We ended the call and I noticed that Charles had texted.
Charles🔥 I'm glad you made it back alive, I hope you stay that way
Charles🔥 The not staying alive was a joke right?
Charles🔥 I don't know how royals handle this kind of thing
Princess👑 Were you worried?
Charles🔥 Maybe for a second
Princess👑 😘
Princess👑 Don't worry, I won't die without letting you know first
Charles🔥 Not sure how that would work, but I'll hold you to it
Princess👑 I'm holding you to it too
Charles🔥 I will try my best
Princess👑 Perfect, I have the same deal with Alex
Charles🔥 Will I see you tomorrow?
Princess👑 I'm getting coffee with Ines but maybe after
