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

*Forty-Three (2011.05)

It was the month of May 2011, and Delly's parents had just returned from their honeymoon. For Delly, it was good to have her parents back home and to have everything return to normal. She had missed them while they were away, but she was also excited to hear about their adventures and experiences on their honeymoon.

As they settled back into their routine, Delly's parents seemed happier and more in love than ever before. They spent time together, going for long walks and talking about their future plans. They also made time for Delly, taking her on outings and playing games with her in the garden.

_

Delly was having a blast at her skating classes. She had always loved the feeling of gliding across the ice, the cold air rushing past her face, and the sound of her skates carving through the ice.

Dressed in her warmest clothes and her favorite ice-skating outfit, Delly eagerly made her way to the rink. As she laced up her skates, she felt a sense of anticipation building within her. She couldn't wait to feel the smooth ice beneath her feet and to try out some new moves.

As she stepped onto the ice, she felt the familiar thrill of excitement. She started to glide forward, her movements becoming more confident with each passing moment. With her arms outstretched, she spun around and around, feeling the wind in her hair.

Delly's coach was impressed with her progress. She was picking up new skills quickly, and her enthusiasm for skating was infectious. Delly loved working with her coach, learning new techniques, and pushing herself to try more challenging moves.

As the class came to an end, Delly felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. She had learned so much and had so much fun doing it. She knew that skating was something that she would always enjoy, and she couldn't wait for her next class.

_

Delly was also taking dance classes, which she loved just as much as her skating lessons. She enjoyed the freedom of movement and expression that dance offered, as well as the chance to learn new techniques and styles.

Dressed in her dance clothes and ballet shoes, Delly made her way to the dance studio with a spring in her step. She loved the way her ballet shoes felt on her feet, and the way they helped her move gracefully across the floor.

As the music began, Delly lost herself in the rhythm and movement. She moved fluidly across the floor, twirling and leaping with abandon. She loved the challenge of learning new steps and combinations, and the feeling of satisfaction that came with mastering them.

Delly's dance teacher was impressed with her natural ability and dedication to the art form. She worked hard to improve her technique and form, always striving to be the best dancer she could be.

As she danced though, something rang in her head, "you are to be a queen, not a skater, not a ballerina."

_

Delly found her English class with Mr. Samuel Collins to be quite a challenge. Mr. Collins was a teacher who was passionate about social justice and equality, but his teaching methods sometimes felt overwhelming for Delly.

Mr. Collins often used literature as a way to discuss important social and political issues, but sometimes Delly felt like he was trying to indoctrinate her with his own beliefs. She struggled to keep up with the complex language and abstract ideas that Mr. Collins introduced in class.

Delly felt frustrated with herself for not being able to understand everything Mr. Collins was trying to teach her, and she often left class feeling overwhelmed and confused.

One day in class, Mr. Collins introduced a discussion on social inequality and the impact of wealth and privilege on society. He talked about how the rich often had advantages that the poor did not, and how this could lead to an unfair distribution of resources and opportunities.

Delly listened intently, but as Mr. Collins continued, she began to feel guilty for her own wealth and status. She had always known that she was part of a privileged family, but hearing Mr. Collins talk about it in this way made her feel like she had somehow done something wrong.

As Mr. Collins spoke, Delly could feel her heart sinking. She knew that she had always been fortunate, but hearing the extent of the privilege that came with her family's wealth made her feel like she didn't deserve it.

Her mind raced as she thought of all the ways in which she could use her privilege to make a difference. But at the same time, she couldn't help feeling guilty for all the opportunities she had been given simply because of her family name.

But, there were many things she had to give up too, being a Windsor.

_

Delly dreaded her etiquette class with Ms. Marianne Ulmer. The strict rules of manners and decorum made her feel suffocated, and she longed to break free and be herself.

Ms. Ulmer would often scold Delly for her lack of attention to detail, telling her she needed to work on her posture, speech, and table manners. Delly tried her best to follow Ms. Ulmer's instructions, but it all seemed so rigid and unnatural.

Ms. Marianne Ulmer was a tall, slender woman in her mid-50s with striking features and an air of sophistication about her. She always wore her silver hair in a neat bun, and her sharp eyes seemed to take in everything around her.

As an etiquette teacher, Ms. Ulmer was precise and demanding, with a no-nonsense attitude that could be intimidating. She expected her students to follow her instructions to the letter, and any deviation was met with a disapproving glance or a stern reprimand.

Despite her strict approach, Ms. Ulmer had a certain elegance and grace that Delly admired. When she walked into the room, it was as if a queen had entered, and Delly couldn't help but feel a sense of awe in her presence.

But as much as Delly appreciated Ms. Ulmer's poise and sophistication, she couldn't help feeling stifled by the strict rules of etiquette. She longed to be free to express herself and be her own person, but she knew that as a member of the royal family, she had to adhere to certain traditions and expectations. 

During one particular class, Delly's frustration boiled over. Ms. Ulmer was going on and on about the proper way to hold a teacup, and Delly couldn't take it anymore.

"Why does it matter how I hold a stupid teacup?" Delly blurted out, earning a sharp look from Ms. Ulmer.

"Delly, manners and etiquette are a fundamental part of being a member of the royal family. It's important that you learn to conduct yourself properly in all situations," Ms. Ulmer replied sternly.

Delly couldn't help but feel like it was all so superficial. She wanted to be valued for who she was, not for how well she could hold a teacup or curtsy.

Despite her distaste for the class, Delly knew she had to continue attending. After all, it was part of the duty and responsibility that came with being a member of the royal family. 

As Delly sat in yet another etiquette class with Ms. Ulmer, she couldn't help but let her mind wander. As Ms. Ulmer went on about the importance of proper table settings and formal greetings, Delly found herself thinking about her beloved skating and dance classes.

She wondered if the strict rules and expectations of royal etiquette were the reason why she couldn't pursue her dreams of becoming a ballerina or skater. Maybe if she didn't have to adhere to all of these stifling rules, she could focus on her passions and develop her skills to their fullest potential.

But as she looked around the room at her fellow young royals, all dressed in their finest clothes and practicing their curtseys and bows, she knew that she had to put her dreams on hold for now. She had a responsibility to her family and her country to uphold the traditions and expectations of the royal family, even if it meant sacrificing her own desires.

Then she began to piece things together. This, was duty too.