Princess of Hearts

Chapter Ten - Security

It was back to Uni in January but then Liam and I spend small parts of the weekend in London for wedding preparations. Now only 7-ish months away, I was going through more details with granny, grandpa, Dad and the commissioner of the police. working through security details for the wedding. I had already decided as asked for the carriage to the abbey as can be used by royal brides.

"So logistically, where would it be better for me to get ready? Clarence house or here at the place if the carriage is taking me to the abbey." I thought out loud looking at the abbey

"Well if your having the carriage then it makes sense to leave from here. Wouldn't you agree, mother?" Dad asked pointing to the map

"Yes, in theory. Either could be done but it makes mores sense for you so leave here." i nod in understanding

"There will be barriers set up from the palace because this is where you'll be returning to. If that is what you wish we can post extra security around the gates." The commissioner agreed "So from the palace, down the mall and around to horse guards parade then through, down through white hall and to Westminster."

"Yes and Liam will be staying at the Goring like Catherine did." I point it out on the map, so there can be security there. Once that meeting was finished I had to dash off for my first dress fitting since finally having Maisie take over. Catherine, Melissa, Aunt Sophie with Louise and Camilla had all met up with me and we headed.

"Rory!" Louise ran over hugging me as I stepped out of the car. Hugging her lovingly I kissed her head

"Hey Lou." We all scattered inside as to not be seen before I greeted everyone else with hugs and kisses. Then Maisie came forward with Ms Peckham.

"Your Royal Highness." they curtsied

"Maisie, Ms Peckham." I greeted "I am so exited to see the dress and to try it on."

"It been a pleasure to design and help make it." Maisie beamed and we were taken back to the fitting room. "May i?" Maisie asks gesturing to the covered gown.

"Yes." I answer and she unzipped the garment bag and pushed it out of the way revealing the dress. Now I will be honest and say that my jaw dropped in aww and the I gasped. It was what I imagined come to life

"It's beautiful." I breath "Can i try it on?"

"of course, right this way." Maisie took the dress and we head behind the curtain where I changed out of my winter clothes and into the gown. it fitted well with a few minor tweaks and adjustments that would need to me made.

"Miss Aurora I also wanted to tell you that in my spare time I made a second dress if you would like to see it." She fixed it up the back

"I would love too." I answer and she finishes before pulling back the curtain ands stepping out. I come out to where the others have sat down and are waiting.

"Oh my goodness, it's beautiful." Catherine commented as there was around of agreements

"You look very pretty Rory" Louise chimed as i stepped up onto the small pedestal.

"Thank you." I flash her a wink and turn around smoothing out my dress and finally take a good look at myself. Tears started coming to my eyes as couldn't help but hear Mum in my head saying she couldn't believe how grown up her little girl was.

"Aurora." Camilla handed me a tissue and I took it from her with a small thanks dabbing away my tears as she rubbed my back. To add to the look i was given a veil, mine wasn't finished because some of the other lining of it was from my mothers and being attached.

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After calming myself down I was shown my other dress and I loved it, it was much more regular me then Princess me. Then Catherine and i headed back to Kenstington.

"So what are you doing now?" Catherine wondered and we made the short trip back.

"Uncle Charles is coming to see me. He says it's important." I answer then glance out of the window. My Uncle and i had a strained relationship, bear in mind this was just me not my brothers they had a semi decent one with him. I however was there when he was on the phone to Mum denying her return to the privacy and sanctuary of home at Althorp. She wanted to make a home there and uncle Charles had agreed at first but then changed his mind. He wasn't there when she needed him and she literally asked him for help. Personally i still held a grudge.

Catherine i stepped out fo the car and with one more hug we went to our apartments. Liam was with his family today so the two of us were just with each other. after changing into a more comfortable Jeans and t-shirt. Uncle Charles arrived a half hour later. I opened the door waiting for him to come over then stepped aside letting him in.

"Uncle." I greeted with a curt nod.

"Aurora." he kissed my cheeks and bowed his head "How are you doing?" he wondered as I then closed the door behind him.

"Doing well, excited for the wedding." I gestured towards the sofa "Would you like anything to drink?"

"Water, please." I nodded and went into the kitchen and getting a glass for him I handed it over as he had just set down a bag beside him. "Thank you." I sat beside him and crossed my legs

"I have to say, I was surprised to hear that you wanted to see me. Contacting through my Dad no less." I brush off some lint glancing down for a moment and then back up.

"I know you unhappy with a how things were dealt with your mother. You've made that very clear on several occasions.. But it's because of your mother that I'm here." he dug into his bag and pulled out a fair sized box. "When you were about five, your mother and i were talking about the future, you were one of the most talked about. Anyway she wanted to give you this herself but in her absence." he handed it over and i took it from him, then opening it, there on velvets lined fusion was the family tiara. The Spencer Tiara. Mom had worn it on her wedding day.

"I....I don't know what to say." my finger traced over it "It's been years since I've seen it, it's barely changed."

"After what happened to your mother...it was returned to the family estate, used at mainly family weddings." Charles told me "It always made her head hurt, tiara's did that to her but I remember her telling me that she would watch you walk around with it tilted on your head and waving." he laughed and I chuckled remembering

"She requested two things. One that you'd be able to wear it on your wedding day if you so choose. and two for it to be under your care if you became a full time royal.. Again this was all talk not last request but I remembered"

"I never thought I would see this again. Lost it along with her."

"You are a Spencer as well Aurora. Your mother never wanted you to forget that." he rested his hand on mine.

"She wanted a lot of stuff. Doesn't mean she always got it." I removed my hand and stand up with the tiara.

"Aurora i did what I thought was right." he sighed

"That's what everyone says when it comes to her." i retort with a scoff "What they thought was right, guess what it wasn't. She was hounded by the press, her marriage was basically non exinsistant. None of you were any help. Even your mother, put herself before any of you and yet to Mum she hoped and prayed that it was all a really bad nightmare hiding behind a smile. She had no chance in this family because the problems started at home."

"They weren't helped by your step mother."

"No they weren't but one of you could have stepped in. At least Camilla and my father have apologised. My father learnt from his mistakes improved himself. He's not perfect and I know he wishes he could of handled things differently. Both of them do, but it's fifteen years and despite how Mom came to have seriously negative feelings about them, they've been there for me." I close the lid to the tiara "Thank you for coming uncle but think it's time you leave." I set the box down and head to the door opening it. He closed his eyes for a moment but stood up and walked to the door.

"Take care of yourself, Aurora." he bowed his head and left as I closed the door with a small thud behind him