a second chance in love

Chapter 20

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"I used to think I was tied to a heartache
That was the heartbreak, but now that I've found you
Even the nights are better
Now that we're here together"

- Even the Nights are Better by Air Supply

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February 1981

As the spotlight on Diana grew and tabloid stories began speculating— talking, about the growing intimacy between the couple after spotting both of them in a compromising position in one of their walks in Balmoral, Charles and Diana felt like it was time to decide on a course of action to stabilize the ongoing chaos thus, their abrupt announcement of their engagement in the Ghillies Ball.

News of the engagement between the Prince of Wales and a woman who holds an aristocratic background reached the public ears and was plastered on the front page of every newspaper they laid their hands on before they even knew it. Neighboring countries were eager to know who the woman who had bewitched the prince and had the privilege to tie him down in the eyes of the church— a holy matrimony.

Almost 5 months have passed since then and yet, they speculate this mayhem isn't going away anytime soon.

"This is... the news of our engagement is still being printed in all places. I can't believe it." Diana uttered, eyes fixed on the newspaper that held a bold 'The Royal Engagement' on both their faces. "I haven't even picked out a ring," she adds, sighing.

Was this too much? She and Charles had already talked about how they would handle the press when they decided to go public. For years, she's been preparing herself for this. And yet, she feels as though she is being thrown in a cave full of lions while she, a sheep— once again.

Can she really do this?

Can she sit back, and let them invade her privacy once more?

Diana sighed for the nth time and placed the newspapers on top of the table. This isn't an appropriate time to entertain such thoughts.

Charles seemed to notice her troubled appearance and leaned near her neck, "A penny for your thoughts?" he murmured.

Diana met his eyes, agitated she was.

'Are you alright?'

She slightly shakes her head 'no'.

'Do you want to go home?'

'I just want to get over this, Charles.'

'Alright, we'll make it fast.'

Diana smiled, mentally grateful for her lover's thoughtfulness for he knew she was still uncomfortable with having all eyes on her.

This time, however, the Queen didn't fail to notice the sudden shift of energy between the two of them.

"What's troubling you, dear?" the Queen questions. Diana composes herself before answering her. "Oh... nothing, your majesty."

Elizabeth was wise enough not to press any further and decided to go along with the young woman's words.

"Well, have you picked a ring then?"

"Yes, I did."

Unbeknownst to the people inside the room— save for Charles— Diana already knew what ring she was going to pick for this engagement.