A Lover's Triumph

Chapter 14

"Charles, how could you!? I could never ask you to do such a thing!" Diana exclaims.

Charles just told her he threatened to abdicate if his parents didn't allow them to marry. Diana loves Charles but knows she could never ask him to leave his duties and role as Prince of England.

" I don't care! I love you, Diana, and I'm not giving up my family."

"Charles, please think about what you are saying! All the hard work you have done. The Prince's trust, all the charities you patronize. You worked so hard. I couldn't ask you to make such a sacrifice," Diana says.

" I can still be a patron even if I am not Prince of England. What kind of man would I be to turn my back on the woman I love and my child?"

She doesn't say anything.

"Darling, I love you so much. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. If that means giving up the crown, then so be it."

Elizabeth and Philip are sitting with Edward, France, and Raine. After the maid exits after service tea, the meeting begins.

"So, we are all here today because our daughter is expecting a child with your son, Prince Charles," Edward says.

"That is correct," Elizabeth replied.

"Diana has informed us that she intends to keep the child. Her terminating her pregnancy is out of the question," Edward continued.

"Charles has informed us the same. He has made it clear that he plans to surrender his crown if we force him to go through with the original plans for a spouse and not allow him to marry Diana," Elizabeth says, concerned.

"We were not aware they were serious. Diana never mentioned she was seeing anyone. However, it does make sense why she would be gone almost every weekend," Frances says before sipping her tea.

"We have noticed Charles consistently disappearing on the weekends, too. One day, he came to us and asked permission to marry her. That is when we found out. Considering the timetable, permitting Charles to marry Princess Diana would have to be within the next month as she is still very early in her pregnancy." This time, Philip speaks up.

"I agree. Before I give my blessing, I want to speak with Prince Charles. I'm not too happy about the predicament that lies before both families. However, I think it benefits both counties as we have been allies for hundreds of years," Edward says.

"That is true. We wish the circumstances were different," Elizabeth chimes in.

Charles exits the limousine in front of the castle that has housed the Welsh Royal family for over two hundred years. This will be the first time he will visit Diana's home and meet with King Edward personally.

Once inside, Charles looks around and sees the portraits of the Spencer family, who have ruled for centuries. He finds the one where his beloved is, and she looks beautiful.

"Good Afternoon, Your Highness," a feminine voice breaking the silence.

Turning, he sees a middle-aged woman walking toward him.

"Good Afternoon," Charles replies.

"I am Gwen, His Majesty's personal assistant," the woman says, presenting her hand.

"Nice to meet you, Gwen," Charles replies, shaking her hand before they head to where he is to meet with Diana's father.

They walk down one long corridor and then another. As they walk, Gwen answers his question about the history of the Welsh royal family. Just as they come to a stop, Charles feels a wave of nervousness wash over him. He has no idea how this meeting with Diana's father will go.