Behind The Palace Walls

𝟏𝟐. "𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭"

Chapter 12; Shadows of Regret

In the dimly illuminated study of Kensington Palace, Prince William and Princess Catherine sat with their elder sons, Prince George and Prince Louis, their countenances wrought with worry and exasperation. Lara's inexplicable disappearance weighed heavily upon their hearts, igniting a tempest of emotions as they grappled with the enigma of her whereabouts.

"George, Louis," William's voice resonated with urgency, laced with an undercurrent of agitation, "we must address Lara's absence."

George emitted a derisive scoff, a smug smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "What is there to discuss, Father? Lara has forever been the outlier, a misfit amidst royalty."

Louis, seizing upon the opportunity to jest, joined in with a snide remark, his tone dripping with mockery. "Indeed, she likely cavorts with her equine companion, gallivanting in the meadows. Who gives a fig?"

William's brow furrowed in consternation, his frustration simmering beneath a veneer of restraint. "Enough of your insolence, boys," he admonished, his tone stern. "Lara's disappearance is a grave matter, necessitating our immediate attention."

Catherine's voice trembled with emotion as she interjected, her eyes brimming with tears. "We are ignorant of her tribulations, her anguish. We must locate her before it is too late."

George emitted a scornful laugh, his demeanor dripping with disdain. "Pish posh, Mother. Lara has always been prone to melodrama. She likely seeks attention, as is her wont."

Louis nodded in agreement, his expression frigid. "Indeed, recall her past penchant for self-harm? She is naught but an aberration."

William's jaw clenched with suppressed fury as he struggled to contain his wrath. "Silence!" he thundered, his voice reverberating through the chamber. "You know naught of Lara's trials, her inner turmoil. Ridiculing her shall not avail us."

Catherine's voice cracked with anguish as she implored, her words laden with desperation. "We must find Lara, bring her back to us. We cannot permit her to suffer in solitude."

With heavy hearts, William and Catherine observed as George and Louis exchanged a remorseful glance, their countenances suffused with regret. In that poignant moment, they comprehended the enormity of their words, the injury they had inflicted upon their sister. Vowing to atone for their transgressions, they resolved to stand united in the quest for Lara's return, steadfast in their commitment to support her through the tribulations that lay ahead.