Princess Leonor : The Fleur de Lys and The Lion (English Version)

5. The Summer

Day after day. Month after month. Winter had turned into summer. The news about Leonor and Umberto's relationship was no longer bombastic for the Spanish public. According to the latest survey, public trust in the monarchy remains above 50%, which is consistent with previous surveys. This means that the majority of Spaniards do not view their relationship negatively.

At the same time, the couple's rules were no longer as strict. Umberto was invited to attend the Princess of Girona Awards ceremony in early July 2024. Even though they did not walk together, Umberto was seated in the front row alongside the King, Queen, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofia.

Leonor, the Princess of Girona, looked stunning in a dark blue dress by Carolina Herrera, her mother's favorite designer. Leonor delivered a speech in three languages: Spanish, Catalan, and English. There was applause when she stepped down from the podium.

The event ran smoothly until they left the building. Dozens of demonstrators were demanding Catalonia's independence. "Visca Cataluña!" the demonstrators shouted. They also took Felipe's photo and burned it. Among them is Meritxell Andreu alias Meri, who several months ago took a photo of the couple Umberto and Leonor.

The security forces attempted to disperse the demonstrators. On the other hand, the royal family immediately got into the car with dozens of bodyguards guarding their bodies. Umberto, who is not an official member of royal family, also receives the same security treatment.

Meanwhile, in the car, Leonor, Umberto, and Sofia were accompanied by a bodyguard and a driver. The king and queen were in another car.
"Oh my God! What was that? So brutal!" Umberto was still shaking from what had just happened.
"That's normal. Protesters will undoubtedly attend every royal event in Catalonia." Leonor answered in a normal tone.
"Aren't you afraid???"
"At first I was afraid. But what can I do. "This is my fate." Leonor tried to smile.

FATE. That word made Umberto realize. His life path was to become Prince Consort of Spain, rather than a worker in England. Of course, he had to leave his job when he married Leonor. Several thoughts were running through his mind.
Ah, the wedding is still a long time away.
Will I be like Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband?
But what if we break up?
But what if Catalonia becomes independent? What if the monarchy dissolves?

But those thoughts just stayed in Umberto's head without him saying anything to anyone. This summer they have a lot on their agenda.

_________

After the Princess of Girona Awards, they vacationed in Mallorca. Umberto's aunt has a private villa there. They can enjoy the beaches of Mallorca without worrying about paparazzi.

Umberto's number one hobby is surfing. He didn't waste that opportunity. He spent almost the entire day playing in the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. He had no idea when Leonor was waiting for him on the beach. Umberto's surfing session ended only after Leonor waved her hand.

"Why, dear?"
"You're enjoying yourself. I'm bored. Can you teach me to surf?"
"Wow, I'm not a professional trainer. I'm afraid you'll be in trouble if I teach you. The waves here are quite big."
"Ah, that's not true."
"What if we get a professional trainer to come here and teach you and Sofia?"
"I don't want to."
"Are you mad at me?"
Leonor didn't answer.
"What happened my dear?"
Leonor sighed. She finally answered
"You're busy surfing all day. There's no time for me. Even though you only have two days off from work over the weekend, you almost always come home to see me. We are on a long vacation right now, but you are enjoying yourself."
"Oh, so you are mad at me."
"UMBERTO. I'm not kidding."
"Sorry, Princess," Umberto tried to kiss Leonor's cheek.
"Enough. Let's just sit down. It will be sunset soon."
"Yes, princess."