PRINCESS 2 [Charles Leclerc]

62. The Throne

ZANDVOORT GP - CHARLES POV

Two days later.

Carlos: Hey mate, are you a single dad now?

He jokes as he sees me with Grace in the garage. Elisabeth nowhere to be seen.

Isa: Babe!

She hits him gently against the arm, showing him it wasn't nice since they don't know.

Charles: Very funny, Carlos. But Grace wanted to join me this weekend.

I motivate Grace to say hello to everyone and stroke over her hair after. Kika and Pierre join us and Kika gives Grace a high-five.

Kika: Where is Betty tho?

Charles: She stayed in Monaco. Little family drama.

Pierre: Well better say a big family drama, isn't it?

He jokes around. The news are all over the failed coronation.

Charles: Hm, well, we just announced our second baby. Could be better right?

I try to ignore the fact that Elisabeth really didn't make it here. It would've been good to be here together. Announcement like this are huge. Our life is gonna change with a second baby. The reporters are asking about her all the time, assuming we're not okay.

Kika: She should've been with you.

Kika gives me a soft smile as she can read my thoughts, putting her hand on my shoulder to comfort me. I shrug my shoulders upset.

Charles: The royalty is the priority.

Carlos: What's the thing now? You stoped texting us about it.

I take a deep breath and tell them everything.

Charles: So the DNA results should be here soon.

Isa: I still can't believe it. I always thought Queen Sophia is the best person.

Charles: From what I heard. Sophia was forced to marry George. He became king when he was 18. Sophia's family prepared her the whole life for getting married to George.

Kika: It feels like a movie. Never expected the royalty really works like this.

She shakes her head and everyone agrees to her.

Charles: I hope we can protect Grace in all this craziness. It's good she's with me here. I don't want her to notice all the drama.

Pierre leans down to Grace who's holding tight onto
my leg, watching the people in the paddock but wanting to be close to me.

Pierre: Well I guess we all gonna have a lot of fun this weekend, don't you think Gracie?

She starts to feel better and grins.

Grace: Yes fun!

She nods happy and tickles Pierre.

ELISABETH POV

Meanwhile in Monaco.

I was about to call Charles and Grace as my Dad called us and wanted to see Simon and me immediately. I'm so sad to leave my daughter, but the royalty needs me right now.

I enter the room, which is adorned with heavy velvet curtains and golden decorations. Dad is not there. Only Simon. I take his hand as he sits next to me.

Elisabeth: No matter what happens, you're always gonna stay my brother.

He looks at me, taking a deep breath before he nods slowly.