Princess Leonor : Viva la Reina! (English Version)

5. The Blood

"Majestad, Autoridades, ...."

Sofia was practicing her speech for the Princess of Asturias awards next week. Prince or Princess of Asturias is the title for the heir to the throne of the Spanish kingdom. As long as Queen Leonor has no children, her sister Sofia is the Princess of Asturias. With Leonor's current pregnancy, it was estimated that Sofia would only be Princess of Asturias for about a year.

"Ah, no. I shouldn't be nervous," Sofia said as she lay down on her bed. Her right hand was still holding the paper containing her speech. A few minutes later she went back to practicing.

______

After practicing her speech, Sofia intended to meet her sister, Queen Leonor. However...

"What's going on?" Sofia said as she saw her entire family gathered in front of the TV. No one answered. But Sofia could tell the answer as the blue flag with a white cross filled the screen. Yes, Scotland had become independent from the United Kingdom. The recent referendum showed that the majority of Scottish people wanted to separate from the United Kingdom.

"What if that happened to Catalonia or the Basque Country?" Umberto said, looking at his wife.

"Sooner or later it will happen. And I will be a failed queen," replied Leonor who kept looking straight at the TV screen.

"No, don't talk like that. You are loved by your people." said Umberto.

"Not in Catalonia and the Basque Country. Hmm, Mama, what would Papa do if he were alive and they asked for a referendum?" Leonor turned to her mother, Dowager Queen Letizia.

"I think your dad will do what the parliament decides. Your dad will not hinder the human rights, the freedom of the people," Letizia replied.

"What if the parliament decides that the monarchy is abolished and Spain becomes a republic?" Sofia said as she took a seat next to Umberto.

"I think so. It is the people's basic right to choose either republic or monarchy," Letizia replied.

Leonor covered her face with her hands. She tried to be a strong queen, but she couldn't imagine those scenarios happening.

"Leonor, my daughter. Don't be afraid. It will not happen. Even if it does, we are always here for you. We will get through it all together." Letizia hugged her daughter.

"I have a visit to Barcelona in two days, can Mama and Umberto accompany me?" Leonor asked as she let go of her mother's hug.

"Of course, my daughter." said Letizia.

"Of course, dear." said Umberto.

"Why not me?" Sofia protested.

"You are the heir, Sofia. If anything happens to me, you must stay safe. Stay in Madrid and prepare for the Princess Asturias Awards," Leonor explained. Sofia nodded.

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Unexpectedly, the event in Barcelona, ​​the capital of Catalonia, went quite peacefully. There were several demonstrations but they went without any physical violence.

A few days later they departed for Oviedo, Asturias. A series of events were prepared for the Princess of Asturias awards.

"How are you feeling, Sofi?" Letizia asked on the way to the venue. Meanwhile, Leonor and Umberto were in another car.

"A little nervous, Ma. But never mind. This is the first and last time I'll be the center of attention at this event. Next year, Leonor's child will be born, we'll have a new Prince or Princess of Asturias. I have to go all out tonight." Sofia tried to smile.