Princess Leonor : Viva la Reina! (English Version)

8. The Referendum

It was the first Sunday of December 2032. Unusually, snow had fallen in the city of Barcelona. Despite that, people still went to the election. The election would determine the future of Catalonia. To be an independent countey or remains part of Spain.

Meanwhile, at the Royal Palace in Madrid, the four royals were watching the live streaming of the vote. Queen Leonor felt her hands were still cold even though there was a heater. Anxiety was visible on her face. All was quiet except for the sound from the screen.

"I'll go outside," Sofia said, breaking the silence.

Leonor stood up and answered

"No. You can't. It's too dangerous outside. For today, we must stay inside the palace while waiting for the results of the referendum."

"I just want to go to a friend's place."

"Who? Your boyfriend? Just tell him to come here."

"Alex is not my boyfriend."

"Whatever. You definitely can't go out."

The two sisters were adamant about their opinions until Queen Mother Letizia intervened. She held Sofia's hand.

"Sofi, your sister is right. These are critical times. Give me your friend's address. Alba will pick him up."

"Should the guard pick him up?" Sofia did not believe her mother's words.

"Yes, and he will return with guards too."

"Unbelievable!"

"Sofi, as someone who used to be a commoner like your friend, I think your mother's advice is right. In this situation, anyone can harm you or your friend." This time it was Umberto who gave his opinion.

"Alright." Sofia finally gave in.

____________

An hour later, Alex arrived at the palace. Then he was introduced to Sofia's family members.

"No need to be awkward here, Alex," Letizia smiled.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"No need to be like that, just call me by my name. And don't worry. We won't intrude on your and Sofia's privacy."

Letizia's answer made Leonor and Umberto cough. Sofia glared at her family. How embarrassing.

"We will go to the garden first." Sofia said while pulling Alex's hand.

_____

It may not have snowed in Madrid yet, but it was already starting to get cold. Sofia put her hands in her jacket pockets. 

"So, why was I called here, Princess? I was even picked up by your guards. Honestly, I was surprised."

"I'm bored. I want to get away from the referendum topic. About the bodyguards, that was Mama's idea, sorry."

"Luckily it's Sunday, so I have the day off."

"Sorry if I disturbed your time, Alex. I didn't mean to.."

"No, it is OK."

"Oh yeah, let's just sit in that gazebo."

The gazebo was small without walls and had several chairs and an oval table. Sofia and Alex walked a few meters until they reached the place.

Alex watched Sofia rub her hands. Apparently she wasn't wearing gloves. 

"It's cold here, Sofi."

"Yes, but the view is beautiful, right?."