W I L L I A M
"'Good morning, sunshine!' Henry exclaimed with unbridled enthusiasm, his countenance radiant with a warm smile.
I responded with a skeptical eye-roll, taking a seat beside him. ''Ah, but your taciturn demeanor shall surely turn positively bilious upon perusing the missive your father has seen fit to send,''
Henry remarked, brandishing a letter with a flourish, thereby precipitating a flutter in my chest.
''Pray tell, what does he desire now?'' I murmured, reluctantly taking the letter from Henry's outstretched hand.
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Fortis et Fedelis
Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England
22nd May, 1940.
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Dearest William
I, Mathew, Duke of Windsor, write to you with utmost urgency and gravity. As you are well aware, your prolonged absence in Ghana has caused undue distress to your betrothed, Katherine. Her Majesty, the Queen, and I have deemed it essential to expedite your union, and thus, we have arranged for your wedding to take place at the Castle on the twentieth of June next.
You are expected to return to England forthwith to make the necessary preparations and to ensure a timely arrival for the ceremony. Upon completion of your nuptials, you shall return to Ghana to fulfill your outstanding duties and obligations.
I must confess, I was perturbed upon receiving no response to my previous letter, and I do hope this missive finds you in good health and high spirits.
Please respond with all due haste to confirm your receipt of this letter and your intention to comply with our wishes.
Your affectionate father,
Mathew,
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"Good heavens," I exclaimed, tossing the letter aside and burying my face in my hands, overcome with distress. Henry, ever the curious one, snatched up the letter and burst into a fit of laughter.
"Oh, this is rich! You're to be married at twenty and two, William! Congratulations!"
I shot him a withering glance. "I shall do no such thing." But Henry's words only served to remind me of the inevitability of my situation. "Oh, but you will, dear chap," he said, his grin still plastered on his face. "Your father's wishes are clear. You can't simply refuse."
I felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. The weight of my family's expectations was crushing me, and I could see no way to escape the fate that had been laid out for me. I slumped back in my chair, feeling like a prisoner in my own life.
"I abhor that wretched woman, Katherine,"
I whispered, my voice laced with disdain, prompting Henry to chuckle knowingly.
"Perhaps she's pouting because she can't wait to flaunt her royal status to her acquaintances," I added, my words dripping with malice.
Henry raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Would you rather it were the captivating Ghanaian beauty who held your attention?" he asked, his tone teasing.
I hesitated, my cheeks flushing ever so slightly. "Well...I...I wouldn't object," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.
Henry's sigh was audible. "You find yourself enamored with her, don't you?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
My eyes widened, taken aback by my own admission. "I...I'm unsure," I replied, my voice tinged with frustration.
"Even if I did harbor feelings for her, our worlds are oceans apart," I continued, a pang of sorrow creeping into my heart. "It's a futile endeavor, doomed from the start."
Henry's expression turned serious, his voice filled with conviction. "My dear friend, I implore you: for once, cast aside the weight of expectation and the treacherous intrigue of the castle. Be foolish, be reckless, and create memories with this enchanting woman. When the time comes, you shall depart, but for now, indulge in the beauty of the present."
I searched his eyes for a glimmer of jest, but found only sincerity. "You're urging me to court her?" I asked, incredulous.
"And what of Katherine?"I asked.
Henry rose from his seat, his movements fluid. "To hell with Katherine!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with disdain. "For once, prioritize your own desires, and let the world be damned."
With that, he departed, leaving me alone to ponder on his words.
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Do you think Henry is a bad influence or a great wingman??
Don't be afraid to voice your thoughts
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YOU ARE READING
The Colonial Heart ✓ (Editing)
Historical Fiction"Britain, 1840s Prince William Harry Harrington, the eldest son of the British monarch, stood atop the grand balcony of Windsor Castle, gazing out at the sprawling gardens below. His thoughts, however, were far from the lush greenery and vibrant flo...
