Part 5: Defiance and Devotion
YN felt a flare of defensiveness rise in her chest. She took a slow breath, steadying herself before responding. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, I’m not here to play a role. I’m here because I care about Alexia—because I believe in what we could have together. I understand that being part of the royal family comes with responsibilities, but I’m not going to reduce our relationship to a duty.”
Queen Máxima’s expression remained calm, though her eyes flickered with something YN couldn’t quite place. “I admire your passion, YN. It’s part of what makes you so successful. But passion alone won’t protect Alexia from the pressures she’s about to face. You know as well as I do that the media will dissect every part of this engagement—and you. They’ll dig into your past, scrutinize your relationship, and judge your every move.”
YN stiffened at the thought. She had worked hard to build her life on her own terms, away from the public eye. Now, it seemed that every corner of her past, every mistake, every decision, would be laid bare. But she had made her choice. She had chosen Alexia, and if this was part of the price, then she would pay it.
“I know it won’t be easy,” YN said, meeting the queen’s gaze with quiet determination. “But I’m not afraid of what’s ahead. I’ll stand by Alexia, no matter what. We’ve already been through a lot, and I’m not going to let the pressure of the media or anyone else come between us again.”
For a moment, there was silence, and YN wondered if she had overstepped. But then Queen Máxima nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
“I see why Alexia has chosen you,” she said softly. “You have a strength that I can respect. And you’re right—this shouldn’t just be about duty. I hope, for both your sakes, that this can be more than that.”
YN let out a quiet breath of relief. She wasn’t sure if she had won the queen’s approval, but at least she had made it clear where she stood.
“I appreciate your honesty, Your Majesty,” YN said, offering a small, respectful nod.
Queen Máxima stood, signaling the end of their conversation. “This journey won’t be an easy one, YN. But if you and Alexia truly care for each other, you’ll find a way to make it work. Just remember—the crown weighs heavy, and it’s never easy to balance love and responsibility.”
YN rose to her feet, her mind still buzzing from the conversation. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
As she left the queen’s drawing room, YN felt a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. She had expected resistance from the royal family, but she hadn’t anticipated the subtle challenge that Queen Máxima had posed. It wasn’t just about proving her devotion to Alexia—it was about proving she could handle the immense pressure that came with being part of the monarchy.
As she walked down the palace corridor, YN’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw a message from Alexia:
"Meet me at the stables? I could use some fresh air—and a break from all the royal stuff."
YN couldn’t help but smile. She quickly texted back:
"On my way."
---
The sun was beginning to set as YN made her way to the royal stables, the warm glow of the evening casting a golden hue over the estate. When she arrived, Alexia was already there, leaning against one of the stalls, looking out over the fields. She looked different here—more relaxed, more herself.
“You made it,” Alexia said, turning to face her. There was a softness in her voice that made YN’s heart skip a beat.
“Of course,” YN replied, walking up to her. “I needed a break from all the ‘royal stuff’ too.”
Alexia laughed, a light, carefree sound that YN hadn’t heard in years. “I swear, sometimes it feels like I’m suffocating under all the rules and expectations. It’s like I’m never allowed to just... be me.”
YN leaned against the stable beside her, their shoulders almost touching. “That’s why we need moments like this. To just be us.”
Alexia’s smile faded slightly, her expression growing more serious. “I heard you met with my mother.”
YN nodded. “Yeah. She wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into.”
Alexia sighed, shaking her head. “She means well, but she can be... intense. I’m sorry if she put too much pressure on you.”
“She didn’t say anything I wasn’t expecting,” YN said honestly. “But Alexia, we need to talk about this. I know what’s at stake for you—for your family, for your country. But I need to know that this marriage isn’t just about duty. That it’s something you want.”
Alexia turned to her, her eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. “It is something I want, YN. I wouldn’t have agreed to it if I didn’t think there was a chance for us. I know we’ve been through a lot, and I don’t want to pretend that this will be easy. But I’m willing to try, if you are.”
YN looked into Alexia’s eyes, and for the first time in a long time, she saw the woman she had fallen in love with all those years ago. There was a spark there, a hope for something more than duty or obligation. It was a chance—a second chance—at something real.
“I’m willing to try,” YN said softly, her heart full of conviction. “For us.”
Alexia smiled, her hand reaching for YN’s. Their fingers intertwined, and for the first time since this whole whirlwind began, YN felt like they were exactly where they were supposed to be.
In that quiet moment, amidst the grandeur of royal life and the weight of their responsibilities, they were just YN and Alexia—two women trying to find their way back to each other.
And maybe, just maybe, this second chance was exactly what they needed.
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Royal ties : A Second Chance at love
Macera**Royal Ties: A Second Chance at Love** In the bustling city of Amsterdam, YN Lee Anderson, a successful entrepreneur, finds her life taking an unexpected turn. A chance encounter with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands leads to a proposal she...
