part 9

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Part 9: A New Reality

The interview aired across multiple platforms the following evening, and as expected, it sparked immediate reactions from the public and the media. There were supportive comments, skeptics raising further questions, and those who still didn’t believe that love was the primary force behind YN and Alexia’s engagement. Despite the varying opinions, the one thing that stood out was that their story had captivated the world. It wasn’t just another royal marriage; it was a union between two powerful women navigating their worlds of tradition and modernity.

YN and Alexia watched the broadcast together in a private sitting room in the palace. The silence between them was filled with nervous energy, but as the interview unfolded on the screen, they both felt a sense of accomplishment. They had told their story, and no one could take that away from them.

After the final credits rolled, YN leaned back against the couch, letting out a deep breath. "Well, that’s done."

Alexia turned to her, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “You were amazing. Seriously.”

YN chuckled, shaking her head. “I’ve done business pitches to hundreds of people, but this was something else. The whole world is watching.”

“And you handled it like a pro.” Alexia’s voice softened. “I’m proud of you.”

YN felt her heart warm at the words. There was a tenderness between them now, something that hadn’t fully emerged until they faced this challenge together. Their relationship had started in uncertainty, built on past memories and unresolved feelings. But as they worked together, navigating the complexity of royal life and public scrutiny, something deeper had begun to grow.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” YN admitted, her voice quiet. She reached for Alexia’s hand, threading their fingers together. “This is all so new, but it feels like we’re getting somewhere, doesn’t it?”

Alexia nodded, her thumb brushing softly over YN’s knuckles. “Yeah, it does. We’re figuring it out, one step at a time.”

The next few days passed in a whirlwind. The interview had sparked more attention than ever, but the palace’s carefully crafted narrative seemed to have struck a chord. YN and Alexia received messages of support from public figures, fellow royals, and even some of YN’s colleagues in the business world. Social media buzzed with hashtags about the engagement, many praising the two women for their openness and authenticity.

But with that support came challenges. There were still whispers among the royal advisors about the suitability of the match, concerns about how YN, as a commoner and a foreigner, would handle the strict demands of royal life. The media didn’t relent either, with tabloids publishing invasive stories about YN’s past relationships and business dealings, attempting to paint her as an outsider.

One afternoon, as they prepared for an event celebrating a new initiative for youth education in the Netherlands, YN found herself feeling overwhelmed. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her outfit for the evening—an elegant but understated navy gown—and tried to shake the gnawing feeling of unease that had settled in her chest.

“Hey,” Alexia’s voice broke through her thoughts, and YN glanced at her through the reflection in the mirror. “You okay?”

YN sighed, turning to face Alexia fully. “It’s just… everything. I’m not used to this level of scrutiny, and no matter what we do, it feels like people are waiting for us to mess up.”

Alexia stepped closer, her expression soft but serious. “I know it’s a lot, and it’s not fair that they’re putting you under a microscope. But you’ve handled everything with so much grace. The public is seeing that. It’s just going to take time.”

“I just don’t want to let you down,” YN admitted, her voice quiet. “Or your family. I know this is all bigger than me.”

Alexia reached for YN’s hand, squeezing it gently. “You’re not letting anyone down. Least of all me. We’re in this together, remember?”

YN nodded, grateful for Alexia’s steady presence. “Thank you. I just… I guess I needed to hear that.”

Alexia smiled, leaning in to press a soft kiss to YN’s forehead. “Anytime. We’re a team, YN. And I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.”

Their moment was interrupted by a knock on the door—one of the royal aides, letting them know it was time to head to the event. With a deep breath, YN squared her shoulders and followed Alexia out of the room, ready to face the public once again.

The event was a grand affair, hosted at one of the country’s most prestigious venues. Dignitaries, celebrities, and royals from across Europe were in attendance, and the press had gathered in droves, cameras flashing as YN and Alexia made their entrance. YN had attended countless high-profile events in her business career, but this was different. This was a royal affair, with all eyes on her and Alexia as the newest power couple on the scene.

As they made their way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, YN noticed something had shifted. The skepticism that had once lingered in people’s eyes seemed to have faded. There was curiosity, yes, but also respect. It was as though the interview had helped people see beyond the headlines and into the real connection between her and Alexia.

Throughout the evening, YN and Alexia worked in perfect harmony. They spoke passionately about the youth initiative they were supporting, shared laughs with guests, and posed for photos that would grace the covers of magazines the following morning. But more than anything, they presented a united front—two women who had chosen to face the challenges of royal life together, and who were stronger for it.

As the night drew to a close, and they returned to the palace, YN felt a sense of calm settle over her. It had been a whirlwind few months—full of uncertainty, pressure, and moments of doubt—but they had made it through. And in doing so, YN realized something profound: she wasn’t just stepping into royal life. She was stepping into a life with Alexia, building something real and lasting.

As they settled into bed that night, YN turned to Alexia, a soft smile on her lips. “I think we’re going to be okay.”

Alexia reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. “I know we are.”

And with that, they fell into a peaceful sleep, ready to face whatever the future held—together.

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