Part 10: Building Trust
The weeks after the event passed in a blur of royal engagements, meetings, and public appearances. YN and Alexia had begun to settle into their new normal, their lives an intricate balance between the private moments they cherished and the public personas they had to maintain. Despite the pressures that came with the scrutiny, they found solace in each other. Their relationship, once built on uncertainty, was growing stronger.
But there was one significant obstacle they still needed to face: the royal family’s inner circle. Though Alexia’s parents, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, had been supportive, the advisors, officials, and distant relatives—the gatekeepers of royal tradition—were more resistant. YN’s background, her independence, and her status as a non-European were sources of concern, and they made their opinions clear.
One particularly challenging morning, YN and Alexia were summoned to a private meeting with the royal council—a group of high-ranking advisors to the royal family. These were the people who oversaw everything from royal protocol to public relations, and their opinion carried weight.
As they sat in the grand, wood-paneled room, YN could feel the tension in the air. Alexia sat beside her, a calm but firm expression on her face. She had warned YN that the council could be difficult, but they both knew this meeting was necessary to establish YN’s place in the royal fold.
The head of the council, an elderly man named Lord Van der Veen, began the meeting with a thin smile. “Princess Alexia, Ms. Anderson,” he said, his tone formal, “thank you for meeting with us today. As you know, there are certain traditions and expectations that must be upheld when it comes to royal engagements.”
YN nodded politely, though the weight of his words settled heavily in her chest. She could feel the judgment in his gaze. “Of course,” she replied, keeping her voice steady.
Lord Van der Veen glanced at the other council members, then back at them. “Ms. Anderson, your background is impressive—your achievements in the business world are commendable. However, the role of a royal spouse is different. It requires a level of commitment and understanding of the royal institution that may be difficult for someone with no prior connection to it.”
It was the politest way possible to question her suitability. YN felt the sting of his words but refused to let it show. She had expected resistance, but the directness of it still caught her off guard.
Alexia, sensing the tension, spoke up. “YN understands the responsibilities that come with this role. She’s been nothing but dedicated to learning and adapting to royal life.”
Lord Van der Veen nodded but didn’t seem entirely convinced. “We’re concerned about public perception as well. While the interview you both gave was well-received, there is still a great deal of scrutiny. There are some who feel that a marriage like this—between a commoner and a princess—could undermine the monarchy’s traditional values.”
YN took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. “I understand the concerns, and I’m aware that I don’t come from the same background as most royal spouses. But I believe that the strength of the monarchy lies in its ability to evolve and reflect the modern world. Alexia and I are committed to doing that together.”
One of the other council members, a woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, leaned forward. “Ms. Anderson, we’re not questioning your intentions, but there is a long-standing protocol when it comes to royal engagements. Your independent career, your lifestyle—it’s all very different from what we’ve come to expect. How do you plan to reconcile your professional ambitions with the demands of royal life?”
YN glanced at Alexia, who gave her a supportive nod. She knew this question would come eventually. “I’ve built my career from the ground up, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. But I also know that entering royal life means certain sacrifices. I’m prepared to step back from some aspects of my business to focus on my role as Alexia’s partner and on our shared duties. However, I also believe that my background and skills can be an asset. I want to use what I’ve learned to support Alexia in her work and to contribute to the causes we care about.”
The council exchanged glances, clearly weighing her words. Lord Van der Veen remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “We appreciate your candor, Ms. Anderson. It’s clear that you are serious about this commitment.”
YN nodded, relieved that the conversation seemed to be turning. But she knew this was only the beginning. Winning over the council would take more than just words.
“We will be monitoring the public’s response closely in the coming months,” Lord Van der Veen continued. “There is still much work to be done, but we trust that you both will approach this with the seriousness it requires.”
After what felt like an eternity, the meeting finally came to a close. YN and Alexia thanked the council and left the room, walking side by side down the palace corridor. As soon as they were out of earshot, Alexia let out a deep breath.
“Well, that was exhausting,” she muttered.
YN chuckled, though the weight of the meeting still lingered in her chest. “They’re not going to make this easy, are they?”
Alexia shook her head, her expression softening as she looked at YN. “No, they’re not. But we expected that. It’s part of the process. They’ll come around eventually.”
YN sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I just want them to see that I’m not here to disrupt anything. I want to be part of this, with you.”
Alexia stopped walking and turned to face YN, her eyes filled with affection. “And you will be. I don’t care what the council thinks. What matters is us—our commitment to each other. We’ll prove them wrong. Together.”
YN smiled, the tension easing slightly. She knew Alexia was right. They would face challenges, both from within the palace and from the public, but they had each other. And that was enough.
As they continued down the hall, hand in hand, YN couldn’t help but feel a sense of resolve. The royal life was not what she had envisioned for herself, but she had chosen this path—chosen Alexia—and she would face whatever came their way with strength and determination.
The road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but for the first time in a long while, YN felt ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
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