Brief Encounters

Part 15

William's Point of View

The morning sun filtered through the palace windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors. Yet, despite the brightness outside, a chill seemed to cling to the air as I adjusted my tie, dreading the breakfast that awaited. After Jeanna's tour announcement and the media frenzy surrounding us, I knew I wouldn't escape a conversation about it. Granny-Her Majesty-was never one to let a storm stir around the family without addressing it head-on, especially when it involved me.

I walked into the dining room, and the tension hit me immediately, like a weight pressing on my chest. The entire family was already seated, and I could feel their eyes on me as I entered. At the head of the table, Granny-serene and regal as always-held her teacup in mid-air, her gaze cool and calculating. Dad sat to her left, looking brooding as ever, while Aunt Anne skimmed through the papers, her sharp eyes missing nothing. Harry, of course, was smirking over his toast, practically buzzing with amusement at my discomfort.

And there it was, splashed across the headline in front of me: Royal Romance? Jeanna's Night with Prince William Sparks New Dating Rumors!

Granny's eyes slowly lifted from the paper and locked onto mine. She didn't need to speak for me to feel the disapproval radiating from her. But of course, she wouldn't leave it there.

"William," she began, her voice steady but carrying the unmistakable weight of command. "When you asked for permission to attend Jeanna's show, did that include this little... excursion?" She gestured to the paper, her tone cutting through the tension in the room like a knife.

I resisted the urge to sigh, catching Harry's amused glance from across the table. The brat was absolutely loving this. I straightened my back and forced my tone to remain calm. "No, Granny. I thought it would stay private."

"Clearly, it didn't." She placed the paper down and raised an eyebrow, her expression stern. "And the photos of you both in Asia?"

"That wasn't planned," I answered quickly, trying to salvage what I could. "Harry and I went to clear our heads, and we just happened to run into her. Nothing more."

Dad let out a heavy sigh, a sound that spoke volumes. "You're not helping yourself, William," he muttered, shaking his head in disappointment.

"And neither are the headlines," Aunt Anne added, setting her tea down with a deliberate clink. "The press will eat her alive. And you, if you're not careful."

Her words stung, but I knew she was right. The press didn't care about the truth-they only cared about drama.

"And what about Catherine Middleton?" Dad interjected, his voice sharp. "She's been waiting for your attention for years now. Have you given that any thought?" His words were loaded with years of unspoken expectation.

My jaw tightened, but I kept my voice steady. "Catherine is a friend, Father. She always has been. I've made that clear to you before."

Granny raised a hand, silencing the room with a single gesture. Her voice softened, but there was no mistaking the firmness beneath it. "William, whatever you choose, I will say this once: there will be no scandals. No mistresses. This family cannot withstand another round of what your mother endured."

Her words landed like a heavy blow. The memories of Mum-the laughter, the pain, the way the press tore her apart-flooded my mind in an instant. Jeanna didn't deserve that. She didn't deserve the paparazzi, the headlines, the rumors.

Breakfast continued in strained silence, though my appetite had long since disappeared. My phone buzzed in my pocket, but I didn't bother to check it. There was nothing good waiting for me there.

As the table began to clear, Harry slipped into the hallway beside me, casually slinging his arm over my shoulder. "Well, that went well," he teased, his tone light and mocking.

I shot him a look, not in the mood. "What do you want, Harry?"

He shrugged, his expression shifting into something more serious. "Look, you know I'll back you up no matter what. But if you're serious about Jeanna, she needs to know what she's walking into. You can't let her figure it out the hard way-like Mum did."

His words hit harder than I expected-maybe harder than he even realized. Or maybe, just maybe, he knew exactly what he was doing.

"Thanks for the advice," I said, my voice dry as I tried to push past him.

But Harry wasn't done. He smirked, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Just saying," he added, his tone turning playful again, "if you decide not to pursue her, I'm available. You know she's my type."

I rolled my eyes, frustrated. "Not happening."

He grinned and clapped me on the shoulder. "Relax, Wills. Just keeping you on your toes."

As much as I hated to admit it, I could feel the weight of Harry's words. What he'd said about Mum... it wasn't something I could ignore. And Jeanna? I had no idea where this would lead. But I was starting to understand that whatever happened, I couldn't shield her from the consequences of my name-not forever.