𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘅 𝗹𝗲𝗲

𝟮𝟮

TODAY, DIANA WAS PREPARING FOR YET ANOTHER DAY filled with royal duties. she stood in her private dressing room, gazing at herself in the mirror as her stylist adjusted the collar of her pristine ivory blouse. the morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a soft glow over the room. everything around her seemed to radiate elegance and control, but inside, she felt a pull—an ache that wouldn't quite go away. it was the feeling that had settled in her heart since the moment she met felix, and despite her best efforts, it had only grown stronger with each passing day.

today was no ordinary day. tonight, she would be attending a royal charity gala alongside her family, a grand event with dignitaries, philanthropists, and prominent figures from around the world. it was her duty to represent her family, to be graceful and composed, to embody everything the royal family stood for. yet all she could think about was him. how she longed for one more night where it was just the two of them, away from the flashing cameras and the endless expectations.

"princess diana," her stylist's voice broke through her thoughts, gentle but firm. "is everything alright? you seem... distracted."

diana offered a soft, reassuring smile, nodding as she took a deep breath. "yes, everything's fine. just a bit tired, that's all."

the stylist returned her smile, though a hint of doubt lingered in her eyes as she continued to adjust diana's attire. once her blouse was perfectly in place, diana moved to her makeup station, where another member of her staff began delicately applying a light layer of foundation. each brushstroke felt like another layer of armor, a mask she wore to shield herself from the world's scrutiny.

after what felt like an eternity, diana was finally ready. she left her private quarters and joined her family in the palace's grand foyer. her parents stood together, their expressions warm but composed, as they greeted her with nods of approval. beside them was her younger sister, charlotte, her wide eyes filled with excitement at the prospect of another grand event. charlotte, still a young girl, didn't yet fully understand the weight of these obligations, and diana found herself envying her sister's innocence and freedom.

"are you ready, darling?" her mother asked, her voice as graceful and poised as always.

"yes, mother," diana replied with a smile, though she could feel her heartbeat quicken as they moved toward the waiting cars outside. as she stepped into the sleek black vehicle, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window. she looked every bit the part—composed, elegant, every detail of her appearance meticulously crafted to perfection. but inside, she knew there was a part of her that didn't quite belong here. a part that longed for something more.

the ride to the venue was quiet, each family member lost in their own thoughts. diana's mind drifted to felix, to the memories they had created in stolen moments, to the way his presence had brought color to her otherwise monochrome world. she could almost feel his hand in hers, the warmth of his smile, the way he looked at her like she was the only person in the world.

when they arrived at the venue, the flashing cameras and excited murmurs of the crowd greeted them. diana took a deep breath, her face breaking into a practiced smile as she stepped out of the car. the crowd's energy was palpable, an overwhelming wave of admiration and curiosity that washed over her with each step. she moved gracefully, her posture perfect, every movement calculated to exude confidence and poise. yet beneath the surface, her thoughts remained with him.

inside the grand hall, the event was already in full swing. chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. elegantly dressed guests mingled, glasses of champagne in hand as they exchanged pleasantries and discussed matters of philanthropy and politics. diana moved through the crowd with ease, engaging in polite conversation with dignitaries and patrons alike. her responses were automatic, practiced over years of training, yet her mind continued to wander, her thoughts drifting back to felix at every opportunity.

as she sipped her champagne, a voice broke through her reverie. "princess diana, may i introduce lord beckett?"

she turned to find her mother standing beside her, gesturing toward a tall, distinguished-looking man in his late thirties. he extended a hand, his smile warm but guarded.

"it's an honor to meet you, your highness," lord beckett said, bowing slightly as he took her hand.

"the pleasure is mine, lord beckett," diana replied with a gracious smile, though her heart wasn't in it. she could feel her mother's watchful gaze on her, a silent reminder of the expectations that came with her title. lord beckett was a well-respected figure, a suitable acquaintance in the eyes of the royal family, but to diana, he was simply another face in a sea of obligations.

they engaged in polite conversation, discussing the evening's cause and the importance of the charity's work. diana listened intently, nodding at appropriate moments, but her thoughts continued to drift, her mind wandering back to a certain someone with a mischievous smile and a heart full of passion.

as the evening wore on, diana found herself feeling increasingly restless. the weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her, a constant reminder of the life she was expected to lead. yet, in the quiet moments between conversations, she would catch herself glancing at her phone, hoping for a message, a sign that felix was thinking of her too.

then, just as the event was winding down, she felt a gentle vibration in her purse. her heart leapt as she discreetly pulled out her phone, her eyes lighting up as she saw his name flash across the screen. unable to resist, she slipped away from the crowd, finding a quiet corner near the balcony where she could answer.

"felix," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper as she pressed the phone to her ear.

"diana," his voice came through, warm and reassuring. "i just wanted to hear your voice. are you alright?"

"i am now," she replied softly, her heart swelling at the sound of him. "i've missed you."

"i've missed you too," he said, his voice tinged with longing. "how's the event? are you holding up okay?"

she smiled, glancing back at the bustling crowd behind her. "it's... fine. the same as always. but all i can think about is you."

there was a pause, a silence that spoke volumes, and when he finally replied, his voice was filled with a quiet determination. "we'll find a way, diana. i don't know how yet, but i promise you—we'll make this work."

she closed her eyes, leaning against the wall as she allowed herself to believe in his words. "i trust you, felix. i do. it's just... sometimes it feels like the world is trying to keep us apart."

"then we'll fight the world," he replied with a gentle laugh. "whatever it takes, i'm not going anywhere."

they stayed on the phone, their conversation weaving between lighthearted banter and deep, heartfelt confessions. for those few precious moments, it was as if they were in their own world, a place where titles and obligations held no power, where they could simply be two people in love.

as the evening drew to a close, diana returned to the event, a renewed sense of strength filling her heart. she moved through the crowd with a newfound confidence, her head held high, her smile genuine. for the first time in a long while, she felt truly alive, unburdened by the weight of her title and the expectations that came with it.

the night ended with a round of applause as the charity announced their goals had been surpassed, a successful night for the royal family and their cause. diana joined her family in celebrating, exchanging polite smiles and handshakes with the attendees. but even as the evening came to an end, her thoughts remained with felix, his words echoing in her mind as she made her way back to the palace.

when she finally returned to her room, she sank into her bed, a contented smile on her face. she knew the path ahead would be difficult, filled with challenges and sacrifices. but with felix by her side, she felt ready to face whatever obstacles lay in their way.

together, they would find a way to make it work, no matter the cost.