𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘅 𝗹𝗲𝗲

𝟮𝟲

THE FOLLOWING DAYS FELT LIKE A WHIRLWIND FOR DIANA. the palace was in full swing preparing for the upcoming state dinner, an event where world leaders and dignitaries would gather to discuss matters of state and international relations. it was one of the many occasions where diana would be expected to play the perfect princess—polished, poised, and always on her best behavior.

but as the preparations for the event ramped up, diana felt a growing unease. she had kept up appearances for so long, doing her duty as the royal family's eldest daughter, but it was becoming harder and harder to suppress the rebellion simmering inside her. especially when she couldn't stop thinking about felix.

he had returned to his busy schedule after their secret meeting in the garden, but their brief moment together had ignited something in diana—something she couldn't ignore. each letter, each stolen glance, every secret moment felt like a promise, a reassurance that she wasn't completely alone in this.

but it wasn't enough. diana wanted more.

the evening of the state dinner arrived, and diana stood before her mirror, adjusting her gown. her mother had insisted on a classic design—a deep sapphire blue, the color of royalty, with intricate lace detailing and a neckline that was modest yet elegant. it was perfect in every way, but it felt like a costume, a mask to wear for the sake of appearances.

as diana applied the finishing touches to her makeup, her mind wandered. she had spent the entire day in meetings and rehearsals for the event, yet she couldn't shake the thought of escaping. she could almost picture it—running away with felix, disappearing from the royal spotlight and living a life free from the expectations that had been placed on her since birth.

the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor interrupted her thoughts, and diana turned to find her mother entering the room.

"diana, you look lovely," kate said with a smile, her voice warm but measured. "remember, tonight is important. we must impress our guests."

diana nodded, offering her mother a polite smile. "of course, mother. i'll be on my best behavior."

kate's eyes softened, but there was an edge to her tone. "i know how difficult it's been for you, but we have to remember our responsibilities. this isn't just about us—it's about our country. and you, diana, are the future of this monarchy."

diana's smile faltered slightly, her hands trembling ever so slightly as she adjusted the clasp on her necklace. "i understand, mother."

there was a long pause before kate spoke again, her voice quieter this time. "i know this isn't easy for you. but you have to understand that this is for your own good. i'm doing what i believe is best."

"you believe what's best for me?" diana's voice was low, but there was an edge to it now. "or is it what you believe is best for the monarchy?"

kate's expression hardened, and she stepped closer, her gaze sharp. "diana, you can't afford to be selfish. your personal feelings can't cloud your judgment. you have a duty."

"a duty to who?" diana shot back, her frustration boiling over. "to the crown? to the family's reputation? i'm not some trophy to be placed on display. i'm not a pawn in this game."

kate's lips pressed into a thin line. "you are the future, diana. you can't ignore that responsibility. and it's time you stop being so reckless."

"reckless?" diana laughed bitterly, her eyes flashing. "you think i'm being reckless for wanting to be happy? for wanting to choose my own future?"

"this is your future, diana," kate said, her voice now cold, her patience thinning. "this life comes with sacrifices. you have to accept that."

"no, mother," diana's voice was quiet but firm. "i'm not going to accept a life that isn't mine. i refuse to live a lie."

the tension in the room was thick, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. the weight of diana's words hung in the air, and kate's gaze softened, though there was still a shadow of disappointment in her eyes.

finally, kate sighed, her shoulders slumping. "you'll understand one day. i hope you do."

diana didn't answer. she couldn't. instead, she walked past her mother, heading toward the door. she was tired—tired of pretending, tired of living a life dictated by others. and yet, as she stepped into the grand hallway of the palace, she couldn't help but feel a deep sadness in her chest. she was a princess, bound by tradition and duty. but at what cost?

the dinner was long, full of polite conversation and practiced smiles. diana barely paid attention to the guests, her mind far from the ornate ballroom. instead, she kept looking for a way out—something, anything to remind her that there was still a life outside of this gilded cage.

as the evening wound down and the guests began to leave, diana found herself alone in one of the quieter corridors. she leaned against the cold stone wall, her thoughts turning once more to felix.

it wasn't enough, what they had. but it was a start.

"diana?" a voice called out from behind her, and she turned to see her father, prince william, approaching with a concerned look on his face.

"father," she said, her voice sounding hollow to her own ears.

"you've been distant tonight," he said, his tone soft but wary. "are you alright?"

diana didn't know how to answer. she wasn't sure if she was alright—she was torn between duty and desire, between the future that was expected of her and the future she longed to build.

"i'm fine," she said, offering him a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "just... tired."

prince william studied her for a moment, then nodded. "don't forget, diana. the weight of the crown is heavy. but it's yours to carry, for all of us."

as she stood there, listening to her father's words, diana's mind wandered once more to felix. he was the one who had shown her a different path, a life where she could be free.

but for now, freedom felt so far away.