when stray kids is invited to perform at a prestigious charity event hosted by queen elizabeth, felix is thrust into a world far removed from his kpop fame. among the glittering guests is princess diana, the eldest daughter of prince wiliam and kate...
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THE EARLY MORNING SUN CREPT THROUGH THE PALACE'S TALL WINDOWS, casting a gentle glow over diana's bedroom as she sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts still lingering on the night before. she couldn't shake the warmth she'd felt sitting across from felix in that little café, savoring pastries in a stolen moment of freedom. it had felt like stepping into an entirely different life, one that wasn't dictated by royal expectations or weighted down by centuries-old traditions.
but now, back within the palace walls, reality settled around her like a heavy cloak.
a knock at her door broke her reverie, and before she could respond, her mother stepped inside. kate's expression was warm, yet lined with subtle worry, and diana felt a pang of guilt for what she knew was coming.
"diana," kate greeted her softly, moving to sit beside her on the bed. "we need to talk about last night. i noticed you disappeared halfway through the gala."
diana looked down, unable to meet her mother's gaze. "i just... needed some air. it was too much, all those people, all those expectations." she could hear the strain in her own voice, the exhaustion that came from constantly holding up a façade.
kate placed a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder. "i understand, darling. but disappearing without a word, especially at an event like that... people noticed. there were whispers, concerns." her tone was calm but firm, laced with that unique blend of affection and duty that kate had always exuded.
"concerns?" diana repeated, frustration bubbling up. "it's always about what other people think, isn't it? the guests, the press, even the other royals. what about what i think? what about what i want?"
kate's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something between sympathy and resignation. "diana, i know how difficult this life can be. i grew up outside of it, remember? i know what it's like to feel confined, to have every choice examined and every move scrutinised. but this is the life you were born into. it's a responsibility that comes with sacrifices."
"but why does it have to be that way?" diana asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "why can't i have even a little bit of freedom? just a small part of my life that's mine and mine alone?"
kate sighed, brushing a strand of hair from diana's face. "because freedom isn't something we get to have in the same way, diana. you know that. it's the cost of the privilege and duty we carry."
"but what if i don't want it?" diana's voice broke, the words slipping out before she could stop them. "what if i don't want to be a princess? to have my life controlled by rules and expectations that i didn't even choose?"
kate's face softened, a trace of sadness in her eyes. "oh, darling... i know it feels unfair. but if you reject this life, it doesn't just affect you. it affects your father, your sister, your brothers, the entire royal family. we all bear the weight of these choices."
