𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘅 𝗹𝗲𝗲

𝟯𝟱

THE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED DIANA'S conversation with the queen felt like a blur of royal duties and expectations, each one reminding her of the invisible walls she was surrounded by. though her family seemed to have relaxed their questioning, diana knew it was only a matter of time before they'd start nudging her toward suitors and expectations again. the looming weight of it all pressed on her, making her moments of solitude feel both precious and rare.

it was in one of these rare quiet moments that she found herself wandering the palace gardens, seeking refuge among the roses and ivy-covered archways. the crisp autumn air felt refreshing, a brief escape from the stifling formality of the palace halls. she paused by a secluded stone bench, gazing out at the grounds, letting her mind drift to felix—his warmth, his laughter, the way he made her feel like just diana, not the princess burdened by endless expectations.

"daydreaming again?"

the voice startled her out of her thoughts, and she turned to see her uncle, prince harry, approaching with an amused smile.

"uncle harry," diana said, smiling back. "i didn't expect to see you here."

he sat beside her on the bench, giving her a warm, understanding look. "i know that look. it's the same one your father used to have whenever he wanted to escape." he glanced around, lowering his voice. "so, who's the lucky one occupying your thoughts?"

diana blushed, unsure how much to reveal. but if anyone understood what she was going through, it was her uncle. harry had always been a bit of an outsider, balancing duty with his own desire for a life beyond the royal expectations.

"it's... complicated," she admitted, looking down at her hands. "i've met someone, but he's not exactly the type the family would approve of."

harry chuckled softly, his gaze faraway as if reminiscing about his own experiences. "i think i understand that all too well. the family has their own ideas about what's best, but they don't always see the whole picture."

diana nodded, feeling a surge of relief at his understanding. "i don't know how to keep pretending, uncle harry. it's exhausting, trying to be what they want while wanting something else entirely."

"have you spoken to your parents about how you feel?" he asked, his tone gentle.

she sighed. "i tried, but it's hard for them to understand. they want me to uphold tradition, to marry someone they approve of. but i feel like i'm losing myself in all of this."

harry placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "listen, diana. it's not an easy path, but you have to decide what matters most to you. the family will always have expectations, but at the end of the day, you're the one who has to live with your choices."

"do you think they'll ever accept him?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"maybe," harry said thoughtfully. "but even if they don't, you'll have people who support you. you're not alone in this."

diana felt a warmth in her chest, a renewed sense of hope. "thank you, uncle harry."

he smiled, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "anytime, diana. and remember, you can always come to me. i'll be here for you, no matter what."

after harry left, diana stayed in the garden a while longer, his words resonating with her. maybe there was a way to balance her love for felix with her duty to the crown. it would be a delicate dance, but for the first time, she felt like it was possible.

later that evening, as the palace settled into its usual quiet, diana decided to write a letter to felix. she missed his voice, his laughter, and his unfiltered honesty. her heart ached for the moments they'd shared, and she longed to pour her feelings onto the page.

dear felix,
being here without you feels like wearing a mask. everyone around me sees only what they want to see, but you... you see me. the real me. my uncle harry says i have to decide what matters most to me, and i know it's you. no matter what they say or what they try to impose on me, i know i want to be with you.
i can't wait to see you again. until then, know that you're always in my heart.

yours, diana.

as she finished the letter, diana felt a surge of determination. for now, their letters would have to be enough, but she promised herself she would find a way to be with him, no matter the obstacles.

as weeks passed, diana found herself increasingly drawn to the palace's more secluded rooms, where she could write in peace and think without interruption. her grandmother, queen elizabeth, observed this change with a mixture of curiosity and concern. one afternoon, as diana was heading to her usual writing nook, she found her grandmother waiting there.

"diana, may i join you for a moment?" the queen asked, her tone gentle but her eyes sharp.

"of course, granny," diana replied, trying to hide her surprise.

the queen settled into a chair across from her, studying her with a thoughtful expression. "you've been spending a lot of time alone lately. i can't help but wonder what occupies your thoughts."

diana hesitated, carefully choosing her words. "just... thinking about the future."

"the future can be a heavy burden," the queen said knowingly. "especially when one's heart is divided between personal desires and duty."

diana looked down, feeling the weight of her great-grandmother's words. "i know my duty, your majesty. but sometimes, it feels like i'm losing myself."

queen elizabeth sighed, her gaze softening. "being born into this family means we carry the hopes and expectations of a nation. but it's important not to lose sight of who we are, even within those expectations."

"how do i find that balance?" diana asked, her voice filled with quiet desperation.

"by remembering that your happiness is part of your duty," the queen replied, a hint of a smile gracing her features. "the people want a happy, fulfilled princess, not one who feels trapped. but happiness comes with sacrifice, and sometimes it means making difficult choices."

diana nodded, feeling a renewed sense of resolve. "thank you, your majesty."

as the queen left, diana sat alone with her thoughts. perhaps, just perhaps, there was a way to honor both her heart and her duty.

that night, diana dreamed of felix. they were walking along a secluded beach, waves lapping at their feet, the sky painted in shades of pink and gold. he reached for her hand, his touch warm and comforting, and for a moment, all the burdens of royal life faded away.

when she woke, the memory of the dream lingered, a reminder of the life she wished she could have. with a sigh, she rose and prepared herself for another day, her heart carrying a quiet promise: she would find a way to be with him, no matter the cost.