𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘅 𝗹𝗲𝗲

𝟯𝟵

THE FOLLOWING DAYS AT THE PALACE WERE ANYTHING BUT CALM. whispers of diana's uncharacteristic behavior at the gala, leaving the ballroom for extended periods, had circulated. though no one knew about her encounter with felix on the balcony, the press had picked up on her absence, speculating reasons that ranged from mere exhaustion to potential rebellion against royal duties. the attention only made her feel more trapped, as if every part of her life was subject to scrutiny and critique.

it wasn't long before diana found herself summoned to a private conversation with her mother. kate, who had always held high expectations for her eldest daughter, sat across from her, her posture poised yet tense. it was rare for them to talk alone like this, especially without the formalities that usually accompanied their interactions.

"diana," kate began, her tone gentle but unmistakably firm, "we need to talk about your behavior at the gala."

diana shifted uncomfortably, knowing this conversation was inevitable. "i know, mum. i didn't mean to cause any trouble."

"trouble?" kate's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of disappointment flashing in them. "you disappeared from a royal event without explanation. people noticed, diana. they're starting to wonder if you're taking your responsibilities seriously."

diana took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "mum, it's not that i don't take my responsibilities seriously. it's just... sometimes, i feel like i can't breathe. like i have no control over my own life."

kate's expression softened a bit, but her voice remained firm. "we all have to make sacrifices, diana. being part of this family means putting duty above personal desires. i know it's not always easy, but it's what we're expected to do."

"but what about what i want?" diana's voice trembled slightly, the weight of years of expectations pressing down on her. "sometimes i feel like i'm living a life that was chosen for me, not one that i chose for myself."

kate sighed, her gaze shifting momentarily, as if remembering her own struggles within the royal framework. "i understand how you feel. there were times when i felt the same way, but i learned to accept it. we're part of something bigger than ourselves. our lives aren't just ours to live as we please."

diana looked down, feeling the frustration and helplessness build within her. "so, that's it? i'm just supposed to accept that i'll never get to be... me?"

"diana, listen to me." kate leaned forward, her voice gentle but insistent. "being a royal comes with privileges, but it also comes with responsibility. you have a role to play, one that affects not just you but the entire country, even the world. the choices we make aren't just about us."

"but why does that mean i can't be happy?" diana's voice broke slightly, the words spilling out before she could hold them back. "why does being a princess mean i have to give up everything that makes me feel alive?"

kate's expression softened even further, a hint of empathy breaking through her usual stoicism. "diana, i'm not saying you have to be miserable. but you have to understand the impact of your choices. this... this fascination with felix, for instance. it's not just a casual fling. it has consequences."

diana's heart skipped at the mention of felix's name. "mum, felix... he's one of the few people who really understands me. he sees me for who i am, not just as 'princess diana.' i don't want to lose that."

kate's gaze hardened slightly. "and what happens when the press finds out? when people start asking questions about why the future queen of england is associating with a pop star? do you realise what kind of impact that would have on our family's reputation?"

"so, i'm supposed to stay away from anyone who doesn't fit into the royal image?" diana's voice grew sharper, frustration edging into her tone. "that's not fair, mum. i deserve to be happy too."

"and i want you to be happy, diana. but you have to think about more than just yourself." kate's voice softened, but there was still a steely edge to it. "felix may seem like an escape, but he's not part of this world. he can't understand the weight you carry."

diana clenched her fists, fighting back tears. "maybe i don't want to be part of this world, mum. maybe i just want to live a life that's mine, not one that's been decided for me."

kate's face softened, a flicker of sadness passing over her features. "i know, diana. i know it's hard. but we don't always get to choose our paths. sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the greater good."

they sat in silence for a moment, the unspoken tension between them heavy and palpable. diana felt a mixture of frustration, resentment, and sadness. she wanted to scream, to push back against the invisible walls closing in on her. but at the same time, she couldn't bring herself to argue further with her mother.

finally, kate reached out, placing a gentle hand on diana's shoulder. "just... think about it, diana. i don't want you to feel trapped, but i also need you to understand what's at stake."

diana nodded, though her heart felt heavy with disappointment. "i'll think about it, mum."

kate smiled softly, a hint of relief in her eyes. "thank you, darling."

as kate left the room, diana sat alone, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. part of her understood her mother's concerns, but another part of her felt the growing urge to break free, to carve out a life that was her own, not one dictated by duty and expectation.

later that evening, she found herself sitting in her room, gazing out the window at the vast gardens below. her thoughts drifted back to felix, to the way he made her feel alive and understood. she wondered what he would say if he knew about her conversation with her mother, about the way she felt trapped between duty and desire.

she reached for a pen and paper, deciding to write to him, even though she knew it would take time for him to receive her letter. as she began to write, the words poured out, raw and honest, a reflection of the thoughts and feelings she couldn't share with anyone else.

"dear felix,

sometimes i feel like i'm standing in the middle of a storm, with everyone pulling me in different directions. they want me to be someone i'm not, someone who fits into the image they've created. but when i'm with you, i feel like i can finally be myself. like i don't have to pretend.

i talked to my mum about us today. she doesn't understand, or maybe she just doesn't want to. she thinks i should let go of anything that doesn't fit into this life. but i don't want to let go of you, felix. you're one of the few people who make me feel like i'm alive, like i have a choice.

i wish things were simpler. i wish i could just be with you without worrying about what anyone else thinks. but for now, all i can do is hope that one day, things will change.

please don't give up on me. even if i'm not free yet, i hope you'll wait for me. because i promise, one day, i'll find a way to make this work.

yours always,
diana."

she sealed the letter and tucked it away, feeling a sense of calm settle over her. writing to him was her own small rebellion, a reminder that, despite everything, she still had a choice.