| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 46 : A ROYAL BABY BOOM

The summer sun streamed through the windows of Kensington Palace, filling the rooms with a golden light. The warmth of the day made everything feel fresh and full of possibilities, especially with the growing buzz around the royal family's latest arrivals. Matilda had always adored babies—how they smelled like fresh baby powder and how their little fingers gripped hers so tightly, as if they knew that family was something precious. This summer, it seemed the royal family was embracing a new chapter in life, and Matilda was there for every moment of it.

"Mama, can we visit her?" Matilda asked one afternoon, her eyes wide with excitement as she sat on the couch beside Catherine.

Catherine glanced at her daughter, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "You're asking about Lilibet, aren't you?" she said gently, brushing a lock of hair from Matilda's forehead.

Matilda nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Lilibet Diana! Harry and Meghan's little girl! She must be so cute!"

"She is," Catherine replied, her tone filled with warmth. "But we can't visit just yet, darling. You know how babies need their rest. But one day, I'm sure you'll have the chance to meet her."

Matilda's face fell slightly, but only for a moment. Her curiosity about her new cousin had been bubbling up ever since the announcement of Lilibet's birth. She had seen Archie once or twice when he was younger, but now with two cousins in the United States, Matilda longed for the day she could bond with them in person.

"I can't wait," she said, her voice soft but determined. "I bet she's going to be so fun when she grows up. Like Archie!"

Catherine smiled again. "Yes, she will. But for now, we have other little ones to visit. Like Sienna and August."

Matilda's face brightened. She adored her cousins, and the thought of holding them or even just spending time with them made her heart swell. They were so small, so innocent, and Matilda was more than happy to help in any way she could.

A Visit to Beatrice and Edoardo's House:

A few weeks later, Matilda, along with George and Charlotte, found themselves at Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's home. The couple had recently welcomed their first child, Sienna Elizabeth, and the whole family was eager to meet the new addition.

As they entered the home, Matilda's eyes immediately fell on the little bundle in Beatrice's arms. Sienna was asleep, her tiny face peaceful, her little hands curled up under the soft fabric of the blanket that wrapped her.

Matilda tiptoed over, not wanting to disturb the baby, but her fascination was impossible to hide. "She's so tiny," Matilda whispered to Charlotte, who had come to stand beside her.

"I know," Charlotte replied, her voice full of wonder. "She's the smallest cousin we have now, right?"

Matilda nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the delicate features of Sienna's face. It was hard to believe that someone so small could belong to someone she knew so well. Beatrice, who had always been a cousin she admired, now had this tiny daughter to love and care for.

"Can I hold her, Mama?" Matilda asked, her voice hopeful as she looked up at Catherine.

Catherine smiled, her expression gentle. "You'll need to wait a moment, darling. Your Aunt Beatrice just settled her down for a nap. But I'm sure she'll be happy for you to hold her soon."

Matilda nodded and turned back to watch Sienna. She couldn't wait for the moment when she could gently rock the baby in her arms, feel her tiny fingers grasping at nothing, and marvel at the miracle of life.

Later That Day:

After spending the afternoon with Beatrice and Edoardo, Matilda and her siblings were heading home when they received a phone call from Princess Eugenie. Eugenie's son, August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, had been born just a few months earlier, and she wanted to share the news that she was finally ready for the children to meet him.