𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍; george weasley

040

FOURTY

Tori stood in front of the mirror, her heart racing with anticipation and nerves. The weeks of preparation, fittings, and lessons in etiquette had all led to this moment. Tonight, she would step into the world as Princess Victoria Windsor, the future queen.

Her reflection stared back at her—a vision of elegance and grace. Her long blonde hair, freshly dyed at her mother's insistence, cascaded in soft curls over her shoulders. The royal blue gown she wore, custom-made for the occasion, hugged her figure perfectly before billowing into a full skirt that sparkled under the light. She took a deep breath, smoothing the fabric down and slipping her feet into diamond-encrusted heels that caught the light with every movement.

I can do this, she thought, straightening her posture and standing tall.

A gentle knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called softly.

The door opened, revealing her mother, Diana, dressed in a stunning pale pink gown. Her eyes softened as she took in her daughter. "Oh, darling, you look... breathtaking."

Tori smiled nervously, brushing a stray curl from her face. "Thanks, Mum."

Diana crossed the room and placed a gentle hand on Tori's shoulder. "I know you've been stressing about tonight, but you have nothing to worry about. You are incredible, Tori. Everyone will see that."

Tori's lips twitched into a small smile. "It's not just the ball. It's... everything. The press, the expectations, the future." She looked down at her hands. "What if I'm not good enough?"

Diana's eyes filled with warmth as she cupped Tori's face. "You are more than good enough. You've already proven that time and time again. And tonight, you have so many people who love you here to support you."

Tori's smile grew a little wider. "Like George?"

Diana's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Yes, like George. I just saw him, and I must say, he's looking very handsome tonight."

Tori blushed. "Mum!"

Diana laughed softly. "It's true. And I think he's just as nervous about seeing you as you are about tonight."

Before Tori could respond, another knock sounded at the door. This time, it was the Queen herself.

"Your Majesty," Tori greeted, dipping into a small curtsy out of habit.

The Queen waved it off with a warm smile. "No need for that tonight, my dear. Tonight, you are the star."

She stepped inside, her presence both commanding and comforting. "You look every bit the princess you are, Victoria. But more importantly, you look ready."

Tori bit her lip. "Am I, though?"

The Queen's gaze softened, and she took Tori's hand in hers. "Yes, you are. You have a strength within you that most people never find. You've faced challenges, and you've handled them with grace. And tonight, you are not just stepping into a room—you are stepping into your destiny. Remember who you are and where you come from. You carry the strength of generations before you, and you are paving the way for those who will come after."

Diana stepped closer, placing a hand on Tori's other shoulder. "And remember, you're not alone. We're here. Always."

Tori took a deep breath, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thank you... both of you."

The Queen smiled and pulled both Diana and Tori into a rare, heartfelt embrace.

After a moment, they pulled back, and Diana glanced at the clock. "It's time."

Tori's heart skipped a beat. This is it.

Diana gave her one last reassuring smile. "I'll be watching from the sidelines. Go out there and shine, darling."

Tori and the Queen walked to the door leading to the grand entrance. From the crack in the door, they could see the ballroom buzzing with excitement. Diana slipped away to take her place, and Tori and the Queen stood together, waiting for their cue.

The herald's voice rang out through the ballroom. "Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II."

The Queen gave Tori one last squeeze of her hand before stepping through the doors and into the spotlight.

Tori watched as her grandmother descended the grand staircase, the room falling silent in reverence.

And then...

The doors opened again.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Victoria Windsor."

All eyes turned toward her.

Tori took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and stepped forward.