| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 65 : A QUIET SUMMER

Date: August 2022

Place : Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom

The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a golden glow over the Isles of Scilly. The archipelago, located off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, was a hidden paradise that felt worlds away from the bustle of London. This was exactly what the royal family needed—a serene, private retreat from the demands of their royal duties. For the Cambridges, the Isles of Scilly offered a rare moment of escape, a chance to enjoy the summer away from the prying eyes of the public and the cameras that usually followed them everywhere.

Matilda, her brothers George, Charlotte, and Louis, along with their parents, William and Catherine, were all eager to spend time in the idyllic surroundings of the islands. It wasn't the kind of holiday one would expect from the royal family, no grand tours or international events, just a simple family vacation where the kids could run free and experience a different way of life. For Matilda, it was a refreshing change from the formalities of palace life, where the days could often feel like they were filled with endless engagements and ceremonies. Here, on the Isles of Scilly, there was time to breathe and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The family arrived at their private holiday home on the largest of the islands, St. Mary's, where the stunning beaches and scenic coastal views immediately put everyone in a relaxed mood. The house was modest compared to the grand estates they were used to, but it offered everything they needed: privacy, space, and a peaceful atmosphere to recharge. The days were long and filled with the kinds of adventures that made a summer vacation unforgettable.

Matilda woke up early most mornings, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore just outside her window. She would grab a book or her sketchpad and sit by the window, watching the first rays of sunlight kiss the sea. Sometimes, she would be joined by her father, who had always enjoyed quiet moments with his children. William had taken a step back from his royal duties for the duration of the holiday, fully embracing the opportunity to be present for his family. As he sipped his morning coffee, he would watch his children, who had already begun exploring the garden or helping their mother prepare breakfast.

"Good morning, Tilly," William would say with a warm smile, his eyes soft with love. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, Papa," Matilda would reply, her voice filled with excitement. "I think I saw a rabbit by the garden this morning!"

"Did you now?" William chuckled. "Maybe it's time we have a little family walk and see if we can find it again."

It wasn't long before the entire family was gathered outside, enjoying the crisp, fresh air of the morning. Matilda, George, Charlotte, and Louis were all eager to explore the island, and while the adults talked and laughed, the children ran ahead, their laughter carrying on the breeze. The landscape of the Isles of Scilly was a paradise for young adventurers. The islands were known for their rugged cliffs, sweeping beaches, and hidden coves, all perfect for exploration. For Matilda, there was something magical about it all—the sense of freedom, of being far away from the royal duties, of simply being a child on holiday.

One of Matilda's favorite activities during their quiet break was hiking along the coastal paths that wound their way across the island. With her siblings by her side, she would race ahead, trying to spot the wildflowers growing along the edges of the path or searching for birds in the trees. Sometimes, she would pause to sketch the views in her notebook, capturing the sweeping horizon where the sky met the sea. The feeling of the wind in her hair and the sound of her family's voices in the distance made her feel closer to nature than she ever had before.

"Look at that, Tilly!" George called one afternoon, pointing toward the horizon where a pod of dolphins was leaping out of the water. "Aren't they amazing?"