| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 96 : A FAMILY CONVERSATION

PLACE : London, Anmer Hall

DATE : : January 15, 2024

The evening sky over Windsor Castle had turned a deep shade of indigo, the stars beginning to pierce through the darkness. Inside the castle, the warmth of the family's living quarters was a stark contrast to the cold January air outside. The Wales family sat in their usual spots in the cozy sitting room, the glow of the fireplace casting flickering shadows on the walls. The children were engrossed in their own little activities—George was finishing a history assignment, Charlotte was curled up with her favorite book, and Louis sat cross-legged on the carpet, assembling a particularly tricky puzzle.

Princess Matilda, now twelve, sat curled up in the armchair closest to the fireplace, her long brown hair falling over her shoulders as she scribbled in a well-worn leather notebook. She had developed a habit of journaling lately, capturing moments that she felt were important—things she would want to remember when she was older. Tonight, however, she found herself distracted, stealing glances at her parents. Something was different.

Catherine sat silently on the sofa beside William, her hands clasped tightly together. She looked at her children, her heart swelling with pride at how much they'd grown and matured over the past year. But tonight, there was a heaviness in her chest—a weight she couldn't ignore. William noticed her stillness and placed a reassuring hand on her knee. He knew this was a conversation they'd both been dreading, but it couldn't wait any longer.

"George, Charlotte, Matilda, Louis," William called softly, his voice steady but serious.

The children looked up, sensing the shift in tone. Louis immediately abandoned his puzzle and scrambled onto the sofa next to his mother, wrapping his arms around her. Charlotte set her book aside, and George placed his pen down, his brow furrowing slightly as he observed his parents. Matilda closed her journal and leaned forward, her sharp gaze flicking between them.

"What is it, Daddy?" Charlotte asked, her voice tinged with concern.

William cleared his throat, glancing at Catherine for support. She gave him a small nod, though her grip on his hand tightened. "We need to talk to you all about something important," he began, choosing his words carefully.

The room grew quiet, the crackle of the fireplace the only sound. The children exchanged uncertain glances.

"Mummy has to have an operation," William said gently, his eyes fixed on their faces, gauging their reactions. "It's nothing to worry about—it's not dangerous, and the doctors are taking very good care of her. But she'll need to stay in the hospital for a little while to recover."

Louis, still clinging to his mother's side, looked up at her with wide, worried eyes. "Mummy, are you sick?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Catherine leaned down to kiss his forehead, her heart aching at the fear in his innocent expression. "No, darling, I'm not sick," she reassured him. "The doctors just need to fix something in my tummy, that's all. It's something they can do very easily, but I'll need to rest afterward so I can heal properly."

George, always the thoughtful one, tilted his head as he processed the information. "How long will you be in the hospital, Mummy?" he asked, his tone calm but curious.

"About ten to fourteen days," Catherine replied, her voice steady but soft. "And after that, I'll need to take it easy at home for a while. But I promise, I'll still be here for all of you, just maybe not as active as usual for a little while."

Matilda, who had been silent up until now, spoke next. "Is it something serious?" Her voice was careful, measured, but there was an edge of worry beneath the surface. At twelve, she understood more than her younger siblings did, and she had a feeling her parents weren't telling them everything.