I'm the Princess of Wales; He's a Prince of Belgium

Once Upon an England Dream

Chapter 3

Once Upon an England Dream

Dear Mummy;

Seven years. It's been seven years since I first told you about Prince Joachim. Looking back in my letters, it's been seven years since a twelve year old girl wrote of her newfound feelings. You were the first one to know. And seven years later, nothing has changed. I fancy Prince Joachim, Mummy. I know you knew him; he's a son of Prince Lorenz, the Arch Duke of Austria-Este and Princess Astrid of Belgium. His uncle is King of Belgium.

But, what you don't know is: I think he might like me back. Ugh. Who am I kidding? Of course he doesn't like me. I am merely the baby sister of his brother's friends. I spent my time in the Belgian palaces with Maria-Laura and Luisa Maria. Never him.

Just yesterday, I found myself in my art room, filled with thoughts of him. And I painted, painted his portrait. If Hars and Wills ever saw it, I would be so embarrassed.

Oh, Mum. How do I find the courage to show Joachim how I feel? How I wish you were here! To hear your voice again; to smell your sweet perfume; to relish in your love. Mum. You broke your pinky promise...

Your daughter,

Caroline Victoria Frances Adelaide

Caroline set down her pen, tears rolling down her cheeks. The last memory of her mother rolled over her.

~~~IPWHPB~~~

"Come say bye, darlings! It's time for me to go," Diana called to her children, spreading her arms to pull them in.

"Bye, Mum! Have fun in Paris," Will wished his mother well, giving her a hug and kiss.

"Love you, Mum!" Harry squeezed Diana as she kissed his forehead.

Diana picked up Caroline and kissed her cheek. She turned to her eldest, "Help your father and Mary take care of Lina, William. You are both such good brothers. Always watch out for her."

William nodded, "You know I will."

Caroline chirped, "Bye, Mummy! I love you!"

Diana smiled at her youngest and held out her pinky finger. "I pinky promise that I will be back in one week, my Lina."

Caroline wrapped her own finger around Diana's. She knew her mum would be back; you can never break a pinky promise.

~~~IPWHPB~~~

The tears rolled faster down Caroline's cheeks as she sobbed into her pillow. As a result, she had never believed in promises again. She was never called "Lina" again. The only promise she recognized was the one between her brothers and Mum. They had never left her. They were always there. Uncle Edward had once correctly called them the "Three Musketeers". Though burdened with his own grief, Will had found solace in leading and being the rock for Harry and Caroline.

The door to Caroline's room opened. Caroline did not bother to glance up as a pair of feet padded across the carpet.

"Oh, dearest Caroline. Come." Mary wrapped her arms around the young princess and guided her into the adjourning bathroom. She set Caroline on a chair before ordering to a servant in the hall. "Jane, fetch Princes William and Harry. Tell them to come to their sister. Talk to no one, Jane."

Mary walked back into the bathroom and prepared a bubble bath. She stripped the distraught princess and guided her in. Then, she gently massaged her hair as she waited for Will and Harry to arrive.