𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒂

𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑿𝑽𝑰, 𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄

December 13, 2022

Victoria had returned from boarding school for winter break and things were still tense between her mother and her. They had not spoken to each other for a week, causing it to consume them both. That Thursday was the day when their family and friends would gather at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the carol service organised by Catherine, who was very excited as it had taken a lot of time and work to organise it. The princess had been thinking about it a lot, having always been afraid of the paparazzi and being in the public eye all the time. But these last few days, she felt much more than usual.

—Good morning— said the princess as she entered the large dining room where her family was already eating breakfast. She was more than twenty minutes late, as she couldn't stop thinking about how hard the day was going to be. The four of them stared at her in amazement as she made herself a cup of coffee. Her hair was in a bun while she was still dressed in her pyjamas and her sleepy face indicated that she had just woken up. -What's wrong?- she asked noticing all eyes on her -Vic, you're in your pyjamas- Louis replied tenderly causing her to shrug, —Because I just woke up— she said obviously as she sipped her cup of coffee -Sit with us- William commented pointing to a seat next to Charlotte. Victoria shook her head and took another sip of coffee to finish it and go back to her room.

While reading a horror novel she heard a knock at the door. She sighed thinking it would be her father reprimanding her for her behaviour at breakfast but when the door opened, a little seven year old girl appeared with three chocolate biscuits in her hand —You have to eat— she said spreading the biscuits out making Victoria's heart melt. —Thank you Lottie— she smiled, taking a bite of one of the biscuits —Are you mad at mum?— she asked sitting down next to her older sister who sighed not knowing whether to tell her the truth or not. She didn't want her problems to affect her since she always imitated everything she did —No— she lied but her sad look gave her away —Don't you love her anymore?— she asked again making Victoria reflect —Mom and I sometimes argue, but that doesn't mean I don't love her— she explained causing the girl to nod. Catherine heard it all from the hallway and smiled, her daughter still loved her. Charlotte was very insistent on doing her big sister's hair, so they spent most of the morning doing each other's hair.

—Do you need help?— asked Kate, entering the teenager's room to find a scene she hadn't expected: her daughter sitting on the small sofa with her legs propped up on the small wooden table in front of her as she continued her reading, trying to distract herself from whatever was tormenting her. —What are you still doing like that?— she questioned in panic. There were only two hours left to go and her first born wasn't even dressed —I'm not going— she announced with false indifference without looking up from her book. —What do you mean you're not coming?— she asked hysterically at that point, —I'm not talking to you, remember?— she said cheekily, rolling her eyes, making Kate take a deep breath. She didn't feel like arguing but her first born wasn't making it easy for her. She stormed out of the room to find her husband. —You need to go talk to Victoria— she ordered, making the man look at her in confusion.

The duchess told him what had happened a few minutes before, and the prince walked over to his daughter, who looked at her with pleading eyes, making him want to laugh —Are you unwell?— he asked, taking a seat next to Victoria, who nodded her head. They both knew that was a lie, but there was no other way for her to stay home. —Why don't you want to go?— William asked, making the teenager sigh. —I'm sick— she said, causing the prince to nod his head without wanting to pressure her. —You're not going to tell her anything?— Catherine asked angrily. She'd had a hard time organising the concert and thought her first-born was doing it to annoy her, but she only panicked every time she thought about going back to see all the paparazzi and going to a public event.