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"What's the matter? Didn't you enjoy dancing with the young prince?" Grandfather inquired with a smile as he noticed Angela's sullen return.
"Of course... not," the little girl replied, shrugging her shoulders and glancing in the direction of William.
A court official had already approached him and whispered a few words in his ear. Reluctantly, William cast a brief glance at Angela, conveying a message that seemed to say, "I'll let it slide this time," before moving away to another part of the room.
Angela let out a discreet sigh of relief. In such a public setting, she lacked the audacity to act as boldly as she had that summer. Surveying the room, she observed that many boys from noble families seemed inclined to approach her now that William had left. However, her feet were already throbbing in pain, and it felt too early for such encounters. Furrowing her brow, she tilted her gaze upwards.
"Grandfather, may I go and change?" Angela requested, hoping for his understanding.
"Of course, my dear," Grandfather responded, recognizing her desire, and he did not object to her request.
Angela smiled and swiftly located a court official who guided her to the restroom. Upon entering, she leaned against the door, taking a moment to catch her breath.
"What's troubling you, Chris? You appear rather unhappy," a gentle voice resonated from beside her, causing her to startle.
She turned her head towards the source of the voice and discovered someone already standing at the washbasin, gracefully washing their hands in the spacious restroom. With their golden short hair, blue eyes, captivating visage, and an unmistakable blend of nobility and approachability, it could only be the Princess.
"I... I apologize, Your Highness. I didn't realize..." Angela stammered, attempting to offer an explanation.
"Alright, my dear. Is it necessary to address me so formally?" Diana sighed, a hint of sadness glimmering in her blue eyes.
Unnoticed by the little girl, her voice lowered, "But, Your Highness, this is the palace."
"When we were at St. James's Palace two years ago, you didn't seem as burdened," the Princess remarked, her smile warm and comforting.
Angela's face fell slightly as she attempted to find a response, but Diana gently raised a finger to halt her. "Alright, let's not delve into that topic. Instead, let's focus on why you're here."
The little girl's expression immediately softened. Of course, she hadn't come to the restroom solely for a quick break. Diana, being perceptive as ever, must have been aware of her true intentions. It seemed that the Princess was trying to create a lighter atmosphere with her question.
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"Alright, Chris, I was just teasing you," Diana chuckled. Every time she saw this little girl, she felt a strong desire to play and interact with her. There was something about Angela that captivated her attention.
"Why don't we take a moment to rest in the Blue Room?" the Princess suggested.
Angela hesitated, her anxiety evident in her voice. "Go to the Blue Room? Is it appropriate at this time?"
The royal ballroom had blue and white small rooms, each with its own style, and they were a good place to rest. But at this time...
Diana shrugged and pushed the door open, and Angela hurriedly followed. As they took a few steps, one of the Princess's aides, Jeffrey, approached them. "Is there anything I can assist you with, Your Highness?"
"I would like to rest in the Blue Room with Chris for a while," the Princess informed him.
Jeffrey hesitated for a moment, concern etched on his face. "Your Highness, you are aware that it goes against protocol..."
"Jeffrey!" Diana's voice was firm, conveying her displeasure.
"Very well, Your Highness, but only for a brief period," Jeffrey sighed, yielding to the Princess's request.
Angela couldn't help but smirk mischievously behind Diana's back as they followed her. Jeffrey responded with a wry smile, accepting her playful antics.
Once the door to the Blue Room closed, Angela finally felt a sense of relief wash over her. She cheerfully hopped onto a nearby bench, swinging her feet back and forth. With a flick, her two white high-heeled shoes were playfully launched into the air, one after the other.
"My dear, that's not very ladylike," Diana chuckled.
"I have no interest in conforming to traditional notions of femininity!" The little girl curled up her legs, rubbing her bare heels with both hands.
"You're still wearing..." the Princess began, then paused to find the right words.
"Of course." Angela immediately hopped off the chair, lifted her skirt, and revealed the pair of jeans she was wearing underneath, which only covered her calves.
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Diana burst into laughter, finding it delightful that even at the age of eleven, Angela still had a strong aversion to wearing skirts. She vividly remembered Angela's explanation from before—that skirts made her feel insecure. The memory of Angela's earnest expression brought a smile to Diana's face.
"Aunt Diana, can you please stop laughing?" Angela crossed her arms and looked at the other person helplessly.
"Alright, alright, I won't laugh anymore. But, you know, Chris, I really wonder what interesting things would happen if you took up the position of a court maid in Buckingham Palace," the Princess said with a smile.
"I don't know what would happen, but one thing is for sure. It would only take a day, no, half a day, and the Queen would kick me out," Angela shrugged. "I don't belong here."
"...Yes, you don't belong here," Diana murmured with a hint of melancholy, her eyes flickering absentmindedly.
The little girl opened her mouth but quickly closed it. She knew she had said the wrong thing. Although the Princess was beloved by the people, she was never welcomed by the royal family. The childhood traumas made her yearn for affection.
After becoming a princess, the protocol, rules, and cold distance made her feel lonely and tense. But her husband hadn't provided the support she needed. "I don't belong here" struck a chord with her.
If she knew that she would separate from Charles at the end of the year, get divorced in four years, and die in a car accident in five years, and even in death, she would not find peace, how would she feel?
As soon as the thought arose, Angela quickly interrupted it. She didn't want to think about it, and she couldn't, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to face the Princess in front of her.
She was a good person, and she didn't deserve such a tragic fate. But these were the royal family's affairs, things she couldn't meddle with. Even if she could prevent one car accident, who knew if there would be a second or third one?
The atmosphere in the room became strange for a moment. Both women were lost in their thoughts, pondering their own dilemmas, until the door made a creaking sound.
"Mother, are you here?" William burst in carelessly, startling both of them.
"William, you should knock on the door," the Princess furrowed her brow slightly.
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"I'm sorry, I thought you weren't here, so I came over," William explained, then looked at Angela, who was standing barefoot on the carpet, and noticed the two discarded shoes on the floor.
He couldn't help rolling his eyes at her. "Miss Angela, this is Buckingham Palace, please pay attention to your appearance."
The little girl shrugged her shoulders, but before she could say anything, Diana raised her voice, "William!"
"Mother, I'm just telling the truth. Where can you find a girl like her who dislikes wearing skirts and high heels? She looks like a well-mannered girl on the surface but acts more like a boy in private," William said nonchalantly.
The Princess felt a little embarrassed. Angela had shared these private matters with her in confidence, and William knew about them because she had unintentionally mentioned them during their conversations. Although it was unintentional, it was still impolite for William to talk about them so openly.
But Diana didn't need to worry. The carefree little girl had already picked up her shoes and sat on a chair, putting them back on. "Actually, Your Highness, I really, really wish I were a boy."
She knew that the petty William wouldn't let it go, but she didn't mind. The Princess smiled wryly and shook her head, not knowing what to say to these two little ones. She coughed lightly. "Alright, William, Chris, let's go out."
As Diana stood up, William secretly rolled his eyes at her again, and Angela hummed softly in her nose, still not paying much attention. Then her eyes fell on a corner.
"What's wrong, Chris?" The Princess walked to the door and realized that the little girl hadn't followed.
hen she turned back, she found her staring at something in the corner. Following her gaze, there was a piano and several other musical instruments.
"Dear Miss Angela, we need to go back to the hall. Will you come with us?" William said, dissatisfied, enunciating each word.
Angela suddenly turned her head, completely ignoring William, and looked at Diana with a mysterious smile. "Do you want to dance, Princess?"
"Dance?" Diana didn't understand.
"Tango, how about that?" the little girl said, grabbing William and walking towards the corner.
"Wait, wait, what are you doing, you rude brat?" William protested, trying to break free but finding himself unable to. Then, he was forced by Angela to sit on the seat in front of the piano. The little girl stared at him and asked, "Do you remember the piece you heard on TV last Christmas?"
Originally intending to confront Angela, William found himself suddenly overwhelmed by her changed demeanor. After a moment, he asked, "Which... which piece are you talking about?"
"You know, William. You played it with Mr. Lawrence. Don't think I don't know!" Angela said with an unquestionable tone.
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"You mean... Ah, yes, I remember. But I haven't played the piano since then, and I'm not good at it either," William hurriedly said.
"Then try to remember," the little girl whispered, lowering her voice. "For your mother!"
As William was lost in thought, Angela turned around and picked up the violin from among the instruments. She looked at Diana and said, "Are you ready, Your Highness? Although we only have the violin and piano, I believe it won't sound too bad."
"Wait, Chris, this..." The Princess seemed somewhat bewildered.
"It's alright. You see, the soundproofing in this room is perfect. We can't hear any noise from the next room at the moment, so there's no need to worry about being heard. Besides, this tango piece lasts only 5 minutes at most. It won't raise suspicion. Why not spend 5 minutes doing what you want to do?" The little girl smiled, placing the violin on her shoulder and playing the first note.
"No, no, Chris, I only danced the tango when I was very young. I completely forgot it now, and there's no one else here. Are you asking me to dance the tango alone..." Diana didn't know what to say, but the little girl didn't stop.
The lazy and humorous melody flowed gently from the violin, filling the room. The refreshing and delightful music made the stiff body of the Princess begin to move involuntarily, searching for a long-lost feeling.
William, sitting in front of the piano, looked at Angela, then at his mother.
According to the rules, such behavior was not allowed, but seeing his mother timidly seeking a lost sensation through the music, he couldn't find the words to object. It seemed that no one had ever said that members of the royal family couldn't dance the tango privately...
William clenched his teeth. The lazy sound of the violin was now reaching the end of section B. He took a deep breath and desperately tried to remember that tiny fragment of memory. Finally, as the piece transitioned to a minor key in section B, he pressed down the keys. The piano harmonized with the violin, creating a beautiful and captivating melody that filled the room.
The music suddenly became impassioned, transforming from laziness and humor to a vigorous rhythm.
The Princess, who had been slowly stepping forward alone, suddenly turned her head, her skirt swaying with the music, her dance becoming rapid and rhythmic. She radiated an increased level of passion, exuberance, and captivating allure.
Angela wholeheartedly played the violin, pouring her soul into every note of the magnificent and noble《Por Una Cabeza》by Carlos Gardel, the uncrowned king of tango. Although there was no cello or accordion to accompany them the music still exuded excitement and passion, resonating deeply with the listener.
'There are certain circumstances beyond my control, but in moments like these, I can only offer you a small measure of joy. May God bless you and keep you safe from your early demise.'
[Note from the author: I would like to clarify that these two chapters depicting the British royal family are entirely fictional and bear no resemblance to real-life events. I kindly request everyone to refrain from making unfounded criticisms. Thank you.]
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"What's the matter? Didn't you enjoy dancing with the young prince?" Grandfather inquired with a smile as he noticed Angela's sullen return.
"Of course... not," the little girl replied, shrugging her shoulders and glancing in the direction of William.
A court official had already approached him and whispered a few words in his ear. Reluctantly, William cast a brief glance at Angela, conveying a message that seemed to say, "I'll let it slide this time," before moving away to another part of the room.
Angela let out a discreet sigh of relief. In such a public setting, she lacked the audacity to act as boldly as she had that summer. Surveying the room, she observed that many boys from noble families seemed inclined to approach her now that William had left. However, her feet were already throbbing in pain, and it felt too early for such encounters. Furrowing her brow, she tilted her gaze upwards.
"Grandfather, may I go and change?" Angela requested, hoping for his understanding.
"Of course, my dear," Grandfather responded, recognizing her desire, and he did not object to her request.
Angela smiled and swiftly located a court official who guided her to the restroom. Upon entering, she leaned against the door, taking a moment to catch her breath.
"What's troubling you, Chris? You appear rather unhappy," a gentle voice resonated from beside her, causing her to startle.
She turned her head towards the source of the voice and discovered someone already standing at the washbasin, gracefully washing their hands in the spacious restroom. With their golden short hair, blue eyes, captivating visage, and an unmistakable blend of nobility and approachability, it could only be the Princess.
"I... I apologize, Your Highness. I didn't realize..." Angela stammered, attempting to offer an explanation.
"Alright, my dear. Is it necessary to address me so formally?" Diana sighed, a hint of sadness glimmering in her blue eyes.
Unnoticed by the little girl, her voice lowered, "But, Your Highness, this is the palace."
"When we were at St. James's Palace two years ago, you didn't seem as burdened," the Princess remarked, her smile warm and comforting.
Angela's face fell slightly as she attempted to find a response, but Diana gently raised a finger to halt her. "Alright, let's not delve into that topic. Instead, let's focus on why you're here."
The little girl's expression immediately softened. Of course, she hadn't come to the restroom solely for a quick break. Diana, being perceptive as ever, must have been aware of her true intentions. It seemed that the Princess was trying to create a lighter atmosphere with her question.
Sponsored Content
"Alright, Chris, I was just teasing you," Diana chuckled. Every time she saw this little girl, she felt a strong desire to play and interact with her. There was something about Angela that captivated her attention.
"Why don't we take a moment to rest in the Blue Room?" the Princess suggested.
Angela hesitated, her anxiety evident in her voice. "Go to the Blue Room? Is it appropriate at this time?"
The royal ballroom had blue and white small rooms, each with its own style, and they were a good place to rest. But at this time...
Diana shrugged and pushed the door open, and Angela hurriedly followed. As they took a few steps, one of the Princess's aides, Jeffrey, approached them. "Is there anything I can assist you with, Your Highness?"
"I would like to rest in the Blue Room with Chris for a while," the Princess informed him.
Jeffrey hesitated for a moment, concern etched on his face. "Your Highness, you are aware that it goes against protocol..."
"Jeffrey!" Diana's voice was firm, conveying her displeasure.
"Very well, Your Highness, but only for a brief period," Jeffrey sighed, yielding to the Princess's request.
Angela couldn't help but smirk mischievously behind Diana's back as they followed her. Jeffrey responded with a wry smile, accepting her playful antics.
Once the door to the Blue Room closed, Angela finally felt a sense of relief wash over her. She cheerfully hopped onto a nearby bench, swinging her feet back and forth. With a flick, her two white high-heeled shoes were playfully launched into the air, one after the other.
"My dear, that's not very ladylike," Diana chuckled.
"I have no interest in conforming to traditional notions of femininity!" The little girl curled up her legs, rubbing her bare heels with both hands.
"You're still wearing..." the Princess began, then paused to find the right words.
"Of course." Angela immediately hopped off the chair, lifted her skirt, and revealed the pair of jeans she was wearing underneath, which only covered her calves.
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Diana burst into laughter, finding it delightful that even at the age of eleven, Angela still had a strong aversion to wearing skirts. She vividly remembered Angela's explanation from before—that skirts made her feel insecure. The memory of Angela's earnest expression brought a smile to Diana's face.
"Aunt Diana, can you please stop laughing?" Angela crossed her arms and looked at the other person helplessly.
"Alright, alright, I won't laugh anymore. But, you know, Chris, I really wonder what interesting things would happen if you took up the position of a court maid in Buckingham Palace," the Princess said with a smile.
"I don't know what would happen, but one thing is for sure. It would only take a day, no, half a day, and the Queen would kick me out," Angela shrugged. "I don't belong here."
"...Yes, you don't belong here," Diana murmured with a hint of melancholy, her eyes flickering absentmindedly.
The little girl opened her mouth but quickly closed it. She knew she had said the wrong thing. Although the Princess was beloved by the people, she was never welcomed by the royal family. The childhood traumas made her yearn for affection.
After becoming a princess, the protocol, rules, and cold distance made her feel lonely and tense. But her husband hadn't provided the support she needed. "I don't belong here" struck a chord with her.
If she knew that she would separate from Charles at the end of the year, get divorced in four years, and die in a car accident in five years, and even in death, she would not find peace, how would she feel?
As soon as the thought arose, Angela quickly interrupted it. She didn't want to think about it, and she couldn't, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to face the Princess in front of her.
She was a good person, and she didn't deserve such a tragic fate. But these were the royal family's affairs, things she couldn't meddle with. Even if she could prevent one car accident, who knew if there would be a second or third one?
The atmosphere in the room became strange for a moment. Both women were lost in their thoughts, pondering their own dilemmas, until the door made a creaking sound.
"Mother, are you here?" William burst in carelessly, startling both of them.
"William, you should knock on the door," the Princess furrowed her brow slightly.
Sponsored Content
"I'm sorry, I thought you weren't here, so I came over," William explained, then looked at Angela, who was standing barefoot on the carpet, and noticed the two discarded shoes on the floor.
He couldn't help rolling his eyes at her. "Miss Angela, this is Buckingham Palace, please pay attention to your appearance."
The little girl shrugged her shoulders, but before she could say anything, Diana raised her voice, "William!"
"Mother, I'm just telling the truth. Where can you find a girl like her who dislikes wearing skirts and high heels? She looks like a well-mannered girl on the surface but acts more like a boy in private," William said nonchalantly.
The Princess felt a little embarrassed. Angela had shared these private matters with her in confidence, and William knew about them because she had unintentionally mentioned them during their conversations. Although it was unintentional, it was still impolite for William to talk about them so openly.
But Diana didn't need to worry. The carefree little girl had already picked up her shoes and sat on a chair, putting them back on. "Actually, Your Highness, I really, really wish I were a boy."
She knew that the petty William wouldn't let it go, but she didn't mind. The Princess smiled wryly and shook her head, not knowing what to say to these two little ones. She coughed lightly. "Alright, William, Chris, let's go out."
As Diana stood up, William secretly rolled his eyes at her again, and Angela hummed softly in her nose, still not paying much attention. Then her eyes fell on a corner.
"What's wrong, Chris?" The Princess walked to the door and realized that the little girl hadn't followed.
hen she turned back, she found her staring at something in the corner. Following her gaze, there was a piano and several other musical instruments.
"Dear Miss Angela, we need to go back to the hall. Will you come with us?" William said, dissatisfied, enunciating each word.
Angela suddenly turned her head, completely ignoring William, and looked at Diana with a mysterious smile. "Do you want to dance, Princess?"
"Dance?" Diana didn't understand.
"Tango, how about that?" the little girl said, grabbing William and walking towards the corner.
"Wait, wait, what are you doing, you rude brat?" William protested, trying to break free but finding himself unable to. Then, he was forced by Angela to sit on the seat in front of the piano. The little girl stared at him and asked, "Do you remember the piece you heard on TV last Christmas?"
Originally intending to confront Angela, William found himself suddenly overwhelmed by her changed demeanor. After a moment, he asked, "Which... which piece are you talking about?"
"You know, William. You played it with Mr. Lawrence. Don't think I don't know!" Angela said with an unquestionable tone.
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"You mean... Ah, yes, I remember. But I haven't played the piano since then, and I'm not good at it either," William hurriedly said.
"Then try to remember," the little girl whispered, lowering her voice. "For your mother!"
As William was lost in thought, Angela turned around and picked up the violin from among the instruments. She looked at Diana and said, "Are you ready, Your Highness? Although we only have the violin and piano, I believe it won't sound too bad."
"Wait, Chris, this..." The Princess seemed somewhat bewildered.
"It's alright. You see, the soundproofing in this room is perfect. We can't hear any noise from the next room at the moment, so there's no need to worry about being heard. Besides, this tango piece lasts only 5 minutes at most. It won't raise suspicion. Why not spend 5 minutes doing what you want to do?" The little girl smiled, placing the violin on her shoulder and playing the first note.
"No, no, Chris, I only danced the tango when I was very young. I completely forgot it now, and there's no one else here. Are you asking me to dance the tango alone..." Diana didn't know what to say, but the little girl didn't stop.
The lazy and humorous melody flowed gently from the violin, filling the room. The refreshing and delightful music made the stiff body of the Princess begin to move involuntarily, searching for a long-lost feeling.
William, sitting in front of the piano, looked at Angela, then at his mother.
According to the rules, such behavior was not allowed, but seeing his mother timidly seeking a lost sensation through the music, he couldn't find the words to object. It seemed that no one had ever said that members of the royal family couldn't dance the tango privately...
William clenched his teeth. The lazy sound of the violin was now reaching the end of section B. He took a deep breath and desperately tried to remember that tiny fragment of memory. Finally, as the piece transitioned to a minor key in section B, he pressed down the keys. The piano harmonized with the violin, creating a beautiful and captivating melody that filled the room.
The music suddenly became impassioned, transforming from laziness and humor to a vigorous rhythm.
The Princess, who had been slowly stepping forward alone, suddenly turned her head, her skirt swaying with the music, her dance becoming rapid and rhythmic. She radiated an increased level of passion, exuberance, and captivating allure.
Angela wholeheartedly played the violin, pouring her soul into every note of the magnificent and noble《Por Una Cabeza》by Carlos Gardel, the uncrowned king of tango. Although there was no cello or accordion to accompany them the music still exuded excitement and passion, resonating deeply with the listener.
'There are certain circumstances beyond my control, but in moments like these, I can only offer you a small measure of joy. May God bless you and keep you safe from your early demise.'
[Note from the author: I would like to clarify that these two chapters depicting the British royal family are entirely fictional and bear no resemblance to real-life events. I kindly request everyone to refrain from making unfounded criticisms. Thank you.]
