british royalty · princess charlotte · buckingham palace · family drama · jealous stepmother · young protagonist · royal inheritance · sibling bond · palace intrigue · dramatic
The sun glints off the golden gates of Buckingham Palace as the roar of the crowd swells. Trooping the Colour is upon us, and the balcony is a stage of crimson and gold. The military marches in perfect lockstep, brass bands filling the air. I adjust my dress, feeling the weight of a queen’s gift—secret and heavy. Louis does a silly dance, making faces, while George stares ahead. King Charles and Queen Camilla stand nearby, her gaze sharp as a blade. Then, she looks at me, and the world narrows. "Enjoying the show, Charlotte?"