Fake Princess
CHAPTER 64
Diana leaned over and plucked a blade of grass that stubbornly continued to grow among the stone tiles surrounding the statue. I stared at the palace, dissolving into my own thoughts, and Diana mistakenly responded. “ Do you like it so much?” Diana asked softly, while weaving the grass between her fingers.
“ What? Stay there?”
“ Become princess?”
Part of me wants to laugh, and the other part of me, the small part, wants to cry. However, I just let out a sound like hiccups. Then move your shoulders to fix the weak.
“ Yes. No. gabe. I don't know . I mean, it's my life, and I'm basically happy. I forget who I am, I know my purpose. I'm trying pretty much to learn to be a good queen. But, I guess, I never really meant it. I didn't like the big dinner, with everyone's attention on me, because I was sure I was going to spill something on my dress. I don't like being forced to chat with all the Duke's sons or the daughters of foreign nobles, and it's impossible to avoid dancing at a party. I can do all that, but it makes me nervous. So, yeah, I miss him. That's all I know in my life.”
“ I looked at Diana's face, so similar at once not similar to mine. “ But sometimes, it feels a relief too. It feels easier, just be a copyist Paula.”
“ Yes,” whispered Diana. “ I know.”
A bell rang somewhere in this district, indicating the time of the day. It seems to be much later than I thought. Diana turned towards the bell, her fingers rubbing against her cloak. He had to leave immediately, or risk all the palace guards searching Jalana V to find him. Even now he must have trouble explaining it, because the drizzle had already turned into real rain, and his body would be drenched when he arrived at the palace.
There was a question I wanted to ask, but it kept getting stuck somewhere in my mouth before I said it. But, finally, with the bell still in my ear, I forced myself to say it. “ How is mother. How is queen?”
My esophagus felt dry and I had to close my eyes to prevent my tears from spilling. I thought I wanted to know that the queen missed me, but when she found out I didn't feel better.
“ I'm sorry,” said Diana. “ I'm sorry, but I have to go. They'll soon realize my departure.”
I nodded, with my eyes still closed. When I heard the swish of Diana's dress skirt touching the ground, I opened my eyes and stood up. We looked at her without saying anything until Diana finally smiled stiffly.
“ Thank you. Sorry I sneaked like that. But I had no choice. I have to find out.”
“ I understand.” Now I do understand. Understanding Diana was painful, but also healing, as if the painful bubble inside me had been broken. “ If you go through the corridor in front of Mr. Tristan's room, maybe no one will see you. At a time like this there is hardly anyone.”
Diana grinned. “ Thank you.”
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