2 [ T W O ]

When they reached the Queen's office, Philip opened the door for the two ladies. With trembling knees, Daphne followed the Queen and sat opposite to the cold-looking prince. She closed her eyes and let out a long breath before looking at the prince with a calm and serene face. Don't let him get to you, Daphne. You did nothing wrong. Philip, however, looked at her with disdain.

❝What happened earlier is certainly unacceptable, however, if you truly love each other, who am I to stop the both of you?❞

❝Your Majesty, it was just a misunderstanding. I-I was in the library with s-someone when I saw her eavesdropping.❞ Daphne smiled at Philip mockingly but he just glared at her.

❝I know about your relationship with Albert, dear. You don't have to keep it from me.❞ Philip's eyes widened but then with a guilt-stricken face, he looked down. ❝I'm sorry, Your Majesty.❞

❝Do you know what will be the consequences of your actions, dear? Not only will the royal family be humiliated but both of you will be stripped off with your titles. What will you do, then?❞

Daphne, who's just listening suddenly opened her mouth to speak. Poor prince. Might as well help him. ❝Your Majesty, if I may be so bold. I believe no one can control someone's heart. We can't tell our heart who and when to love.❞ The Queen, however, regarded Daphne with a deep frown on her face.

❝What do you suggest, then? Let them marry each other? It is unacceptable.❞ The Queen paused for a few seconds whilst looking at Daphne with a knowing smile. ❝Why don't you marry each other?❞

Their jaws dropped 〖literally〗 on the ground with the Queen's proposal. ❝No way! I-I mean, we certainly cannot do that, Your Majesty.❞ Daphne spoke whilst scrunching her nose in disgust.

❝Why not, Lady Lyttelton? You are both of marriageable age. Besides, love after marriage is not impossible for both of you.❞ The Queen said whilst grinning playfully.

Daphne wanted to cry in despair. What did I do to deserve all of this and where is that Albert?! A knock at the door, however, interrupted their conversation. ❝Come in.❞

Andrew, the valet, entered with an ashen face. ❝We have a problem, Your Majesty.❞ He approached the Queen whilst holding an iPad on his shaking hands. The Queen took it from him and a few seconds later, her face too turned deathly pale. She put the iPad on the table before looking at her nephew and Daphne. ❝Photos about what happened a while ago has already spread out like a wildfire on the internet.❞

Their eyes widened in disbelief. ❝How could this be happening, Your Majesty?❞ Philip asked with a frightened look on his face whilst Daphne's face paled. She was still in a state of shock that she seemed to forget how to speak or react. The Queen turned to Andrew before speaking. ❝Have you told the press to delete the video?❞ He nodded. ❝Yes, Your Majesty. I was there when they deleted it. H-However, one of the guests told me a woman took a photo while we are still *ahem* shocked awhile ago. And when I asked her who it was, it was already too late. The lady was gone and she already uploaded the photo.❞

❝So you're saying, an unknown girl, probably a tabloid reporter, outwitted everyone of us and even dared try to ruin the royal family?❞ Queen Charlotte spoke calmly though her eyes were blazing in rage. ❝Y-Yes, Your Majesty.❞

The Queen massaged her throbbing temples with closed eyes before continuing. ❝We must do something quickly before it gets out of hand.❞ She turned to Andrew. ❝Kindly tell Luke to escort Lady Lyttelton to Hagley Hall and Prince Philip you may rest now. Do not worry, the King and I will settle everything.❞

❝Lady Lyttelton, please follow me.❞ They all stared at Daphne when she stood up but did not move further. Her shoulders shook whilst crying bitterly into her hands. Philip's heart softened upon seeing the poor lass, so, he did what he thought is right.

He grabbed her around the waist gently and pulled her close whilst caressing her back and telling her comforting words. After all, she's just a noble lass who never once experienced such horrible situation unlike him who had grown accustomed to the prying eyes of the people.

The Queen regarded them with a small smile on her face. Truly, they are perfectly suited to each other. A match-made-in-heaven. I guess the problem is solved.