#Margaret Delacourt | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

aellathedreamer · 1 year ago

Text

Some Girls

Summary:

Edward laments on the past few days he’s been with the “Duchess”. A look through of The Princess Switch but in Prince Edward’s retrospective.Canon divergence in the end.

word count: 5416

TW: need lots of tissues

The first time Prince Edward set his sights on the duchess of Montenaro, he had the impression that she was clever, cultured, and worldly-wise. Margaret Delacourt, all powdered, prim and proper. The first time she had stepped foot into Belgravian soil, Edward had come across her as aloof and cold.

He’d brushed it off, thinking Margaret was stuck with him out of duty. Edward let it be.

The night before he was supposed to leave to meet with the Spanish Ambassador, he stops by Lady Margaret’s chambers. The moment Margaret’s attendant opened the doors, there was something within his fiancée that he could not wrap his finger on.

“Please do come in.” She tells Edward, inviting him in. Edward smiles at her cordially, after all, he wishes her to be comfortable with all the ruckus going on.

“Might I say you look lovely in pink…” he tells her curtly, eager to break the ice that seemed to be lodged between them.

“Oh, and you look lovely as well.” Margaret replies, a smile gracing her face. It was quite a rarity to see her smile. Or was it because Edward simply did not try to simply study her. “Not in… Not in pink.”

Well that was new.

She blurted out nonsense, but the prince did not seem to mind. Edward was rather fascinated to see something beyond the aloof exterior of the duchess. She seemed rather carefree at the moment.“Though pink would be very becoming.” She chuckles lightly, her gaze drifting to the chaise lounge behind him.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Edward tells her and follows her gaze. “I trust the accommodations are to your liking?” He inquires, knowing far too well Margaret was simply a complex woman to please.

“Oh, yes, they’re top drawer!” She reassures him.

“But is there a problem with the sofa?” He inquires, seeing as she had been staring at it for quite some time.

“No. No,no, not at all.” Her brows furrowed and she attempted to thwart the attention away from the sofa. The prince raised an eyebrow, Margaret was acting strange.

“Oh,no, no, it’s very comfortable. Very comfortable indeed.” She side steps him and falls back on the sofa. Edward fought the urge to chuckle, he did not want to risk offending Margaret. “In fact, I took a nap on it. Slept like a log.”

“A log?” He asks her, apprehension seeping in his tone.

At that moment, Edward thought the Margaret in front of him seemed to be wild as that wind-blown tree.

“Yes, dear. A royal log.”

Somehow, her giving him an endearment of “dear” sent chills upon his spine. It was not usual of Margaret to be affectionate after all. She then musters up a statement that it was an expression they have back in Montenaro.

“But, I don’t want to keep you from Spain.”

There she goes again, shutting him out as usual. Margaret sees him off on the way out and somehow he could not comprehend how he was going to marry someone he barely even met at all. He was worried.

He was worried terribly.

She shuts the door to his face, signaling his departure. Edward sighs in exasperation, he was more than confused as ever. Women, they were so difficult to read.

——

“Well then, we will find something else.” Edward makes his presence known and Margaret chokes on her tea. Edward suppressed a groan, did she openly display her disapproval of him in front of his own parents?

Or was he simply overreacting to everything?

“Oh,yes. Just… surprised.” Margaret musters up an excuse.

“I thought you’d be happy to see me?” His tone deflates, his ego hurt.

“Of course, I just…” Margaret trailed off. “Didn’t you leave for your meeting with Spain last night?”

His mother, Queen Caroline, answers for him. “Edward had the good sense to turn around before he boarded the plane.”

“Yes, I thought it wrong to be concerned with affairs of state with our wedding just around the corner. I’m determined to spend as much time as we can over the next few days.”

He hands her the engagement gift once they were alone in his study. Margaret stood in front of him awkwardly.

“Its- It’s very suitable.” She tells him but doubt can be heard in her voice. Edward sighed internally, pleasing Margaret was slowly becoming a difficult job. “Extremely suitable.” She smiles at him sheepishly.

However, Edward was not convinced.

There was something different with the woman in front of him that Edward cannot simply not comprehend. She slips up here and there, sometimes her ideas sound absurd.

Sometimes, he even wondered if this was all an act. Edward could feel her reluctance, he was not daft to blindly assume she was able to get along with him. However, he could not ignore the fact that she was trying to connect with him.

She was trying. Suddenly, the one sided line of communication he instigated was now getting a response. She curtsies before him, as Margaret stepped out of his study to go change into her riding clothes. Edward sank to his seat. He was confused, more confused than ever.

———-

Edward waited for her in the royal stables. While Margaret was gone, he’d taken the liberty of choosing the horse Margaret would be riding. The prince would admit he had been meticulous in choosing a mere horse his fiancée would ride on.

Out of dozens of horses in the stables, he ruled out the aggressive ones which were a bit harder to control. He did not want to risk his fiancée getting thrown off by an aggressive stallion. He ruled out the meek ones as well, one that would bend easily on her whim. Margaret was a competitive rider, she might be displeased if she was given a meek horse to ride on.

“This one seems to fit your standards, sire.” The head stablehand tells the prince. “He is neither too aggressive nor too soft. As wee little Goldilocks said, he is just right.”

Margaret makes her entrance, time seems to slow down. Edward found himself to be engrossed in her. He studied every detail of her features, the proud look on her face, her lips that would slowly upturn in a smile.

And he could never ignore how good she looked while in riding clothes.

“Shall we?” He asks her.

“We shall.” A proud smile was etched onto Margaret’s face.

Edward makes a beeline to his horse and mounts it. Once on the horse, he faintly hears Margaret muttering “Oh, dear God.”

“Is there a problem?” He asks her, concern laced in his tone. He didn’t want to disappoint her. The duchess chuckles awkwardly and tells him that the horses back in Montenaro were a bit shorter.

He found it odd, though. Prince Edward definitely saw the duchess’s photographs of her riding standard horses. For a moment, Edward thought she was making excuses in order not to spend time with him.

As Edward puts on his riding helmet, he barely realized that the duchess had already tried to mount the horse. It was revealed to be unsuccessful,as Margaret vaulted over the horse.

The prince dismounts quickly and comes to the rescue. “Are you alright?” He asks, concern evident in his voice.

The duchess nods but Edward was not satisfied. He slowly stands her up and removes her helmet. “Are you hurt? How is your head?” he asks, his hands slowly caressing the sides of her head.

Her cheeks tinged pink and she briefly avoided his gaze. “I thought you said you were a competitive rider?”

At that moment, Edward groaned as his tongue got the best of him once more. The question seemed inappropriate now that the duchess was embarrassed. He felt bad for making her uncomfortable. However, Margaret seemed to save her face by her sense of humor.

“You know, we really don’t have to do this.” Edward began, already feeling bad of causing embarrassment to the duchess. The duchess insisted to go on riding however. It fascinates Edward that the Margaret that he was used to was spontaneous, now it seems that she wishes to stick to a schedule.

He found it odd, however, he deduced she might’ve felt hurt by the embarrassing moment earlier.

“Well, then let me give you a hand.” He offers, it was the least he can do. He helps her up. Margaret stiffened as his hand rested on the small of her back. He successfully lifts her up before mounting his own horse.

They headed out of the stables and into the snowy terrains of Belgravia. He dismounts of his horse first before helping her to get off the horse despite being told that she can dismount herself.

“You have something in your eye.” Edward says softly, while attempting to remove the snow that seemed to be stuck on her eyelash. Their eyes met, and he was lost in her eyes once again. His gaze drifts down to her lips, Edward fought the urge to kiss her on the spot. Coming to her senses, Margaret shifted the topic.

“This really is quite breathtaking.” Margaret began as they took a moment to take in the view. It was a picturesque view of the entirety of Belgravia.

“Yes, it is.” Edward agrees with her. His tone shifts into a more sentimental one.“I come here when I need to get away.”

“Do you need to get away a lot?” Margaret inquires, concern slipping in her tone.

“Sometimes the affairs of state can be a burden.” He answers curtly.

Margaret stares at him and sighs shortly. Her tone shifts to a more softer tone. “Burdens usually aren’t so bad when you have someone to share them with.”

Edward chuckles. He appreciated her concern, and he could tell it was coming as some sort of breakthrough from the ice lodged between them. “I doubt you’d be interested in the details of foreign trade.”

“Why not?”

“You shouldn’t have to worry about that.” He quickly reassures her.

“Because I am not bright enough?” Margaret asks, her tone starting to sound albeit defensive. He kicked himself mentally as he practically ruined all the progress they made by offending her. Edward avoided her gaze.

“No, because you have a wedding to plan.”

Margaret lets out a chuckle. “So should I stick to things like polishing my tiara?” she asks, sarcasm laced in her tone.

He felt bad instantly. “N-No, I didn’t mean it like that.”

They exchanged a few words before she hastily makes an exit. Edward could clearly tell she was offended by what he said. She mounts the horse without his help and leaves him alone.

Edward returns to the castle. With a storm of thoughts brewing in his head, he was seen to be pacing back and forth. Unfortunately, Frank was unable to escape the prince’s whims. “Frank, how do you apologize to a lady?” he asks.

The butler in question sighs deeply. “I don’t know, Your Highness. With all the years I’ve spent serving the royal family. Do you think I still have time for love?”

The butler immediately knew that it was a matter regarding Duchess Margaret. “Just say you’re sorry, Your Highness. That will do the trick I suppose.”

Edward sighs. “Can you tell the duchess I’d like to see her in the Portrait Library?” Frank De Luca made a beeline to the Duchess’s chambers. Before he was able to get farther, the prince asks another question out of nervousness. “Should I bring flowers? Or chocolate?”

Franks groans. He wondered how he was able to put up with Prince Edward after all these years. The prince was naive in terms of love, he was like a puppy. “You do you, Your Highness. But do not blame me if the duchess gets offended further if you try to bribe her with flowers or chocolates.”

——-

Waiting for Margaret felt like an eternity.

The two engaged on a small talk regarding the Belgravian royal family’s history. Margaret however, chose to cut to the chase. She quickly shifted the topic to instigate everything that was needed to be said. “So, you wanted to see me?”

“I believe I need to apologize.” Edward admits.

It did not help that Margaret chose to push his buttons. “You believe you need to apologize. You are not certain.” she tells him. She stared right through him and Edward avoided his gaze.

“N-No, actually, I know I do.” He admits. “Apologies are important. The truth is when we were out there on horseback, I was a complete and utter imbecile. You’re going to be my wife. If you have an opinion on a matter of state,well, I’d like to hear what it is.”

Edward awaited her response nervously. He avoided Margaret’s gaze. “Apology accepted.”

And he was able to sigh in relief. From a nervous expression, his expression shifted to a little grin. “Glad to hear it. Margaret, I know how difficult this must be for you. We hardly know each other, but I want to make this marriage work. We have a… duty to make it work.”

“Precisely.” she agreed. His spirit deflated when she agreed with him. It was all for duty after all. They were stuck together and they needed to make it work.

——-

Time seems to stand still whenever he is with her. Their giggles engulfed the toy store as the duchess sank against him as they both lost their balance while playing Twister. At that moment, Edward stared at her. He seemed to be lost in her eyes, her irises as dark and as deep as the midnight sea.

She sank in his arms, ever so warm and bold.

Somehow, Margaret seemed to be far from what he had expected her to be. As a grand duchess, he expected her to be powdered, prim, and pale. The Margaret he knew was clever, cultured, and worldly wise. But seeing the Margaret in front of him was the polar opposite of his impression. This Margaret, baking cookies and playing twister with him in the toy store. At that moment, his impression of his bride-to-be changed.

Margaret Delacourt, she sees the world through a child’s wide eyes.

“How many families do actually live in the shelter?” He remember’s Margarets asking, Edward was clearly taken aback by her question. The same could also be said with his parents, King George and Queen Caroline.

Margaret inquires if there was a full time staff or volunteers in the shelter. His father then rebukes that royalty do not concern themselves with the details of the royal charities.

It was quite of a rarity of a noble to dream of what was just in reach. He was used to women having grand dreams. But the woman beside him was different. Margaret seemed to surprise him even further.

His gaze drifts to her hand’s gentle tremors as she sat down in front of the grand piano. Everyone’s eyes were onto his fiance, awaiting her to serenade them with a beautiful tune. Edward steps forward, offering his hand. “Stage fright?”

“Something like that…” she awkwardly tries to laugh it off.

“How about we play a duet?” Edward offers, to ease her nerves. “The Carol of the Bells, you play the bells and I’ll play the rest.”

“I-I dont know the chords.” She tells him.

Edward was momentarily taken aback but chose to go on. “Well, they’re simple, it’s these four notes.” He gently grabs her hands and places it on the keys of the piano. His hand placed on top of her, he gently guides her to play the bells.

He found her staring at him and he held eye contact until her gaze pulled away. “Right.”

Once she was comfortable enough, he lets go of her hand and plays the rest. After they finished playing, Edward gently takes her hand. He kisses the back of her hand, once he met her gaze. He was so certain that the look of love was visible in her eyes.

He was falling for her even more.

He had watched her interact with the children. The normally shy duchess was mingling with the children of the shelter. “Isn’t she wonderful? Reading to the children like that?” The caretaker gushes.

He spared her a glance and a smile began to form on his lips. “The duchess is very special.”

Edward was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the children clapping. The children were eager to interact with his fiance as the idea of a princess fascinates the children. “Are you in love with him?” One asks.

The children giggled and the smile on his face never faded at all. Margaret glances at him, her eyes never breaking eye contact. “Very much…”

And somehow, Edward forgot how much of a fool he looked like with a stupid grin on his face.

As they stepped out of the shelter, Edward fell in step behind Margaret as he pondered for a moment. Each day felt like he was discovering a new side of Margaret that he had no idea that existed. There was something in her that seemed to keep him wrapped around her finger.

He could not say no to her.

They spent the afternoon wrapping presents and Margaret baking cookies. The duchess had caused quite a ruckus with the staff not used to seeing the duchess in the kitchen. The remainder of the day was spent at the shelter. It seems that the duchess of Montenaro had brought out a side of him.

It was the best of him.

You're no one else I've known, Edward thought as the duchess fell asleep on his shoulder on the way back.

Edward had woken her up gently once they arrived back at the castle. Somehow, the prince had found her cute in her half-asleep state. Frank opened the car door for them as the prince stepped out first. “You seem to be quite exhausted.” He chuckles softly as he holds out a hand to guide Margaret out of the car.

She chuckled softly but did not say anything. As they went inside, Edward signalled both Frank and Mrs. Donatelli that he’d like to be left alone with the duchess. The prince walked her back to her chambers. “I’ve learned so much about you…” he tells her.

“Like how to bake cookies and wrap presents?”

He chuckles. “Like how to understand people and how to reach out to them.”

“You have a good heart, Edward.” She tells him softly. “You are going to do just fine.”

They stop in front of her chambers. “As long as you’re here to help me.” He mumbles softly.

Margaret sighs. Somehow, he could feel the weight of her heavy sigh. “Well, I suppose its time to turn in.” She tells him as Edward notices she avoids her gaze.

“I wanted to give you something…” he tells her. The prince pulls out a box from his pocket and gently gave it to her. “Didn’t have time to wrap it, but… probably for the best.”

Margaret gently opens the box. Her gaze remained downcast as she read what was on his gift. “Veritas, Anoris, Amare.”

“Truth, honor, and… love.” Edward recites, meeting her gaze. “The family crest.”

“The one from the painting.” She gently realizes as she smiles. “It belonged to your grandmother.”

“Margaret, if I’m being truthful…” Edward trailed off. His gaze met hers. “I was worried about us, about the wedding, about not knowing who you are.” He confesses.

“But after today, I’m not worried anymore.” He declares.

Edward could have sworn Margaret’s eyes were glassy.”You really are Prince Charming.” She tells him, leaning forward to kiss him.

His lips entwined with hers and for a moment, it was as if he did not want to let go. She pulls away abruptly as his hands snake around her waist. For a moment, he thought he did something wrong.

“I…”

“Did I do something wrong?” He asks.

“No…” she attempts to convince him. “No, you did everything right.”

Edward smiles softly, “Well, then I’ll see you in the morning.”\

He was sure he heard a small sniffle from her. “You will see your Duchess in the morning.” She tells him, her voice cracking. Margaret avoids his gaze, but Edward was so sure he saw tears glistening in her eyes before bidding farewell.

For a moment, Edward pressed his ear towards the door. He was so sure he had heard Margaret sniffling and crying. Guilt filled his system thinking he must have overstepped his boundaries. Somehow, a part of him ached to hear her cry as well.

—

The next morning, Margaret acted cold towards him.

Edward was confused, he was beyond confused to see her act that way. He was used to seeing her act casually with him. It was as if all of their development went down the drain.

She walks out and he makes a beeline to follow her outside. Edward had spent quite a while looking for her. Margaret clearly wanted to be not found. He finds her sitting down in the benches of the castle gardens.

She seems to be lost in thought while looking at the gift he had given her last night. “I’ve been looking all over for you…” he approaches her softly.

“I needed some fresh air.” She tells him.

“Oh,” he sighs as he sat down next to her. “Well, I was worried about you.” He confides in her, as he gently places his hand on top of hers.

Margaret pulls away. “Please don’t.”

“Look, Margaret, I don’t know what’s wrong. Whatever it is, if you dont want to hand out a bunch of silly ribbons, just say so. We don’t have to.” He tells her, hoping to get through the Duchess.

She shakes her head. “No, we have to go. But…” Margaret meets his concerned gaze. “There is something I need to tell you first…”

“Sounds serious.” Edward remarks, unsure of where this conversation would lead them.

“Well it is,” Margaret smiles faintly. “It’s about truth and honor. But mostly, its about love.”

Edward’s brows furrowed in skepticism. “I’m not quite sure where this conversation leads us to…”

“Edward, let me finish.” Margaret said curtly. “The truth is, I was not the person that you were with these past few days.”

Edward chuckles. “Look, Lady Margaret. I-“

“Let me finish please…” she trembles ever so slightly. “First of all, I’d apologize for deceiving you in the first place. So there’s this woman, we met while I was touring the studio in Wembley. We happened to run into one another, and I noticed how similar we looked. Scratch that, we even looked like twins after all.”

Edward listens patiently. “I’d admit it was my idea of switching lives with her for two days. It was all on me, then she took my place while I was out and trying to get to know Belgravia withouts the confines of being a royal. The whole time you had been with ‘Margaret’ was another woman. It wasn’t me.”

The air in the castle gardens hung heavy with tension as Margaret revealed her secret. Edward's eyes widened in disbelief, struggling to grasp the unexpected twist. "But... why?" Edward stammered, his voice laced with a mix of confusion and hurt.

Margaret took a deep breath, her eyes fixated on the distant horizon. "I needed a break, Edward. A break from the expectations, the responsibilities. I just wanted to experience life as an ordinary person for a while."

Edward shook his head, still trying to reconcile the Margaret he thought he knew with the revelation before him. "You could have just told me, Margaret.

Margaret's gaze finally met his, revealing a vulnerability that contradicted her usual composed demeanor. "I was afraid, Edward. Afraid that you'd see me differently, that you wouldn't understand. You were so overly formal that"

Silence lingered between them before Edward spoke, his tone softened. "Margaret, honesty is the foundation of any relationship. Deception only breeds confusion and pain."

She nodded, a hint of remorse in her eyes. "I know, and I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you with all of this."

Edward sighed, running a hand through his hair. "So, where does this leave us now?"

Margaret hesitated before answering, "I wish to call off the engagement.”

——

“I wish to call off the engagement.” Edward mirrors Lady Margaret’s words in front of his father and mother.

The king and queen looked at him with a horrified expression. It was quite unusual of Edward to call off the wedding as the two monarchs knew that their son and the duchess of Montenaro get along well. King George was the first one to recover from shock. “You what?”

“I wish to call off the wedding.” He tells them curtly, not sparing them with any details.

Queen Caroline looks at her son with an expression of disbelief. “Edward, why so sudden? You are only days away from your wedding? Are you sure you are not experiencing a case of cold feet?”

King George answers for him. “Absolutely not. You will not cancel the wedding.”Edward stood firm, his gaze unwavering as he addressed his parents.

"I've made up my mind, Father. This wedding cannot proceed."

King George's face darkened with a stern expression. "Edward, the alliance with Montenaro is crucial for our kingdom. You cannot simply call off the wedding without a valid reason."

Edward sighed, sensing the weight of responsibility but determined in his decision. He recalled what happened and filled his parents in on what transpired. Queen Caroline pulls out the envelope from her desk drawer. She pulls out the picture of a woman and Lady Margaret standing in front of one another. Edward’s eyes softened to see the other one, the woman he had fallen in love with. “Is this her?” The queen asks, her tone meek.

“I’m in love with her.” He declared.

“Nonsense.” The king brushes him off. “There is no way you could fall in love with someone whom you just know for a mere 2 days! Do not be delusional, Edward.”

“Father, please” Edward attempts to reason out. “If you do care, if you ever care at all.”

Queen Caroline studied the photograph, her eyes flickering between the two women captured in a moment of shared secrets. “Edward, this is quite a revelation. Are you absolutely certain about your feelings for this woman?”

Edward nodded, determination etched on his face. “Mother, I’ve spent these past days getting to know her, and there’s a connection that goes beyond what I had with Lady Margaret. It might sound implausible, but I can’t deny what I feel. It seems unfair for Lady Margaret if we proceed with the wedding knowing that I have fallen for someone else.”

King George remained unmoved, his skepticism evident. “Edward, you’re letting emotions cloud your judgment. For god’s sake, young man,you are not an ordinary person. You cannot just drop everything without thinking about the consequences of the titles we hold.”

Edward turns to his mother, and he attempted to sway her to his side. “Mother, please…”

“Son, you cannot change who you are, or what your duties entail.” His mother softly reminds him, as she was torn between her loyalty towards her son and her duties to the crown.

“Father.” Edward attempts to reason out once more.

“How long do you think you’ll be playing this game?” The king scoffs. “You do not even know her name. What makes you think you fell in love with her? You did not fall in love with her as the baker from Chicago. You are just in love with her pretending as Duchess Margaret.”

“I know no game, Father. I am in love with her!” Edward tells him, his voice raised.

“You are my son.” King George tells him. “You are the crown prince of Belgravia. You will do what must be done, no matter how you feel.”

With a desperation in his eyes, Edward pleaded, "Father, I beg you, just her name. Knowing her name won't jeopardize the kingdom. Please, let me have this small piece of truth."

King George, unmoved, maintained his firm stance. "Edward, you must understand the greater responsibility at hand. You must rid yourself of this silly infatuation, it's quite unbecoming."

Edward's voice trembled with emotion as he persisted, "I beg you, Father, it's tearing me apart not knowing who she is. I cannot go through with the wedding without at least knowing her name."

The king sighed, a moment of contemplation flickering across his face. However, he remained resolute. "I sympathize with your turmoil, Edward, but my decision stands. You will marry Duchess Margaret without knowing the identity of the woman you encountered."

Edward, frustration etched on his face, protested, “How can I let go when everything feels so wrong? I need to know her name; I need to understand who she is.”

The king’s tone grew stern. “You will not pursue this any further. The woman’s identity is of no consequence to you or the kingdom. Your duty is clear, and you will abide by it.”

Clearly desperate, Edward turned to his mother, his voice imploring, “Mother, please. I need to know her name. I can’t go through with this without at least knowing who she is.”

Queen Caroline hesitated, torn between her son’s anguish and her duty to the king. Before she could speak, King George intervened sternly, “Caroline, do not tell him. The woman’s identity is not for him to know. It would only complicate matters further.”

He sank to the ground defeated.

—-

The morning of their wedding was a somber affair.

As expected, the king forbade them to call off the engagement. Their wedding felt more like a funeral as both Edward and Margaret were forced by the duties of the crown. Margaret sat in front of the ornate vanity, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and acceptance. Mrs. Donatelli, her loyal attendant, delicately dabbed at Margaret’s eyes, attempting to conceal the evidence of tears that had stained her fair complexion.

Mrs. Donatelli, her voice hushed, offered words of comfort, “Please do not cry, Your Grace. The ceremony is due to start soon.”

A soft knock echoed through the chamber, prompting Mrs. Donatelli to rise from her task. With a curious glance, she opened the door to find Edward standing there, a mixture of apprehension and determination in his eyes.

“May I speak with Lady Margaret?” Edward requested, his gaze shifting from Mrs. Donatelli to the duchess at the vanity.

Once they were left alone, silence lingered in the air. Margaret continued to sit at the vanity, her gaze fixed on the reflection in the mirror, while Edward stood, uncertain of where to begin.

Margaret’s eyes, still fixed on her reflection, revealed the truth Edward had observed. He spoke softly, “You’ve been crying.”

Her shoulders tensed imperceptibly, a subtle acknowledgment of the vulnerability that lay beneath the composed exterior. “You should be concerned about yourself.”

“If you came here to at least try to force me to tell you her name, I’m afraid I cannot.” She tells him softly. “Your father made me swear to secrecy.”

Edward fiddles with his hands. “How is she?” He chokes out.

Margaret meets his gaze through the mirror. “She’s doing good. I can’t really reveal much, Edward. Well, she left a message for me to pass along for you.”

“What is it?”

Before Margaret could speak, Mrs. Donatelli peeked from the door. “It’s time, Your Highness. You have to go back.”

Some girls you marry,

Edward glances at his bride-to-be, knowing far too well that the Margaret he spent his time with was not the Margaret he was to be wed. Margaret Delacourt kept silent, knowing far too well her husband-to-be had fallen in love with her doppelgänger.

some you love,

His gaze drifts to the sidelines. There she was, wearing a cap that hid her eyes. His breath hitches as their gazes met. Her eyes, the same teary ones she had when she said her goodbyes. She smiles and mouths him to go on.

Surely, in that crowd of thousands he’d find her, and their paths would cross again.

It was a cruel twist of fate, indeed.

#the princess switch #prince edward of belgravia #stacy de novo #margaret delacourt #and yes i cried throughout writing the ending

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kittylover776 · 11 months ago

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Runaway Bride

Chapter 2 of Runaway Bride is out! 😁

I’ll definitely try and post this on either Archive of our Own or Fanfiction.net at some point, but for now this will have to do.

Anyways, hope you enjoy! :)

Chapter 2

Edward felt dread throughout his body as he stood at the alter, staring blankly across the room while waiting for his bride-to-be to appear.

It wasn’t fair. He didn’t want to go through with the wedding, but his father wouldn’t budge about calling off the ceremony. His mother wasn’t much better, only give a sorrowful look his way without so much as saying a word. He could tell she wanted to do more, but she couldn’t go against his father. So regrettably, Edward had no other choice but to go through with it. If he and Margaret were going to be stuck together, he might as well do the right thing and try to be a good husband, for her sake.

Even so, that proved to be difficult. The thought of Stacy still plagued his mind, wishing it was her to be his bride, while also wondering what she truly looked like. It was confusing, to say the least, but Edward knew what his heart wanted, and he wanted Stacy. Bad.

Frank De Luca stood by his side as his honorary groomsman. Edward didn’t have as many friends as he would like, but he considered the butler to be as one of them, so he thought he would be a great choice.

Frank noticed the younger man’s uneasiness, watching him shuffle in place. “Cold feet, sir?” He asked.

The prince’s breath hitched. “Something like that.” Edward responded. “Only with a hint dread to go along with it.”

Frank cocked his head, a knowing look gracing his features. “I’m guessing this has something to do with that mysterious maiden of yours?”

Edward blushed slightly. “Is it really that obvious?”

“Only a little bit.” He countered, then gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m certain this must be hard for you.”

“Believe me, it is. I tried reasoning with my father but there’s just no getting through to him. He just doesn’t understand what Stacy means to me, and what good she could do for our kingdom. I know we hardly know each other, and I know how crazy this sounds, but I want to spend my life with her, get to know the real her rather than the person who she was supposedly pretending to be.”

Frank gave a nod of understanding. “I’m sure Ms. De Novo misses you too, but there’s little we can do about any of this. Your father has requested the wedding must continue, and we must abide his orders.”

“Perhaps there could be, if my mother had an inch of backbone.” He muttered in frustration, sparing a quick glance at the queen. “Don’t get me wrong, I care for Lady Margaret, but we’re just not right for each other. To be honest, I could tell since the beginning.” Edward remembered how cold and closed off the Duchess was at first, willing engage in civil conversation but also being emotionally distant. She hardly came out of her quarters unless requested, and overall tended to avoid him at all costs.

When Stacy had taken her place, he thought she finally decided to open up to him, accepting her role as his future wife for the sake of their alliance, only to have the rug pulled right under him and realize she wasn’t the same woman. Quite literally.

Of course, Edward had been baffled at first when Margaret told him the truth, maybe even a little put off, but as she went on, explaining every detail of their plan and the reason behind it, he grew to realize that perhaps this wasn’t such a bad thing after all, that perhaps this was destiny for the both of them.

He only wished he got to meet the real Stacy sooner. Now he’ll never get the chance.

The sound of music filtered the room as the crowd started to settle, taking their seats and waiting for Lady Margaret to arrive.

‘This is it.’ Edward thinks. He’ll never get to meet the woman whom he had immense feelings for. Forever tied to a woman who not only wasn’t for him, but also looked like the girl he loved, which stung him to his very core. Everyone turned as the doors opened, Edward wiping any sort of tears that might have fallen through, and decided to accept his fate.

Only…fate decided to have other plans.

The large wooden doors slowly opened from afar, the attendees standing to face the end of the hall. Unfortunately, the bride herself seemed to be missing as the doorway appeared to be empty. Edward arched a brow in confusion.

‘Perhaps she’s just nervous?’ He thought to himself, and decided to give her a minute.

A minute passed by, and Margaret was still nowhere to be seen. The music stopped abruptly, and Edward noticed the crowd starting to get antsy, which meant very well there could be a panic.

His parents did not look much better, with his mother covering her mouth gently while his father looked as if he were about to explode, but kept his cool as he tried assuring the crowd.

“Everyone, please! I’m sure Lady Margaret will be out shortly. No reason to panic!” His words seemed to fall on deaf ears, however, as the people still spoke in hushed voices, worried if the future princess had bolted, leaving the prince standing there like a fool.

Edward, meanwhile, could not believe what was happening. A majority of him felt relieved for the delay. He had secretly wished for a miracle to happen that prevented him from marrying Margaret. The sensible part of him, however, was concerned of what this would mean for the alliance between Belgravia and Montenaro, as well as Margaret’s safety. For all he knew, something could have happened that prevented her from making her appearance, whether it be a wardrobe malfunction, or something worse. Perhaps she cut her loses and just decided to make a run for it. Either way, he had to make sure.

Leaning towards Frank, he discreetly spoke to him. “Frank, go check on lady Margaret. Make sure she’s alright.”

The butler gave a serious nod. “Of course, sir. At once.” He took off in an instant, pushing through the wave of people who had gotten out of their seats in a frenzy. Edward watched the man leave before his gaze traveled towards his mother, who had been dead silent through the whole thing, and noticed her gaze towards him. She looked as if she wanted to say something, but his father proceeded to make a bee-line towards him, his look being a mix of concern and annoyance.

“Edward, what on Earth is happening here?!” He asked his son, a hint of accusation in his tone. “Do you have anything to do with this?”

Edward balked. “What? No! Of course not!” He defended. “Believe me, I’m just as surprised as you are!”

George groaned. He then started to look around the room as if searching for someone. “Where is Frank? I want him to start looking into this immediately.”

“Already did that, Father. He is doing an investigation as we speak.” Edward tried to remain civil with his father, but his patience was growing limited.

“Good. At least now we can get some answers! I’ll be sending a few more guards to do a security sweep, just in case. The sooner we find her, the sooner this wedding shall proceed.”

With that, he left to try and once again calm down the patrons in the room, Caroline finally getting up in order to assist her husband.

Having enough with all the ruckus, Edward swiftly leaves the room to start his own search, ignoring the dozens of attendees asking him questions left and right. He enters through the doors and notices immediately the discarded vail and shoes. He picks them up carefully, not wanting anyone to trip over them as he continues his journey through the palace.

He first checks Margaret’s dressing room, giving a soft knock in case anyone could be inside.

“Margaret? Are you in there?” He asks gently. Silence reaches his ears as he gave another knock. “Margaret?” He pressed down on the door handle, and was surprised to find it unlocked. Opening the door, he popped his head inside to find the room dark and empty. He flipped on the light and checked around for clues on where she could’ve vanished. He entered inside and walked towards the vanity, his eyes meeting his reflection for a moment before looking down and spotted something shiny on the dresser.

Margaret’s ring lay dormant on the table, a perfect diamond cut fit for royalty just abandoned without reason. He picked up the ring and studied it, his face slightly crestfallen before safely storing it in his pocket.

“Well, seems she’s not here.” He mutters, flipping off the light and leaving the room. There seemed to be no other clues on where she could’ve vanished. Perhaps her quarters would be the next and best option.

Edward continued his quest down the hall until he reached Margaret’s room, noticing immediately the doors halfway open as the sound of footsteps could be heard from within. He started to feel a bit of relief as he quickly walked inside.

“Lady Margaret?” Edward asked hopefully, but he instantly deflated when he saw Frank instead, standing near her bedside while reading a piece of paper with a concerned expression. The red velvet box containing his grandmother’s necklace also sat vacantly on her nightstand.

Frank looks up and notices the prince, folding the note and immediately came up towards him.

“Did you find her yet?” Edward asks.

The butler shook his head. “Unfortunately not, your highness.” He said in an apologetic tone. “But I found this note attached to her wedding dress when I came in here. It seems as if she wanted you to have it.”

Curious with a mix of concern, Edward takes the note from him and skims the paper carefully, taking in every detail of the letter.

‘Dear Edward,

By the time you come across this letter, I would have already departed. It has come to my attention that this whole arrangement between us has been a mistake, and I’m afraid I cannot go through with it.

As you know, the real reason I was brought here was to marry you, to align our nations in an allying partnership. I had always been hesitant since the beginning, but was willing to put those feelings aside in the name of duty. I knew you were a gentle and kind man, so agreeing was not so difficult, but I couldn’t overlook the fact that while I cared for you, I did not love you like your parents had hoped.

It wasn’t until I met Stacy that I finally got to decide what I truly wanted: to be a normal girl. I’ve always dreamed of having my own life since I was a child, not having to be tied down by duty and expectations, ones that I just couldn’t keep up with. After switching places with her, experiencing her everyday life and meeting her best friend Kevin, I knew what I had to do.

Please don’t blame yourself over this. This was my decision and mine alone to leave, and I can’t thank you enough for dealing with me these past few weeks. I left my ring on my dressing room vanity should you come across it. You are a wonderful man Edward, and I’m sure you’ll make someone very happy.

I wish you all the best, and that you and Stacy reunite in the future.

Yours, Lady Margaret Delacourt.

P.S, Veritas, Honora, Amore.

Edward went over the letter a few times, taking in what she wrote and trying to figure out the last part of the message. Of course, he knew it was part of his family crest, but what did it have to do with her disappearance? Was she trying to tell him something?

Frank watched as Edward’s features scrunched up in concentration. He cocked his head curiously as the prince continued to study the parchment.

“…Sir?” Frank asked after a few moments. “What are we to tell your parents?”

Edward finally looked up from Margaret’s letter, placing it down for a moment along with the veil and heels. He stood back, looking at the whole outfit. “To be honest…I’m not sure. All of this is just a lot to take in.” He then scanned around the (now barren) room. “Is Mrs. Donatelli still here?”

The butler shook his head. “Afraid not. It appears she went along with her.” ‘Because of course.’ Frank thought sarcastically to himself, but quickly shook it off. “Both their belongings seem to be missing.”

The prince nodded in understanding. “I had a feeling. That woman is incredibly loyal. She managed to keep the whole switch-thing a secret, so it’s no surprise she’d still stick by her through this predicament.” He folded up the note again before storing it away in his pocket. “I suppose we’ll have to come up with something, won’t we?”

Frank flinched. “W-We, sir?”

“Yes, ‘we’, Frank. We can’t tell the nobles the truth otherwise there will be more panic. For now, let’s just keep this between us, and my parents. Understood?”

Frank gave a serious nod. “Yes, your highness. This conversation will stay completely confidential.”

“Good. Glad to hear it.”

“Although, I’m guessing your father will be less than thrilled by the situation.” The butler gave a slight grimace.

Edward fought back a small groan. “Believe me, I’m already aware. I just hope my mother can keep him from having a full-on fit.” He then started towards the door, already having a plan in mind. “Come on, Frank. Time to go face the music.” His tone sounded less than thrilled as he said it.

Frank nodded once more, following closely behind. “Of course, sir. At once.”

#The chapters are a bit short so far but rest assured they could be a bit longer in the future. 😅#I would’ve gotten this out sooner but I wasn’t completely satisfied with how this chapter turned out and decided to make a few adjustments.#Might make a few more but who knows? 😅#Let’s just hope Chapter 3 will be a bit easier to write. XD #Things are definitely getting interesting to say the least. 😁#prince edward of belgravia #margaret delacourt #mrs. donatelli #stacy de novo #frank de luca #the princess switch

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