Waiting

For all of you who like A Royal Story, here's Waiting, about the young Prince William and Harry! Hope you enjoy. This chapter starts with Will aged nine, and Harry aged seven, on holiday at Balmoral with Charles, Diana, the Queen, Prince Philip and horses! (Technically, on the plane).

"It's exciting, isn't it?" whispered Diana, squeezing Will's arm, "My little prince. Do you want more juice?"

"Thank you mama, but I'll get it myself," he said, absently. Diana smiled approvingly. Will walked up the aisle into the front of the plane. He pulled the lever on the drink machine and stared at the door past him. 'HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh' the plaque read. Will looked around quickly, and reached into a cupboard above the kitchen counter. He drew out the parcel, and grabbed some notepaper.

Dear Grandma,

Happy birthday from the whole family!

Lots of love,

Wombat xxxxx

He dropped it outside the door, knocked twice, grabbed his juice and ran.

"Did you deliver it?" whispered Charles as Will passed.

He nodded.

"Good boy. Oh, Harry wants something from the luggage. Would you, Wombat?"

"C'mon, Wombat!" yelled Harry, pulling on the car door release. He lunged out and ran up the drive. Will smiled and followed, slower and calmer, taking in the beautiful gardens on all sides. Then he looked at the manor in front of him, wide, tall and imposing. He loved coming to Balmoral on holiday, with the enormous hills and the fact that he was practically encouraged to stay out of everyone's way. But best of all, his horse! It might have seemed soppy for a boy to love a horse so much, but Will didn't really care. He smiled, and turned down the path to the stables. He could see them at the end of the path. He began to run.

Then, he stopped. He tiptoed through the middle, glancing at the tall mares, lean stallions, and fat, hay-munching ponies. There, right at the end! Veritas, the sign above the stable read. "Truth!" breathed Will, and the handsome bay gelding looked up.

Will checked his watch. He just had enough time for a ride!

Will led Veritas back into the stable. He hooked his hat over his wrist and let himself into the house by a side door. He came into the hall. It was empty and silent, with shafts of light illuminating dust. Will grinned. It was late afternoon, he noted, looking at the clock, and nearly time for tea. He sidled into the parlour, which was on the opposite side of the hall, and was surprised to find a table, fully laid with a small feast, but no one in the room. He was looking around, bewildered, when Philip popped out from behind a piano. "Hello, boy! We're holding a surprise birthday tea for your grandmamma. Harry's behind the sofa- aren't you, boy?"

There was a muffled squeak from behind the sofa. Will crouched next to him.

"What is this...Jones, come back!" it was his Grandmother's voice, no doubt. Harry nudged him.

"SURPRISE!"

Will jumped up to see his grandmother laughing heartily- a rare sight. "My goodness! Well, you really didn't have to do all this, now- Philip, dear!" Philip quickly joined her and escorted her to the table. Pretty soon the whole party joined them- Harry, Will, Charles...and Diana. She was wearing a pastel blue dress, black high heels and her opal necklace- Will's favourite. She curtseyed and smiled. "Many happy returns of the day, your Majesty," she said, in that quiet way. Will looked up at her adoringly. She was perfect. Everything was perfect. Then Charles and Diana's eyes met across the table, and Will remembered...

Flashback

"You've been seeing her again, haven't you?" screeched Diana, storming into the living room, clutching the week's magazines. Will was sitting on the floor, drawing pictures with Harry. Will's hand paused over the page, but he didn't look up. "No! I mean...that's one picture of me with one woman-"

"ONE WOMAN?" She screamed, "THE SAME BLOODY WOMAN IT ALWAYS IS!"

Will finally looked up. His mama was red-faced and tearstained. His dad was dejected- beat. Will silently stood up and led Harry out. They left the room to a raging argument. Harry leaned close to him and whispered, "Wombat, will you tell me a story?"

END OF FLASHBACK

Will put his fork on the table. He didn't feel hungry any more.