This story took me forever. I am very proud of it. Please review!

rant I do not own Grey's Anatomy. I am merely a hopelessly addicted, obsessive fangirl who feels the need to write angsty oneshots about fictional characters. end rant


"Grief is the price we pay for love."

-Queen Elizabeth II

She is a queen.

Dressed in regal splendor, she walks with her head high.

Because no matter what, queens keep their composure.

They hold the hopes and dreams of nations on their shoulders.

And they bear the weight gracefully.

They do not complain.

When she speaks, her voice trembles, but does not break.

Because no matter how defeated she is inside, on the outside she must be strong.

And she is.

Her faultless exterior betrays the fractures it holds within.

Her hair is perfect, falling in golden ringlets around a face that does not crumble.

Her dress is exquisite. It trails behind her, and it leaves no doubt that she is special.

No doubt at all.

And when she walks out of that building, all eyes are on her.

Her royal entourage flanks her. Protects her.

They do not leave her side.

They will catch her, should she stumble.

And she will stumble.

And they will hold her and comfort her and tend to her every need.

They will do it with pride, and they will not complain.

Because she is a queen.

A fallen queen.

"I understand people's suffering, people's pain, more than you will ever know yourself."

-Princess Diana