BUCKINGHAM PALACE
The grand hall glimmers with morning sunlight cutting through the tall windows. The air is thick with tension, whispers of grief still lingering from the recent death of Princess Charlotte, Prince George’s only daughter, whose untimely passing left the royal family and the nation in mourning. The Queen has summoned her children for an unexpected gathering.
Queen Charlotte: Children, gather here. her voice trembles slightly, but her eyes are steel, scanning each of her offspring with intent Today, we speak of the future… of the legacy of this house.
Prince George: Mother… what is it? he shifts uneasily, glancing at his siblings Why summon us so urgently?
Queen Charlotte: The child we have lost… her hand tightens on the arm of her chair …has left a void not just in our hearts, but in the future of our line. It is time to ensure our family endures…
Princess Augusta: Endures? frowns, whispering to her sister Elizabeth Mother speaks as though she intends another game.
Prince Edward: Another game? arches an eyebrow, leaning toward Augusta Surely she does not mean…
Queen Charlotte: Yes. sharp, deliberate It is the “Baby Race.” Each of you shall marry and produce heirs swiftly. The Crown must not suffer further weakness. You will ensure our dynasty thrives despite the criticisms that now surround our family.
Princess Elizabeth: in a low, incredulous voice She cannot mean—after what happened to Charlotte—she wishes us to rush into the same despair?
Prince Ernest Augustus: mutters, fists clenched The court will never forgive another tragedy… they already whisper that we are reckless, that the family line is fragile…
Prince Adolphus: quietly Yet, here we are, expected to compete for our mother’s favor and secure heirs, as though life were some contest…
Queen Charlotte: Competition, yes. voice rises, echoing in the hall But not for mere amusement. This is survival. You must understand, the eyes of the nation watch every choice. Every marriage, every birth carries the weight of our history, our duty, and our name.
Princess Augusta: whispering to Elizabeth She makes it sound like a race… like some cruel spectacle.
Princess Elizabeth: nods It is a spectacle. One wrong move, and we are shamed, blamed, remembered only for tragedy…
Prince George: bites his lip, pacing And yet, if we do not comply… what then? The nation expects heirs, the ministers whisper of succession…
Queen Charlotte: Precisely. Each of you must act, plan, secure your future and the future of England. I will not see our line falter again. Not after Charlotte… not after the criticisms that assail us from every corner. pauses, letting the words settle, her gaze sweeping each child with quiet authority Understand this, this is not choice. This is necessity.
Prince Edward: gritting his teeth, mutters to George Necessity or tyranny?
Prince George: with a sharp glance Perhaps both.
Princess Augusta: crosses her arms, speaking under her breath And we are but pawns in her grand design…
Queen Charlotte: Enough whispers. voice cuts through the murmurs I will hear none of this defiance. Each of you will speak to your matches, consider your alliances, and act with care—but swiftly. Our nation demands it, and so do I.
Princess Elizabeth: softly, to Augusta The weight of her expectations… it crushes one before they even step forward.
Prince Ernest Augustus: grimly, muttering to Adolphus It is as if the shadow of Charlotte’s death lingers over us, forcing our every choice, every thought…
Queen Charlotte: Now, return to your chambers. Prepare yourselves. her voice softens, but with an undercurrent of steel Remember, the Crown watches, the nation watches, and I… I watch above all. Fail not. Honor this family, or live with the consequences.
The children exchange glances, a mixture of fear, frustration, and the sharp sting of realization. Some retreat quietly, plotting their next moves. Others remain frozen, the weight of expectation pressing down like a storm above them.