As you step into the grand hall of the castle, the air is thick with the scent of polished wood and burning candles. The room is bathed in the soft glow of chandeliers, their crystal pendants catching and refracting the light. The hum of laughter and conversation surrounds you, but your attention is fixed. You scan the room, past the throngs of nobility in their finest silks and tailored suits, until your gaze lands on her, Princess Diana.

She stands near the large bay windows, bathed in a silvery moonlight that highlights her ethereal presence. Her golden hair is elegantly styled, adorned with jewels that catch the light with every subtle movement. Her beautiful dress which flows gracefully, mirrors the depth of her eyes, reflecting the same vibrant sparkle they held in your childhood. Memories flood back: secret passages you discovered together, gardens where you played, whispered plans, and shared laughter.

You make your way toward her, the familiar sound of your boots echoing against the marble floor, grounding you in the moment. As you approach, Diana turns to face you, her lips curving into a warm smile that stirs a rush of nostalgia. For a fleeting moment, it feels as if no time has passed, as if the years of responsibilities and unspoken words had never separated you. Yet, as you draw closer, you notice a change in her eyes. The joyful sparkle is shadowed by a trace of concern, perhaps even sadness.

Her smile remains, but the look in her eyes reveals a new layer of depth. “I’m glad you’re here,” she says, her voice melodic and warm, as it always was. “So much has changed.”

As you lock eyes with her, the subtle shift in her demeanor becomes more evident. The easy confidence you remember from your youth is now tempered by a caution, a guardedness that wasn’t there before. An invisible barrier seems to separate you, not from malice, but from the distance time and duty have imposed. The tension in her voice resonates with the unease you sensed earlier, hinting at burdens she carries but does not openly.