Page 75 of Defying the Crown
"Times change," I tell him, surprised by the compassion in my own voice. "Maybe it's time we both stopped trying to be what our fathers wanted."
Daniel's thumb brushes across my knuckles, a small gesture of support that means everything. Father catches the movement, his eyes lingering on our joined hands.
"And this?" He gestures between Daniel and me. "This is what you truly want?"
"This is who I am," I correct him, my voice steady despite the trembling in my chest. "Daniel isn't a choice I made to defy you. He's the person who helped me find the courage to be myself." The words feel both terrifying and liberating as they leave my lips, like stepping off a precipice and finding wings. For the first time in my life, I'm not hiding behind the mask of the perfect prince my father always demanded I become.
Anja clears her throat, her sharp eyes moving between my father and me with calculated precision. "The press is waiting for an official statement about Prince Harald's release from hospital," she says, her voice carrying that distinctive blend of authority and diplomacy that make her such a formidable Prime Minister. "I suggest we use this opportunity to begin Denmark's transition into a more... progressive monarchy." The way she pauses before "progressive" sends a shiver of understanding through me - she's offering me a lifeline, a chance to reshape the very foundation of what our monarchy could be.
"Progressive," Father scoffs, but there's less bite in it than before. He looks tired, defeated, the lines around his eyes deeper than I've ever seen them, his usual commanding presence diminished in the wake of recent events. His fingers drum restlessly against the polished surface of his desk, a nervous habit I've rarely witnessed in him. "You really think Denmark is ready for a gay Crown Prince?"
"Denmark is ready for an honest one," Anja says firmly, her unwavering gaze fixed on Father. "The rest is just details."
Erik steps forward with another folder. "I've prepared a draft statement, Your Highness. Announcing your recovery and formally introducing Daniel as your partner. With a subtle hint towards modernization of the monarchy and your impending ascension to the throne."
I look at Daniel, seeing my future in his eyes. "Ready to help me make history?"
Daniel's smile is brighter than any crown. "As long as we're together."
Chapter 30
Harald
The palace press room buzzes with anticipation. Cameras click and whir as Anja takes the podium, her presence commanding immediate attention. Daniel and I wait in the wings, his hand steady in mine despite the tremor I can sense running through him.
"You okay?" I whisper.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" He turns to face me, straightening my tie with careful hands. "You're about to change your entire country."
"Our country," I correct him softly. "If... if you want that."
His hands still on my tie. "Harald..."
"Not now," I say quickly. "Not today. Just... think about it?"
Before he can respond, Erik appears. "Your Highness, Prime Minister Christensen is ready for you."
I hear Anja's voice carrying through the speakers: "...pleased to announce that Crown Prince Harald has made a full recovery. However, this experience has led to some significant changes within the Danish monarchy..."
"That's our cue," I murmur to Daniel. "Last chance to run."
He answers by lifting our joined hands to his lips. "Never again."
We step out together, and the press room erupts in camera flashes. But this time, instead of freezing, Daniel walks beside me with his head held high. We take our places at the podium as Anja continues.
"...proud to introduce Mr. Daniel Ramirez, whose dedication to Prince Harald's recovery has touched us all. Their relationship represents the forward-thinking, inclusive monarchy that Denmark embraces as we move into a new era."
I look out at the sea of faces, feeling Daniel's strength beside me, Ella's encouraging smile from the front row, Erik's steady presence behind us. For the first time in my life, I'm not afraid to be seen.
"Thank you, Prime Minister," I say into the microphone. "I stand before you today not just as your Crown Prince, but as a man who has learned that true strength comes from being honest about who you are."
"For too long, the monarchy has hidden behind tradition and protocol," I continue, feeling Daniel's quiet support beside me. "We've forgotten that our greatest duty is not to preserve the past, but to lead Denmark into the future. A future where every citizen, regardless of who they love or how they identify, can see themselves represented in their institutions."
The room is silent now, hanging on every word. I see journalists frantically typing, cameras rolling, history being recorded in real time.
"My recovery taught me something vital—that vulnerability is not weakness. That asking for help, showing emotion, being true to yourself... these are acts of courage." I turn slightly to Daniel, unable to keep the softness from my voice. "I learned this from someone who showed me that love doesn't make us weaker—it makes us stronger."
Daniel's eyes shine with unshed tears, but his smile is radiant. From the front row, I see Ella dabbing at her eyes while maintaining a fierce grin.
