Page 76 of Defying the Crown
"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Danish monarchy. One of transparency, inclusivity, and progress. My father, King Magnus, recognizing the importance of this transition, has chosen to step aside." The ripple of shocked whispers is exactly what Anja predicted. "In the coming weeks, we will begin the process of modernizing our royal institutions while maintaining the values that have always made Denmark strong—compassion, courage, and community."
I feel Daniel squeeze my hand, and without hesitation, I lift our joined hands for all to see.
"This is who I am. This is who we are. And I am proud to lead Denmark forward, not despite my truth, but because of it."
The press roomexplodes with questions, but Anja steps smoothly forward to manage them. In the controlled chaos that follows, I turn to Daniel.
"So," I whisper, "how did I do?"
His answer is to pull me into a kiss that sets off another round of camera flashes. When we part, he grins. "I think you just changed history, Your Highness."
"We," I correct him. "We changed history. Together."
The headlines explode across the globe within hours:
"DANISH MONARCHY EMBRACES CHANGE: Crown Prince Harald's Bold New Vision"
"KING MAGNUS TO ABDICATE: Modern Love Transforms Ancient Throne"
"FROM CRISIS TO TRIUMPH: The Royal Romance That Changed Denmark"
In my private chambers, Daniel scrolls through his phone, reading reactions with a mix of awe and amusement. "Jayda's called sixteen times. Apparently, we're trending worldwide."
"Mmm." I settle beside him on the sofa, finally free of the formal attire from the press conference. "And what's the verdict?"
"Well, according to Twitter, you're either saving the monarchy or destroying a thousand years of tradition." He shows me a particularly dramatic meme. "Though most people seem more interested in that kiss, I'm pretty sure my foot popped on that one."
"Which one?" I tease. "The hospital steps or the press room?"
"Both are going viral." Ella breezes in without knocking, tablet in hand. "The internet has dubbed you #PrinceCharming, by the way. And Daniel's been upgraded from 'mystery man' to 'Denmark's future Prince Consort.'"
Daniel chokes on his tea. "They what?"
"Oh, don't act surprised." Ella flops into an armchair. "You basically just had the most public engagement announcement in Danish history."
"We haven't—I mean, we're not—" Daniel stammers, but I silence him with a soft kiss.
"Not today," I remind him gently. "One revolution at a time."
Erik appears in the doorway, looking both exhausted and pleased. "The initial polling numbers are in. Eighty-seven percent approval for the modernization initiative. Apparently, the sight of true love conquering all is quite popular with the public."
"And Father?" I can't help but ask.
"Signing the abdication papers as we speak," Erik confirms. "Prime Minister Christensen is with him. She's... quite persuasive."
Daniel leans into my side, his warmth grounding me. "Are you okay? With all of this?"
I look around the room—at Ella's fierce pride, Erik's steady loyalty, and most of all, at Daniel's loving concern—and feel a peace I've never known before.
"For the first time in my life," I tell him, "I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."
Daniel
Evening settles over the palace as Harald leads me to his private chambers—our chambers, he keeps saying, though I still can't wrap my head around that. My phone won't stop pinging with messages from Jayda, who's clearly still processing everything that's happened today.
I settle back against Harald's chest as we lounge on the balcony, checking my latest texts. "Jayda wants to know if she needs to curtsy now," I laugh, showing him the string of increasingly dramatic messages. "And she says to tell you she can still kick your royal ass if you hurt me."
His chest rumbles with laughter as he kisses my temple. "Tell her the curtsy is optional, but the threat is duly noted. Though I think Ella might beat her to it if I ever hurt you."
