Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 344. Pressure
"It seems they couldn't resist," Rose murmured, more to herself than to Claire. "Everyone is looking for an angle, a way to gain favor, to secure their position."
"They see what you're becoming," Claire said after a moment, her tone thoughtful yet tinged with a hint of sadness. "A queen—powerful, with influence over the entire court and the king's heart." She glanced at Rose, her eyes searching, as though trying to glimpse what Rose might be feeling under her composed exterior.
Rose gave a small, resigned smile. "I know… And I don't blame them." She paused, her gaze drifting out of the carriage window as the city lights passed by. "If I were in their shoes, I would probably do the same thing."
Claire turned to her, a little surprised. "I thought you wouldn't do that. It doesn't seem like you."
Rose's smile turned slightly bitter. "Maybe it isn't what I would want for myself. But it wouldn't be my choice alone, would it?" She shrugged slightly. "My uncle would probably push me into it. That's how things work in our world. We don't always get to act on our own desires. It's… politics. I don't like it, but I was born into it. I've been raised to understand that these games are part of my life, whether I want them or not."
There was a quiet understanding in her voice. It was an acceptance of a reality she could neither escape nor deny. She had known this truth her whole life, but it didn't make it any easier to bear. There was a deep ache in realizing that her position, her title, meant she would always be seen as something to be won. It wasn't the life she would have chosen if she'd had the choice, but she knew that wishing for something else wouldn't change her circumstances.
Claire was silent for a moment, her expression contemplative. Then, after a pause, she asked, "Your Highness… If you had the chance to be reborn, would you choose to be a princess again? Or would you rather be a commoner?"
Rose's smile faded, and she looked down, considering the question. The idea of living as a commoner was both strange and alluring. To be free of titles, to make her own choices without the court's eyes on her every move, was tempting. She imagined a life where she didn't have to attend endless banquets or worry about alliances and loyalties, where she could simply exist without the expectations of a kingdom bearing down on her. A life where she could be just… Rose.
But that freedom was complicated. She knew that being a commoner would come with its own struggles, its own limitations. She might have had freedom, but she would lack the power to change anything, to make a difference. A commoner couldn't influence the kingdom, couldn't shift the course of history. And while the thought of such a life was appealing, Rose was too aware of her own responsibilities to truly embrace it.
"Part of me would want that, yes," Rose admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "To live without the constant pressure, to not have to worry about pleasing everyone around me. To just… live for myself."
She hesitated, then looked up, meeting Claire's gaze with a steady, thoughtful look. "But no. I don't think I would choose that, even if I could. I would feel… powerless. Unable to protect the people I care about. Unable to make any real changes. I might be free, but I would also be limited in ways I can't even imagine."
Claire nodded slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. "So, you'd choose to be a princess again. Even with all the responsibility, the formalities… and the sacrifices?"
"Yes," Rose replied softly. "Because this is the life I was meant to lead. And if I can use my position to bring some good, to support Angel and help guide the kingdom… then it's worth it." Her voice grew stronger, more resolved. "Even if it means I have to give up certain freedoms, I would rather have the chance to make a difference than to live freely without purpose."
Claire seemed to absorb Rose's words. She had always known Rose was strong, but hearing her speak like this reminded her of Rose's resilience and determination. It was a strength born not out of choice, but out of necessity.
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