Chapter 6 #2
I took a deep breath, straightening my tie in the mirror one last time before heading out to the waiting car with Ella. My stomach churned with anxiety as we rode to the gala, my mind replaying the mortifying mistake from the last event on loop. Ella reached over and squeezed my hand.
"You've got this, Harry. We practiced your speech a dozen times. It's going to be great."
I gave her a tight smile, wishing I had even a fraction of her confidence. "Thanks Ells. I just hope I don't freeze up and forget everything again."
We arrived at the gala to a barrage of flashing cameras. I plastered on my public smile, waving to the press as we made our way inside. Father was already there, speaking with the event organizers. He glanced our way, his expression stern as always. I felt myself shrinking under his critical gaze.
The gala was in full swing, a glittering throng of wealthy donors and influential figures. Servers wove through the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. I accepted a glass, hoping it would calm my nerves. Ella and I made the rounds, smiling and making polite conversation.
I felt my phone buzz in my pocket and stole a glance at the screen.
It was a message from Daniel, reminding me not to worry and just be myself.
Despite everything, I felt myself smiling.
His words of encouragement from earlier echoed in my mind.
I took a fortifying sip of champagne, drawing strength from the knowledge that someone out there believed in me, even if they didn't know the real me.
All too soon, it was time for the speeches. My mouth went dry as I stepped up to the podium, hundreds of expectant faces turned my way. I caught Ella's eye in the crowd and she gave me an encouraging nod. I cleared my throat.
"Good evening, distinguished guests," I began, my voice sounding far more confident than I felt. "It is my great honor to be here tonight in support of the World Wildlife Fund's vital conservation efforts."
I spoke about the importance of protecting endangered species and preserving fragile ecosystems. As I reached the middle of my prepared remarks, I suddenly felt my mind go blank.
The words on the teleprompter blurred before my eyes.
Panic rose in my throat, that familiar tightness that had plagued me since childhood.
My fingers gripped the podium's edge until my knuckles turned white, and I could feel a bead of sweat rolling down my temple.
These moments were what my father always warned me about - a Crown Prince should never show weakness, never falter.
The weight of centuries of royal composure pressed down on my shoulders as I struggled to maintain my facade.
My eyes darted around the room, searching for something, anything to ground me.
That's when I caught sight of my father in the crowd, his brow furrowed in disapproval.
The King of Denmark could always sense when I was on the verge of losing control, and the weight of his judgment only intensified the panic rising within me.
I saw Ella next to him, her eyes narrowed as she glared daggers at our father. She knew how his constant criticism affected me, how it chipped away at my already fragile self-esteem. Ella caught my gaze and mouthed, "You can do it," her expression softening with encouragement.
Then I remembered Daniel's message from the night before, the words lighting up my phone screen at 3am when my anxiety had kept me tossing and turning.
"You're going to crush it," he had said.
"You're smart, sexy, capable and you care.
" Even now, the memory of his earnest encouragement made my chest feel warm, gave me something solid to hold onto.
Daniel didn't know he was texting a prince - he just saw me, just Harald, and somehow that made his words mean even more.
I took a deep breath, Daniel's encouragement lending me strength, his words echoing in my mind like a protective shield against my rising anxiety.
I abandoned my scripted speech and began to speak extemporaneously, trusting in my genuine passion for conservation rather than the carefully vetted words scrolling across the teleprompter.
My hands trembled slightly on the podium, but my voice remained steady as years of royal training kicked in.
"When I was a child, my mother instilled in me a deep love and respect for the natural world," I said, my voice growing stronger.
"She taught me that it is our sacred duty to be stewards of this planet and all the creatures who share it with us.
Though she is no longer with us, her passion lives on in me. "
I spoke about my personal connection to conservation, sharing anecdotes from my childhood adventures exploring the forests and fjords of Denmark. The audience leaned in, engaged by my authenticity.
"We have a choice," I said, coming to my conclusion. "We can be passive observers as species disappear and habitats crumble. Or we can be champions for change, using our voices and our resources to make a difference. I choose the latter. I hope you will join me."
As I stepped back from the podium to enthusiastic applause, I caught Ella's eye. She was beaming with pride, tears glistening on her cheeks. Even my father looked pleasantly surprised.
I felt a rush of elation, hardly able to believe I had managed to pull it off. I messaged Daniel a quick update, letting him know that the speech went well.
Daniel quickly responds: "Knew you could do it! So proud of you. Celebrate tonight, you deserve it!"
I grinned, feeling lighter than I had in ages. For the first time in a long time, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe I could do this after all. Maybe I could be the leader my country needed, while still being true to myself.