To top it off, there was an absurdly long line of people trailing behind her.
Not this again...
Lucy sighed internally. It was the third tthis had happened, and she had only been back with her parents for less than two weeks! After the private council meeting, the ministers had showered her with gifts. Even Juliana had sent presents her way.
Later that night, Arthur and Juliana had each sent more gifts.
"Velda, these are all the birthday presents from your mom and dad, from your first birthday to now." Juliana herself had said it. Lucy, who had never before received a birthday gift from her family, was overjoyed to accept the gifts.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtImagine her shock when she found out her first birthday present was a pure platinum necklace, centered with a pink diamond as big as a pigeon's egg.
Her second birthday present was an emerald stone of immeasurable value, the third a painting by a world- renowned artist, and the fourth a Barbie doll as tall as a child. It was decked out in a diamond- encrusted princess dress...
Year after year, up to her 20th, the gifts grew more lavish, culminating in the very princess gown and crown she donned that day.
Those were just from Juliana. Arthur's presents were so numerous they nearly filled an entire room.
Even for a place like Charleston, famed for its diamonds, that was opulence on another level.
Lucy's hands shook as she unwrapped the gifts. Even Matthew raised an eyebrow at the spectacle.
Today brought another surprise. The butler, with a perfect bow, presented even more. "Second Princess, these are your new clothes from the queen, all in your favorite styles. Would you like to try them on to ensure they fit?" Oh...
Lucy glanced past the butler to see rows upon rows of clothes racks.
It would take an eternity to try them all on, a task that seemed to threaten her very lifespan.
"There's really no need," Lucy said. "If they're made-to-order, they're bound to fit. Please, just thank my mother for me.
"And perhaps no more orders next time. I appreciate her sentiment, truly, but i have more than enough clothes. I could wear a different outfit three times a day without repeating." Lucy could not help but smile, albeit a bit strained, She knew her parents meant well, wanting to shower her with all the world's riches to make up for their absence. She would treasure every piece, just as they hoped.
Love could be a sweet burden sometimes.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLucy ran her fingers through her hair in exasperation as the wife of the butler watched her intently. "Understood, Princess," she said crisply. "I'll pass along your words to the queen." "Thanks so much," Lucy replied with a grateful smile.
"Not at all, Princess. Would you liketo have these clothes brought to your dressing room?" After Lucy hummed her consent, the wife of the butler gestured, and the helpers bustled out.
Alone at last, Lucy let out a sigh of relief and was about to share a im resigned comment With Matthew when she noticed a maid lingering nearby. "Princess, Princess Charlotte has asked you to join her for tea."
The maid seized the moment after the wife of the butler left to speak up. Lucy and Matthew exchangedam glance, their brows knitting together. "Did Princess Charlotte specifically ask for just the second princess?" Matthew inquired, seeking confirmation. "Yes, just the second princess," the maid affirmed with a nod.
Lucy and Matthew had been wary of Charlotte since their last encounter.
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