Hugh chuckled at her words, but noticing the serious looks from the people around, he quickly got serious and whispered back to Chelsea, "Shh, just watch and keep quiet. We shouldn't say that..."While Hugh was still speaking, Chelsea pointed excitedly at the screen as if she had found something amazing. She said to Hugh, "Look, who's that? If I'm not wrong, that's Matthew, right? What's he doing at the Charleston princess' coronation?"Matthew stood out in the crowd, his looks and presence making him as noticeable as a crane in a flock of chickens.Chelsea saw him right away. Hugh, following where she pointed, just glanced over without much fuss.Chelsea's mind was racing with thoughts, but Hugh's quiet words were like a splash of cold water, calming her down."At big royal parties in Charleston, they sometimes invite important people from other countries, like leaders and big business folks. Matthew probably got invited because of who he is."That made sense, especially since
"Only Matthew might have the answer to that," Hugh said, rubbing his chin and thinking hard. On the big screen, the grand duke continued to say, "Let's all wish the queen a very happy birthday. And now, let's welcome today's other star, Princess Velda!" The grand duke's voice was full of excitement, and as he finished speaking, a beautiful, calming piano tune began to play.Everyone's eyes were drawn to the staircase, but instead, two bright spotlights shone into the air.A grand swing, covered in blossoming branches and giant golden feathers, gently floated down.On it stood two figures in their finest attire, Theodore and Lucy.Feathers from swans drifted down from above as Lucy, in a white princess gown and a golden crown, gazed upon the crowd.The light hit her face, making her shine like a star. The people watching could not help but gasp in awe."Wow, is she a fairy? She's so beautiful, I feel a little unworthy in her presence.""Princess Velda is the most noble and lo
Hugh was totally serious, and Chelsea just laughed. Tease him a little and he would react as if it were all true. The two of them quickly got used to the idea of Lucy being a princess. It looked like the coronation ceremony was starting on the big screen.The grand duke was holding a scroll, speaking in the Charleston language that sounded like gibberish to Hugh and Chelsea. Since they could not understand a word, they started whispering to each other instead."Do you notice that Lucy doesn't look like she's from around here?" Chelsea was still amazed. People from Charleston looked similar to them, but they often had brown, gold, or even white hair. They also had deep eyes and tall noses, which made them look different from the Daburineans. However, Lucy had glossy black hair, bright eyes, and a cute, pointy nose, just like a Daburinean. That was probably why, after all those years with the Quinn family, no one ever doubted who she was. If it were not for the DNA test Matthe
Remembering the etiquette the palace administrator had taught her that morning, she bowed deeply to Arthur and Juliana."Greetings, my dearest parents." However, she was not allowed to stand up straight just yet.She had to wait until the ceremony was done. Arthur and Juliana sat on their thrones, gazing lovingly at their daughter."Velda, you're our beloved treasure, a precious gift from above that was brought to us," Arthur said."Now that you're grown up and so lovely, I'm filled with joy. Starting today, you're officially the one and only special little princess of Charleston. However, remember, being a princess means you have duties too..."Arthur waved his hand, and the ceremony officer, carrying the tray that contained the scroll and the seal, stepped forward. Arthur took the scroll and went on, "Hertfordshire was your mother's fief when she was a princess consort. Today, I'm giving it to you, hoping you'll take good care of it and live up to my and your mother's expectat
"Don't say I didn't warn you. You can fall for anyone, but Matthew's wife is off-limits!" Caleb whispered to Cillian. He had found out that Lucy was still alive and about her ties to Matthew. He noticed his little brother's crush on Lucy. Even though their family, the Sullivans, were not daunted by Matthew, he and Lucy were married. Cillian was fixating on someone else's wife. If Lucy reciprocated Cillian's feelings and he stood a chance, Caleb might have supported Cillian in pursuing Lucy. After all, it was somewhat entertaining to see Matthew lose his composure. However, everyone knew Matthew adored his wife. Cillian longing for her was just setting himself up for disappointment.Caleb had to step in and give his brother a reality check. Cillian got the message with a wry smile. He knew there was no hope with Lucy and had even decided to wish her well. However, was it so wrong to steal just one more glance at her? Cillian sighed and finally gave in. "I understand." Caleb d
Hearing Charlotte's words, the ceremony officer felt a warm glow in his heart and quickly said, "Oh no, Your Highness. Don't worry, the crown is perfectly fine.""Really? Are you taking the crown to the back room?" Charlotte asked with a smile. The officer did not think twice and nodded."Yes, Crown Princess.""Alright then, be careful with it. That crown is my sister's, and we wouldn't want any sneaky thief getting their hands on it."Charlotte seemed to be hinting at something, but the officer just thought she was looking out for him and chuckled. "You're funny, Your Highness. There are no thieves in the palace.""Of course, you're right. Off you go, then."Charlotte waved her hand, and the officer bowed and left. The crowd around them kept up their lively chatter.Charlotte glanced around. Seeing no one was watching, she followed the officer toward the back room.Juliana and Lucy held the knife together and made a ceremonial cut in the cake, marking the end of the ritual."
Arthur and Juliana started dancing, so the others naturally followed suit.Typically, a man with a sense of chivalry would be the one to invite the lady to dance. However, Theodore was a little senseless when it came to romance.Annabella had never been one for coy gestures, so she straightforwardly walked up to Theodore and said, “Prince Theodore, are you going to ask me to dance?”No other woman would be as straightforward as her, and no gentleman would refuse such a request either.Naturally, Theodore extended his hand and said, “Of course. Miss Annabella, may I have the pleasure of this dance?”All things considered, he still admired Annabella for her directness and intelligence.However, her dancing skills and ability to effortlessly navigate social situations were not enough to interest him.Theodore and Annabella danced gracefully, breaking the hearts of many other young women below who also wished to dance with Theodore.Every year, Annabella’s boldness infuriated them.
Charlotte’s words sounded like consolation, but they also extinguished the hopes of these young men.They thought that they might have a chance with the beautiful princess, but it turned out that the long-lost princess was already married.How could they not be disappointed?Only then did they remember Charlotte.The young men approached Charlotte, hoping to invite her to dance.“Your Highness, may I have the honor of inviting you to dance with me?”The same scene unfolded before Charlotte. She smiled at the crowd as if she were about to select one of them.The young men fixed their hopeful gazes on her, but she suddenly withdrew her hand and said, “I’m sorry, everyone, but I’ve also found myself a dance partner.”With that, she went around the group of bachelors and walked away.Were they kidding? These men only approached her after getting rejected. Did they think she would be so easily deceived?If Lucy did not want them, neither did Charlotte.Besides, Charlotte had long