CHAPTER 25

“Once again, congratulations on your sister's wedding.”

“Thank you; please drink your tea before it cools.”

“Okay.”

They paused and began to eat their refreshments for a few moments before the princess resumed her conversation.

“I almost forgot something,” Princess Nia said, setting her teacup down.

“What is it?” Violet inquired.

“I've prepared a present for you. I hope you enjoy it.”

“You weren't required to, the fact that you are here is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon me.”

“You are really good with words,” she said and turned her head and called her bodyguard, “bring me the parcel.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

They resumed their refreshments until the bodyguard returned with three bags. She was curious as to what was inside. The female bodyguard placed the bags on top of the wooden table in the gazebo, and the princess opened the first bag to reveal a large box, which she handed over to her.

“Open it,” the princess instructed.

She didn't need to be told twice to open the box and take what was inside. She knew her materials so well because she was sensitive, and the box contained one dress made of the finest silk. She was looking over the dress when the princess spoke up.

“I know you like white, so I had this dress made for you by my dressmaker. It's made of the best silk in our kingdom, which is also the most expensive kind. Because you adore jewelry, the dress is embellished with gold and diamonds on the bodice as well as the edges.”

“You know me better than my own family, princess. Thank you very much.”

“Don't say anything like that, we're all good friends. Open the next one,” she instructed, and she did.

The next box, like the first, was enormous; it contained a white and grey fur coat that was heavy but beautiful.

“I know it's a bit heavy, but winter is coming, and in our kingdom, it's usually so cold that we make something like this. I thought you might like it because I like coats like this.”

“I love it. It's the second time someone has given me a gift on their own initiative.”

“Second time? Who did it before me?”

“Dylan, that kid.”

“Oh, my goodness! Is it true that you two are dating?”

"No, we aren't."

“Anyone who sees him looking at you can tell right away that he loves you.”

“Take a look at me, he's still a child.”

“I am your biggest supporter. I simply love everything about you, particularly your hair. I once dyed my hair; if it hadn't been for my mother, I would have had white hair for more than five hours.”

She couldn't help but chuckle at that. How could she possibly think of doing something like that?

“I'm not lying; I did take a few photos. When you come to Tawland, I'll show you.”

“If you forget, I'll remind you.”

“You have to go after your happiness, sis. May I address you as a sister?”

“You can have whatever you want.”

“Then call me Nia. I don't want anything formal between us.”

“Then I'll refer to you as Nia.”

“All right, then. Now for the last box,” Nia said as she handed her the box.

She took the box and began to open it, her jaw dropped open in awe.

“You have a knack for stealing my heart.”

“What else can I say? I've been preparing for this for quite some time.”

“Oh, I see. This is lovely,” she said, her gaze fixed on the pair of grey stilettos she was holding in her hands.

They were about seven inches tall, and the heels were diamond-encrusted. She didn't have a pair of shoes with enough diamond carats to buy a house and a few cars.

“How many carats do these have?”

“I think we used about twenty for the shoes, so forty for the shoes and probably fifteen for the dress.”

“You didn't have to do this, Nia.”

“I wanted to spoil you like that as a way of saying thank you for being born.”

“Stop saying those words, you're going to make me cry.”

“I'm telling the truth. I've always felt like an outcast and ashamed of myself because I'm different from others, but one day I saw you walking tall in white like an angel.

You didn't care if people were staring or pointing at you. I then came across videos of you on the internet. A woman with bright white long hair that sparkles like stars in the sky; a woman with a bright and pink peach blossom tattoo on her cheek that still allows her to walk tall.

I was moved, so I became myself from that day forward; I dared to do a lot of things. So, I vowed that no matter what it took, I would come and see you one day.”

“I had no idea I could make such a difference in someone's life. I'm very grateful that you informed me of this,” Violet was touched when she heard Nia saying this after all her life wasn’t all that beautiful as they all thought.

“So, sis, don't let your happiness slip away because you're afraid of what others will say to you. I'm sure you have feelings for him. Give him a chance before he's abducted. After all, he is young and appears to be in high demand.”

“Did you really need to scare me like that?”

“It's just a heads-up or a reminder.”

“Thank you for your advice.”

“I'm just saying what's on my mind.”

“Once again, thank you for the gifts. When I arrive, I will bring you something unique only to you.”

“You promise?”

“I never fail to keep my promises.”

Nia stood up and walked over to her side, hugging her.

“I'd love to sit and talk for a while longer, but I'm afraid it's time for me to go. I won't be able to see you because I'll be too busy. So, I'll say my goodbyes here.”

“Thank you for paying me a visit, Nia.”

“It gives me great pleasure. Can I get your phone number before I leave?”

“Sure, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with my numbers, so Anne will give you.”

“It's fine, I'll go get it from her.”

“I'll accompany you to the club then.”