CHAPTER 43

"You truly saved my life; if I had missed that flight, I would have lost any chance of ever reconciling with my daughter. All I know is that I looked for you in Queensland but couldn't find you. I had no idea you didn't live there. But it's a happy day that I've found you now.”

"As long as you've reunited with your family, that's all the news I need."

"I am delighted to see you here, and now that we have met, I would like to invite you to my country to share a joyous occasion with me."

"Is that correct? I'd love to, but what's the occasion?"

"My husband will be sworn in as Queensland Prime Minister next week, and I would be delighted if you could join us."

"It's a truly wonderful occasion, and I am honored to be your guest," she said as Anne arrived.

“Mother!”

"Nice timing, my princess. I need you to talk to this lovely lady and exchange contact information with her. You'll know exactly what to do. I need to wish the princess a happy birthday," Anne said before turning to face the woman, "it was a pleasure meeting you, ma'am. I have to leave."

"Until we meet again," the woman said as she made her way to her table.

When she arrived at her desired table and snuck some grapes into her mouth, she felt relieved. Nia arrived just as things were looking up for her and her stomach.

“Violet! Finally, I get to see your face," the princess exclaimed.

“Nia! I was on my way to see you right now. I'm just hungry. But, since you're here, I'd like to wish you a blessed happy birthday and many more years to come.

"May you be content until the end of time."

"Thank you very much, Violet. So, where is my gift?"

"That, my dear, I will give you after everyone has dispersed."

"All right, I'll wait for it."

Nia was called to the front to cut the cake, and the party officially began. The cake was three tiers and so beautifully decorated that it seemed a waste to eat it. She watched as her boys interacted with the guests and made themselves at home, even though she nearly choked on her food when she saw Dylan laughing and talking to this other woman.

She was bitter and hurt just seeing the person she loved with someone else. This was a major issue; she wasn't supposed to act like this. It's not like she'll have to imprison him in her mansion or anything. She took a large sip of her wine and exited the banquet hall.

She went to the garden, a lovely place with numerous fountains spraying water everywhere. She relaxed and began to enjoy the flowers in the garden when she felt someone behind her, so she turned around and gasped.

"Of course, Your Majesty!"

"Violet, we haven't had a chance to talk yet. How about we go for a walk and talk at the same time?"

"It's efficient, so let's do it," she said.

"I'm sure my wife told you what we decided about you, and she told me what you were thinking. Tell me about your thoughts on the matter."

"I'd like to thank you for considering me and holding such high regard for me. If it had just been me, I would have told you the answer by now. I promise to tell you the answer tomorrow morning."

"I am glad to hear that you are a person who considers her family. My wife and Leah are already in love and can't get enough of each other. It's just a shame my sons don't have a princess yet; our family is lacking in females, which is why we've always spoiled Nia."

"Yes, I did notice. Don't worry, your Majesty, I will not disappoint you."

"You should come back more often so I can see the other side of my daughter. I would not have known she was serious about things if it hadn't been for you."

"You haven't seen anything yet. Just trust her, and you'll be amazed at what she can accomplish."

"I'll do it."

Violet and the king continued to discuss the economy and national affairs for about an hour. Of course, she surprised him by responding to his questions in such a way that she did not embarrass herself in the end.

After dinner, some guests began to leave the palace, while those who were already staying there returned to their respective quarters. She also went to her room and was enjoying a relaxing bath when her two children entered the bathroom, saying,

"Mother, we came."

“Good, I'd like to ask you two a question."

"Please proceed."

"How do you feel about the royal family? As with everything else."

"I like them, especially the queen," Leah exclaimed, and they all laughed.

"Do you have feelings for her?"

“Yes, she is like a grandmother. She adores me more than Grandma."

"She does, indeed. Anne, how about you?"

"I believe they are nice and do not regard us as outsiders. They treat us like family, so it's a good idea to get to know them."

"Spoken with the authority of a true businesswoman."

"I studied under the best."

"All right, the royal family wants to adopt me and name me after them. Do you believe I should say yes?"

"Does that mean they want you to be a Garbera? Mom, that is fantastic; even the Grants will be disappointed when they hear this."

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

"If they adopt you, Mother, you will become a princess, and so will we. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain in this situation. Let's do it," Anne exclaimed, her face beaming.

"And you, cupcakes?" she inquired of Leah.

"All right, let's do it."

"All right, then. I'll tell them the answer tomorrow; now assist your mother."

"Where has Dylan gone?" Anne inquired.

"He's still with his buddies."

“Okay.”

The girls assisted her in dressing and then left her lying on her bed.

"Goodnight, girls," she kissed both.

"Goodnight, mother," the girls replied, kissing her as well.