"I shall start getting ready," Natalie said as she picked up the beautiful gold shimring dress.
Justin humd in response, and the next mont, there was a knock on the suite’s door. The door opened, and Noah entered, leading a man and a woman inside with him.
"Mr. Harper, they are here."
Natalie looked at the newcors, wondering who they were, only to hear Justin say, "They’re here to help you get ready."
As Natalie glanced at the dress, the accessories, and everything else, she realized it was a good choice—not having to rack her brain over makeup and hairstyle. She would rather let others decide for her.
Before heading inside the room to get ready, Natalie asked, "Aren’t you getting ready as well?"
Justin gave her a questioning look. "You’re invited too, right?"
"You want to co?" he asked.
She humd. "I’d be happy if you could. Being alone among strangers is boring."
He didn’t respond directly but said, "Get ready, or you’ll be late."
Natalie didn’t insist—she knew he preferred to remain in the shadows.
-----
In the evening, all the guests had arrived at the palace to attend the farewell banquet arranged by the Queen for those who had been invited to the Belvorn yearly festival.
As it was the final event, reporters had gathered to capture the last glimpses of distinguished guests from around the world. Luxury cars began arriving at the majestic palace, with security guiding the guests toward the grand banquet hall, which had been beautifully decorated. Soft, elegant music played in the background as renowned singers entertained the attendees with a live performance, and various other forms of entertainnt had been arranged for the evening.
Seated in her car, Natalie headed toward the palace as well. She had refrained from asking Justin to accompany her, as he hadn’t expressed any intention of coming. Still, in her heart, she wished he could be there with her.
Upon arriving at the palace, unlike other guests, her car was directed toward the Queen’s residence—the main part of the palace—rather than the banquet hall.
Inside the royal banquet hall, all the guests and mbers of the royal family were present, awaiting the Queen’s arrival.
"Charlotte, I don’t see my sister...I an Natalie here," Briena remarked.
"She has no reason to be here now that Jas Harper has left. She probably couldn’t find a rich man this ti to bring her along," Charlotte replied with a disdainful tone, all while maintaining a falsely elegant smile as she mingled with the crowd.
Briena felt relieved that Natalie hadn’t made an appearance. "Charlotte, this is the final day, and Her Majesty will personally et all the guests."
"Yes," Charlotte affird.
"Can you help get so good pictures with the Queen? Once I return ho, I can rub it in Natalie’s face," Briena added.
"Sure."
Soon, the host stepped onto the stage and announced the Queen’s arrival. The guests quickly took their places, leaving the aisle open for the Queen to walk through.
Everyone’s attention turned to the entrance of the hall. With two royal guards leading the way, the Queen entered, dressed in an elegant royal blue gown, a crown resting atop her head. She exuded authority, yet there was also a touch of gentleness in her deanor.
As she passed by, everyone bowed their heads and greeted her respectfully.
"Charlotte, you’ll be the sa once you beco Queen," Briena said, her voice filled with admiration. "How amazing that would be."
Charlotte humd in response, though a certain anxiousness lingered in her heart.
She had spoken to her grandfather about Natalie’s open threats and expressed her concerns. Howard had assured her that he would soon take care of Natalie and her mother, so there was nothing to fear. Not seeing Natalie here today eased her worries.
The Queen proceeded toward the grand platform where the throne was placed, a few steps above the hall floor. Once she settled into the throne, she glanced around the banquet hall, offering a pleasant smile to the guests.
"Please, have a seat, everyone," her voice echoed through the microphone.
The Queen had arrived, but Natalie was nowhere to be seen, much to the delight of the two girls. All invited guests were expected to arrive before the Queen, and everyone knew it.
Briena smirked, thinking, So that bitch truly wasn’t invited.
Charlotte shared the sa sentint. I was worried for nothing. She has no place at such a grand event.
As everyone settled into their seats, the Queen began. "I hope you all enjoyed your stay in Belvorn and were able to create wonderful mories here. As this is the final day of the event, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you for gracing this banquet with your valuable presence. I truly hope we continue to et every year, as your presence is what makes this event aningful. Once again, thank you for being a part of it."
As the Queen paused, applause filled the hall.
As the clapping died down, the Queen spoke again. "Today, I have a surprise for you all—an answer to a question that has been on everyone’s mind for a long ti."
A surprise? Everyone felt a surge of excitent.
"Yes, you are right," the Queen continued. "It’s about the princess—the next Queen of this country—who will one day take my place. Today, I take this opportunity to introduce her to you all officially."
The guests were delighted to hear this. Having connections with the future Queen was just as important as maintaining ties with the current one. All eyes instinctively turned to Charlotte, the only known princess of the royal family.
"Charlotte, congratulations in advance," Briena and Charlotte’s other friends whispered to her.
Charlotte, though conflicted due to Natalie’s presence in their lives, reassured herself. Natalie isn’t here, so who else could Grandma be introducing? It has to be .
She glanced at Howard and Garwin, who looked equally surprised—clearly, the Queen had not discussed this matter with them. But since Natalie was nowhere in sight, they both gave Charlotte an approving nod, further boosting her confidence. It’s about .
"Let’s welco our beautiful princess," the Queen announced.
Smiling lightly, Charlotte rose from her seat, ready to go to the queen, but...
"My granddaughter, Princess Natalie," the Queen said, her gaze shifting toward the entrance of the banquet hall.
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