"The Queen, with both Luna and Eleanor, were inside," the maid conveyed courteously, offering a polite gesture toward Charlotte, guiding her towards the Queen's private chambers.
For a brief moment, Charlotte let the maid's words sink in, the realization that both her mother and sisters were alive washing over her.
She turned her gaze to the maid and finally responded, "I'll be heading there now."
The maid offered a deep bow, her hands expressing respect for Charlotte. In turn, Charlotte nodded, It has been so long since someone except both Elandro and Ana, had respected her in such ways. But she knew that it won't last long if she made the same mistakes once again.
As she strode down the echoing hallway, her clenched fist revealed her inner turmoil. Her footsteps resonated until she reached the entrance to her Queen-mother's private chambers.
Laughter and lively conversations spilled out from the open door. Charlotte peered inside and beheld a heartwarming scene – her mother and her two younger sisters, sharing moments of joy as they examined their accessories.
Charlotte smiled as she took in the sight before her. she never imagine that something that horrific would happen to their family one day.
"Charlotte?" Their mother noticed her and suddenly spoke.
"Your highness," Charlotte addressed with a elegant and polite bow as she slowly enters the room. Her attention shifted to all the accessories on top of the table.
Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and even head accessories we're presented before them. But the most extravagant of them all was the 'Avmarine-Pearl Necklace,' by far the 2nd most expensive and most beautiful accessory that Eve St. Anton, has made.
The necklace was made due to Queen Charlene's request, alot of nobles have been wanting and requesting a replica of the necklace but Eve always declined and has always kept his promise too keep the necklace value and no replicas.
The 'Avmarine-Pearl necklace' is a breathtaking piece of jewelry crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. It is adorned with the finest pearls, harvested from the deep trench of the Avmarine ocean, adding a touch of natural beauty and mystique. The gold pendant, crafted from the finest gold sourced from the deep Minerva cave, not only adds a touch of luxury but also symbolizes rarity and uniqueness.
This necklace embodies the values of purity, elegance, and the hardships faced during its creation, much like the eldest princess of Sserfène, Charlotte. Its exquisite craftsmanship and the use of precious materials make it a symbol of sophistication and royal heritage. It's a stunning accessory that tells a story of dedication and artistry in jewelry making, much like the princess it's associated with.
Although Charlotte have worn the necklace multiple times in her life, she still couldn't help but admire the beautufull sight of the necklace. Sadly, she lost possesion to it after Isabelle stole it from her and returned it. Although both her and Eve have fought for the rights of the necklace, they still weren't able to get back due to Isabelle's high ranking position.
"Isn't it beautiful?" The queen asked as she looked at the necklace and back to Charlotte, "Alot of nobles have been eyeing for it."
Charlottr smiled and sat on the sofa, her eyes just focused on the necklace. "You should try it on, but first, you should clean yourself. I can already tell that you went ontop of that tree again." Her mother said wich made Charlotte glanced up to her.
Charlotte smiled, nodding gracefully as she stood to face her mother. "Yes, mother," she replied with poise, "I will ensure to select an attire that complements the necklace. Please, if you'll excuse me."
With a courteous bow, Charlotte took her leave, her footsteps echoing softly through the grand hallway as she made her way to her chambers. There, she meticulously prepared herself, choosing a gown of exquisite elegance that would showcase the necklace's beauty, leaving no doubt in her mother's mind about her appreciation for the precious necklace.
────────────────────
In her dimly lit private chamber, Charlotte's reflection glistened in the ornate mirror as she adorned herself in the gown of whispered legends. It was a dress that transcended time, harkening back to the elegance of the Victorian era. Its fabric, as delicate as a moonbeam's touch, was woven from the petals of a rare white lily, the mystical heart of Sserfène's secluded garden. The pure white hue symbolized not just purity but an otherworldly grace, a perfect foil to the Avmarine pearls she would soon wear.
The gown caressed her figure with an artistry that bespoke a royal couturier's masterful touch. The neckline, a subtle incision, left just enough room for the Avmarine pearl necklace to claim its rightful place. As she turned and observed herself in the mirror, the fabric shimmered with an almost ethereal glow, weaving an enchanting tapestry of grace and sophistication.
With every graceful movement, Charlotte embodied the essence of timeless beauty, a vision that would leave an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to lay eyes upon her. The Avmarine pearls awaited their moment to grace her neck, and she was ready to take her place in the unfolding chapter of this grand tale.
A sense of profound gratitude welled up within Charlotte as she approached the grand chamber, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the palace's inner sanctum. The opportunity to go back the past, a chance to mend the fractures that had marred her relationships and her own heart, was a gift she could scarcely believe.
As she reached the towering double doors, she paused, taking a moment to absorb the tableau within. Her mother, the formidable Queen, was engrossed in conversation with Eve, her mother's most trusted jeweler and the adoptive father of Lady Jean. Their voices danced in the room, accompanied by the gentle clinking of tea cups on saucers.
Eleanor and Luna, her sisters, sat nearby, engaged in sipping their own teas and sharing hushed words about their experiences during the day, as if conspiring in their own sisterly realm.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Charlotte rapped her knuckles gently against the polished wood of the door, announcing her presence with grace.
The room's occupants turned their attention toward the entrance, and the Queen's regal countenance transformed into one of warmth and love as she extended a dainty hand. "Oh Charlotte, you're back.
"Come here," Patting the vacant seat on the luxurious sofa beside her, the queen smiled warmly to Charlotte.
It was an unspoken invitation, a beckoning to join the fold once more, and the air was filled with the promise of a new beginning, a chance to rewrite the past and create a future steeped in love and understanding.
Charlotte gave a smile back to her mother and sat beside her.
"I really can't choose when it comes to Princess Charlotte." Eve said wich made Charlotte frown in confusion, "Your highness, I feel like everything fits your daughter. Doesn't matter wether she wears too many accessories or too little, she looks just as perfect."
Charlotte then sighed in releaf as she heard Eve's words, "I mean she's my sister, and the epitome of beauty in the Sseraphim family."
Cesare suddenly spoke as he entered the room, "Brother!" Both Eleanor and Luna came running welcoming him with a warm hug.
"I mean it's true, Princess Charlotte is the prettiest princess out of all the kingdoms. And she's the only one who can posses and execute the extravagant and delicate beauty that the Avmarine-Pearl Necklace have."
Eve spoke, suddenly grabbing the necklace delicately with gloves in his hands to protect the necklace's value. He slowly handed it to the queen with a reassuring look on his face.
"Thank you," Queen Charlene gracefully acknowledge Eve's words as she looked at Charlotte,"Now turn around, and I will put this on you." She warmly commanded her daughter.
Charlotte obeyed and turned around facing her back to her mother. With their Queen-Mothers delicate touch, she gracefully placed the necklace on Charlotte's neck.
The necklace nestled on the hollow of Charlotte's throat, its brilliance matching her. A silence fell into the room as Cesare, Eleanor, and Luna also stopped bickering to appreciate Charlottes beauty.
"Oh my!" Eve exclaimed not being able to contain his excitement with the sight of Charlotte wearing his most cared collection, "It even looks better on her!"
"I know I'm pretty, but Charlotte is a different kind of pretty." Eleanor complimented her older sister as she silently fight with Luna.
"She's not pretty, Charlotte is ethereal." Luna added, "And you're not even pretty in the first place, so don't compare yourself to her."
"That's snough." Their Queen-Mother said, standing up to go between Eleanor and Luna.
Meanwhile, Charlotte couldn't help smiling as she was showered with compliments by both Eve and her brother Cesare.
"This necklace only fits you.","You're indeed the prettiest princess.","It looks pretteir when you wear it." ,"You look beautifull when you wear it."
Are just some phrases that come out of their mouths as they compliment Charlotte. She couldn't help but admitt that she missed being treated like a princess, with respect, and love. She knew that she deserves everything, just like everyone.
"Looks like everyone is here." A voice suddenly spoke out of all the chaos.
"Papa!" Luna quickly ran to her father and hugged him tightly as Eleanor slowly went to him and gave out a hug.
"Your highness," Both Eve and Cesare greeted him and bowed, "I'll excuse myself for now." Eve bowed to everyone and excused himself to not interrupt the family.
"Aren't you gonna greet me?" Their father asked facing Charlotte waiting for her response.
She didn't know what to do and how to react, she lost all the respect and love she had for her father the moment she knew about his affairs, and his connection to both Callisto and Isabelle.
Her mother told her side of the story, but she never heard anything from her father and wanted to understand him more. She knew that once the news of his affairs are revealed, it would hurt her younger sisters the most.
Burden and grudges are piling up her chest as she looks at her own father. She wanted to know what the reasons we're for such acts, she wanted to know if he even loved their mother once. Just atleast once.
"I..." Her words we're stuck on her throat as she look directly at her father's eyes, "I...I missed you...." She approached him, and gave him a tight hug.
For now she didn't care for all the mistakes he made, just for this time. She reminded herself that no matter what happen, he was still her one and only father who brought her to the world.
Not only that, she wanted to cherish the moment. It has been 6 years, since they we're last completed. Before the death of all of them, she wanted to change it, make their life better.
But for now, she wanted it to stay like this.
Both Luna and Eleanor bickering.....
Cesare complimenting his Queen - Mother's style.....
And Charlotte with her father.....
It was just like the past.
For them it might be a normal day.
But for Charlotte, it was everything she could wish for.
A reunion, but not on the afterlife.
────────────────────
To be Continued....
End of Chapter