One of the most secure areas in the palace was the royal vault. Only a few people had access, and Lucia could understand why just by looking at the things they had on display and put away in safety boxes. There was jewellery everywhere. Jewellery from every era. She even recognised the pearls she had seen on her grandmother in her portrait. She could see the yearning look Caroline gave them as she looked at them.
She looked at Adela to see that she was watching her mother. Josephine was looking for something rather specific. Lucia did not know what, but Josephine kept mumbling to herself about where she had last seen this or that. She turned around in a circle in the room and seemed to see what she wanted. Lucia followed her gaze and saw that she was looking at a rose gold tiara that had crystal-crusted petals and pearls nestled between the petals, making up the pistil.
"Oh, that is gorgeous!" Caroline cooed as she rushed to take a closer look at the tiara.
