I dropped my hands immediately as I sighted her. It was my mother’s mother. The shock was an understatement of how I felt that very minute.
I bowed immediately as I was shocked at her presence.
I had not seen her in a long time. How come she was suddenly here and giving out instructions?
I was confused.
“Good morning, Queen Mother” I bowed trembling. My mother's mother was one of a kind. Ever since she lost her husband, the King, she became the Queen of Dexas and learned it the hard way.
She could be both nice and cruel depending on the situation. She had always believed my mother died because of me.
My mother sacrificed her life for my safety hence she had always hated me for taking away her child's life.
It wasn’t my fault.
“Come with me” She ordered and walked back outside. I was still surprised as I did not know when she had come in.
I believe Father was also not aware. I followed gently after her. It was not like I had a choice though.
I stopped abruptly in my track when I realized she stopped as well. I was lost in that and I didn’t realize when we had gotten to the garden.
“Sit” She ordered as she sat down as well. I tried to maintain my distance from her as I was scared but with a calming smile, she assured me to sit closer to her.
“Gabrielle, your Father told me several suitors would be coming to ask for your hand in marriage today. You see, I am here simply because of that"
‘Of course, you've always wanted me to be unhappy'
“As much as happiness is important, your life is also important to me. You are my daughter’s child and I know I might have been upset with you for so long because my daughter died because of you but I have realized I have been wrong. You see, I could also lay my life for Ann.
It would be so unfair for me to blame you for my child's death after all she is your mother as well”
It sounded like I was dreaming. I had to secretly pinch myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. Before now, Queen Dolia had never wanted to see me now than much more sit or talk to me. She was calmer, more calmly than before.
“As much as love is not enough, it is very important. I was against your father and mother's union because I knew your father would not be able to protect your several strong suitors were asking or asking for her hand in marriage but I decided to let love lead.
Although her love and life were short-lived, she was happy before her death. I had never seen her happier than she was when she was with your father. I do not want your life to be cut short but I want you to be loved and I am going to do all within my power to make sure you get married to someone you love” She smiled.
Was I hearing right? I could not believe my ears.
“Thank you Grandmother” I embraced her happily. Realizing what I had done, I quickly freed myself. “I am sorry” I apologized cheekily.
“Come on” She embraced me even more. “Let’s go on to see your father” She held my hand. It felt so surreal and unreal actually happening.
Somehow, something felt off. Why would Queen mother decide to do these after all these years? I mean, she never liked me.
She never wanted to see me, what brought about the sudden change? No matter what it was, I was filled with joy. I would be very glad if she could convince the father to let me be.
As soon as we went in, I headed to the kitchen. I was no longer bothered by what Donald had done. He could do it for all I care. He was the heir after all.
“Your Highness” The head chef bowed as she sighted me, creating awareness of my presence in the kitchen.
The kitchen was a large hall that could pass for a room. Two rooms in fact. It was so big and I could not help but always wonder why Father had built a kitchen that large as a major part of the kitchen was not in use.
“Welcome, your Highness” They bowed as I walked in. I nodded in response. It feels so good to have people treating you like Royalty. It was just so sweet.
I walked up to the center of the kitchen. Everyone was aware I wanted to say something so they all turned to look at me.
“As we all know, today is a great day”. I started
‘Great indeed' I snickered within, mocking myself.
“Today is a great day and we would be having lots of guests. Also, the Queen Mother is around. Queen Dolia is present in the palace and she will be here for a couple of days therefore, I would want to enjoin you all.
Just like you have previously done, let us ensure the meals for today will be one of a kind.
Remember, Princes from different kingdoms will be coming tonight and we have to prove our skillfulness to them. I crave your best” I smiled.
They clapped and bowed as I walked away from where I was staying. I was done with my speech. I could see the uneasiness and contention on their faces. I was scared as well.
Queen Dolia wasn’t so easy to please. Her dishes were way above top-notch. She was quick to notice errors in everything.
It was like she was blinded to perfection as she would rather stay mute than commend one for a job well done but she would not hesitate to lash out words at you if you made a single mistake
I hid my fear behind a fake smile as I ordered for the menu to be brought.
“Never!” I heard Father’s voice, making me shiver even when I was not with him. What was going on?