Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 308: Surprise Arrival

Chapter 308: Surprise Arrival

"Really? GiGi ma?" a sneering voice came from behind her and Talia rolled her eyes and got up removing the Diadem from her head.

"Hello, Lambert... Pleasant meeting you here, in this unexpected time, when I was specifically summoned," Talia had a bright smile, but her tone was pretty accusing.

"Yeah, like I keep schedule of your appointments just to barge in unannounced. Do you think I’m that free?" he pushed Talia aside and stood in front of The Dowager, "Look Great Grandma, she’s saying I can’t meet you. What a cruel woman!" he complained.

"Did I say that? You are assuming yourself and blaming me? Look GiGi ma, Lambert is calling me cruel when I said nothing!" Talia pouted.

"Alright, alright you two...Don’t start..." The Dowager chuckled, covering her mouth with her hands. "Lambert, you can call me GiGi ma if you wish too..." her wrinkles became more pronounced as she chuckled some more. "Now tell me why you’re here."

"Aren’t you leaving yet?" Lambert looked at Talia with displeasure and she saw his shock when he saw the Diadem in her hand as she placed it back. Talia thought he’d say something about it, but after clearing his throat, he pulled out a chair and sat in front of The Dowager. He didn’t even insist Talia to leave and Talia silently sat in another chair as she was curious.

"Great Grandma, regarding the unfair laws that forbids the Princess Consorts from having their own business or job after they marry into the Royal family, is there any way it could be changed? I know our Kingdom is the forerunner for many equality laws. We were one of the first nations to give equal rights to women in inheritance, voting ,equal pay and countless other things. All these laws were passed by The Monarchs who were the head of the Royal family too. Since that is the case, why is there such a sexist law in our family? Even if a Princess is a working Royal, her husband is allowed to have his own business, but why can’t a woman marrying a Prince have her own job/business? "

Lambert spoke with conviction and Talia found his question is fair. The Dowager was silent for some time contemplating. She looked at Talia and Lambert as if she was expecting something, but then she had a slight smile as if she realized something. Talia was confused by this reaction, but then when the Dowager spoke, she started listening.

"It is an archaic law, I agree. This law is valid for aristocratic families and the Crown Prince Consort too. But it is there for a reason. In the past, jobs for the aristocratic families were just to take care of their fiefs. So it made sense to make law that said the one with the smaller fief to leave their job, to get married so not to get the smaller fief swallowed by the larger one. The Royal family is the biggest fief and anyone marrying to the family has to leave their fief/job since their children will inherit the titles from the Monarch. The children of Princesses with the exception of Crown Princess, will however, do not inherit the royal titles, but the titles of their father. So it makes sense why their consorts can do their jobs. But what you say makes sense. Just because she is a single daughter doesn’t mean she cannot inherit her father’s business if she wants to marry into the Royal family. However, she cannot inherit her father’s title, and she should pass it on to someone else."

The Dowager who rarely explains to anyone, gave a rather detailed explanation. Her explanation made sense too. If such laws aren’t there, the ones with larger fiefs would accumulate smaller fiefs through marriage, expanding their fiefs and it won’t be good.

Talia looked at Lambert who was deeply contemplative and wondered what his sudden interest in this issue is.

Could it be he found a woman? And she’s a sole heir? Who could that be?

"Let’s have a detailed discussion about this later after I consult with legal experts," The Dowager gave assurance, making Lambert smile from the heart.

"So...Who is she?" on their way back, Talia asked as she couldn’t wait till the evening to find out. For Lambert to go as far as to try and change the laws for a woman... He must have found ’The One’ and she expected that woman should be the mystery guest.

"She? Who?" Lambert smirked and Talia wanted to smack herself hard in her head that had no sense to know Lambert won’t tell her anything.

"Nothing!" Talia rolled her eyes and walked to the front.

"That Coronet...Did you ask The Dowager to lend it to you?" Lambert caught up to her and asked.

His interest over a jewel made Talia suspicious, but she spoke the truth anyway. " I was told to wear the Elixer Tiara and I refused. Apparently it was a test and GiGi ma was happy and gave The Rose Diadem to me."

"GAVE you?" Lambert didn’t hide his surprise and Talia shrugged. "I too wondered why she said she ’gives’ me that rather than ’lends’ it to me."

"So that’s how it is, huh?" Lambert rubbed his chin. "My mother was privy to any jewel in the Royal Vault except that Coronet and as expected, that was the one thing she wanted, but never got once..." his voice was so low and Talia paused her steps.

"You are not upset I got it, are you?" she asked.

"What?" Lambert stopped and looked back at Talia. Seeing her guilt-ridden face, he sighed. "You actively search for reasons to be guilty about, don’t you? What a dunce!" He knocked her hard on the crown of her head.

"AHHH! You...You actually hit me! You...dared to hit me..." Talia was stunned.

"Yes I did. Grow up Talia! Why would I be upset that our great grandma wanted to pass on the Coronet that was commissioned for your grandmother to you? I’m not petty!" he knocked her head once more and this time Talia fought back and kicked him in the leg.

With no reaction to her kick, Lambert continued. "Great grandma is a woman of her times and considers laughing out loud as a taboo for a Lady. As long as we remember, she was like that - stern and silent. She never complains or explains. That is...until you came back to live here." It was obvious how hard was it for Lambert to praise her. "But it is better this way, isn’t it?" he rubbed her head where he hit her and Talia got out of his hand that was messing up her hairstyle. "Maybe we as her great grandchildren should arrange a play or concert for her."

"That’s a good idea. Maybe we should perform ourselves. She’d definitely be happy!" Talia liked his suggestion too.

"Yes, let’s invite your grandpa and grandma Claudia. And..."

Both of them made plans for the future before parting.

Talia decided to take a nap before getting ready. The Spring Ball starts only at nine p.m. and mostly lasts throughout the night with supper served around two a.m. This would be the first time she’d decided to stay till the end and she wanted to be well-rested.

She was woken up by Chiara pretty early and after making her eat dinner in the evening, they started to prepare her for the Ball. Her hair was styled in a bun that would suit the Diadem and Talia sat and her makeup was done.

After getting ready for hours, Talia herself was surprised looking at the standing mirror. The off- shoulder pale blue dress with heavily beaded belt and silver lace appliqués perfectly suited her skin. She opted for chiffon silk skirt since she wanted to be comfortable. The diamond necklace that matched the diadem and the opera-length gloves gave her the elegant and regal aura. The soft makeup made her look fresh and youthful.

Talia never liked jewels much, but seeing herself in diamonds and other precious stones from head to toe, she found that this over the top accessorizing suited her too.

She asked her stylist to take a picture of her sitting in an armchair with both her hands resting on the armrest and her legs crossed. Rather than a smile, she had a proud smirk and with the background of thick drapes and an open window, she looked like an authoritative Queen.

Talia sent the best of all the pictures to Arthur. She waited until he read the texts. Only after receiving a string of hearts and some texts revealing his desire to do her did she leave her room.

In the Florence Hall where the Ball is held, Talia arrived just on time and found Celine looking heavenly in her pale pink silk ball gown and Jolene looked angelic in white taffeta ball gown.

Talia couldn’t help but laugh in her heart seeing Celine looking around, trying to find Walter. Seeing Jolene trying to fix her stole around her neck often, Talia observed to find a... hickey!

"You found yourself a boyfriend?" Talia asked surprised. Jolene was always busy with her work and she complained she never has time for dating. But it seemed like the situation got changed.

Jolene rolled her eyes mockingly. " I found myself a f*ck-buddy."

Before Talia could react, she added, "Here comes your surprise!"

Talia looked to her back and her eyes widened.

Grandpa?