Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 382: Let Them Eat Cake

Chapter 382: Let Them Eat Cake

Talia was feeling rather down after she stormed off from Walter. She knew she’s dangerous to be with and being with her increases anyone’s risk factor, but getting told to her face, made her feel unpleasant.

It’s not like I like being a danger to everyone around me, right?

"Talia, I got some information from Fiona. Well, it’s not information per se, but more like gossip. Lady Edith...Lady Edith form the Trenton family was actually the one who got betrothed to the then Prince Albert. But Prince Albert thought she was too young for him and wanted to marry The Dowager who was the same age as him. Apparently in those days Prince Albert’s decision sparked many rumours and it is said that Lady Edith’s family was greatly displeased and held grudges against the head of Trenton family for ruining their daughter’s chance to become the future Queen Consort. Talia... Are you listening?" Celine saw Talia looking distracted and asked holding her hand.

"I’m listening." Talia let out a deep breath. "Romantic entanglements from decades ago... You think someone would hold onto such grudges for this long?"

"I heard Lady Edith’s husband wasn’t very nice to her and had many mistresses. But we all know King Albert treated his wife pretty well. Jealousy is a very dangerous thing." Celine said and Talia agreed.

"I know for sure the Duke of Trenton wanted his daughter to get engaged with our King, but his requests were shot down by the Dowager." Celine added.

Seeing how happy and serious Celine was as she explained all her collected information, Talia felt her heart getting lighter.

"Weren’t you a potential candidate for Louis too?" Talia felt like teasing her.

"Ugh! Don’t remind me. I wanted to start going out, but once that rumour started circulating, I ended up back in my room. Queen Consort- That sort of public life is not for me." Celine hugged herself.

"But you wilfully became my Lady in Waiting which is a public position. Also if everything goes well, you’ll be the Duchess of Luxxenshire. You’re okay with that?" Talia asked.

"Yes, I love being a lady in waiting. Or maybe I just love being YOUR lady in waiting. You’re easy to work with and I love doing what I do. I have no plans of quitting this job. About being the Duchess, no one’s going to follow me around with a camera in Luxxenshire, would they?" Celine had a pleased smile.

"This is not even a paying job and you can do the same work for a salary if you work in private-"

"I don’t like working for money. And... I like this job. It is flexible and satisfying. I have to answer to no one and I always am glad leaving my home for work. And more importantly, I have found a best friend in you. Wait, Talia... Are you going to fire me?" there was fear apparent on Celine’s eyes as she was worried.

"No... No, Celine. I just wanted to tell you that even if you want to quit, we’d still be friends. I know you’re in danger being with me, and I won’t-"

"What happened, Talia? Why are you- Did Walter talked to you?" Celine’s worried face turned stiff as she realised something.

"His concerns are not to be dismissed. He loves you and wishes for your safety. I understand, but I kind of acted rude with him today." Talia explained everything happened that morning to Celine.

"He tried to convince me to quit and since he failed, he came looking for you? And how dare a Duke use that tone on a Princess?" Celine fisted her hands and she got really mad.

Talia ended up laughing. "Everyone would take their boyfriend’s side and here you are... I really don’t think he tried to offend me, and he just got overwhelmed by his care for you."

"He has some right to talk to me about my job, but he has no right to talk to you! What was he thinking? And my daddy called me to say he had to politely decline His Majesty’s offer for my security. You must have talked about it, right?" Celine asked and Talia nodded.

"I knew it! You worry for me and he dares to accuse you? I’ll talk to him! He can’t be controlling me!" Celine was fuming.

Talia tried to calm her down and at that time Celine received a call. Seeing her blushing red, Talia guessed it might be Walter. Seeing that woman who was supposedly raging mad at her boyfriend answering like a meek kitten in the phone, Talia chuckled and left her alone.

After a while, Celine came to Talia and Walter apologised profusely to Talia through the phone making Talia a bit embarrassed. He also thanked her for taking care of Celine as he heard that Talia talked to Louis for Celine’s security. He politely invited her to his Investiture Party which is two months away.

Talia felt drained for some reason after ending the call.

"You weren’t even making a little sound and yet you made him apologise!" Talia was amazed and Celine smiled cutely. There was pride glittering in her eyes.

If it was Fred who acted this way with her, Talia would have screamed at him. She always would be able to keep her bearing to some extent with others, but with Fred she’d blow her top off for even little things.

Celine on the other hand, is amazing! I should learn to be calm with Fred too.

----

The next few weeks passed with Talia attending her Royal engagements. As usual the press of Rosandale was kind with her.

"LET THEM EAT CAKE..." – Princess Talia

Were the headlines that day in major newspapers, after an engagement.

That phrase uttered by an infamous Queen that is said to have caused the fall of a monarchy, was actually repeated by Talia, but she was lauded for it.

There was a Jubilee celebratory engagement she attended in a hospital wing for little kids with severe illness. It was opened by her great grandma and Talia was asked to attend the golden jubilee celebrations.

For some reason, the organisers had arranged the cake cutting ceremony first. Some kids who were able to attend the function were gathered in the hall along with the doctors and other staff of the Children’s wing.

Talia cut the cake and she was asked to give a speech and award selected medical professionals for their tireless service.

But seeing the little kids salivating at the big yummy cake on the table, Talia wanted to let the kids eat the cake first.

"Let them eat cake first," Talia asked the organisers and it was caught by the reporters and they all ran with that as the headlines.

Talia offered the kids cake and one particular little kid wanted to feed Talia her share of cake and ended up dropping it on her hair making Talia laugh. She didn’t understand why others were worried that much for her hair, but she was more touched by the nice gesture of the kid and ended up giving a hug.

After the kids were satisfied with cake, Talia gave the speech thanking all those who were involved and gave away the awards.

As she visited the wards, Talia’s heart broke seeing little kids, some without even strength to sit up. To see those kids putting a brave face amidst their struggles made her tear up.

Wearing a plastic tiara, she gave them the gifts they had asked for. Seeing their smile made her exhilarated.

Ah, I’m glad I am of some help to these kids.

She also attended one of the training exercises of the military with Lambert. They had arranged some games with Lambert and her in opposite teams. Lambert presided over the army men and Talia was the leader of the military women. As Talia’s physical capabilities had gotten better thanks to the training she received from Arthur, she didn’t suck badly and her team lost with dignity.

"Was Her Highness always this fun to be with?"

Talia heard some whispering as she was changing.

"No, she definitely had changed."

"Maybe we didn’t know her better."

Oh, I’ve definitely changed! I even scored full points in target shooting!

Talia laughed in her heart.

Talia also had to pose for a portrait. She was wearing new tulle and lace pale purple dress and the Rose Diadem as asked by her great grandma. Thankfully she didn’t have to pose for days. Apparently paintings these days were done by the artist looking at photographs and so many photographs were taken with Talia sitting on a chair in the Red Study of the Palace.

The portrait is to be released on her next birthday as it was customary to release portraits of the Royals on their birthdays.

She was very busy and she only had weekends when she could visit Arthur. She preferred to fly herself than asking Arthur to join her as she wanted to be a little free in the Oakley Castle and also visit her grandpa.

Meanwhile, Duke of Trenton was forced to cooperate with the investigations and his club lost its reputation. Cobra couldn’t find out where Ralph is or his appearance. And Belfauger sent another message expressing his need to meet The Dowager. Princess Lillian’s remains is yet to be found and Talia had not met with Lady Edith either.

That day, on her way to her Gigima, Talia was ambushed by that familiar figure.

I must escape!

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