Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 385: To Be A Protector

Chapter 385: To Be A Protector

On their way back, The Dowager took her to the Clemenshire Abbey a medieval Church that graced many Coronations and Royal weddings. Many Kings and Queens were buried in this Church that is more than a thousand years old.

Talia knew they are here to pay respects to King George – her great grandfather and also Louis’ father and grandfather. The Dowager had brought flowers and Talia silently followed.

King George’s tomb was very elaborate and Talia stayed a couple steps behind the Dowager and took a good look at it. Big marble arches, beautiful sculptures of baby angels and even gold accents were everywhere.

King George Albert Louis Philip- commonly called King George the Third or simply ’The Great King’. It seems like her great grandma and his family called him Albert.

Wow! Talia thought. He was so loved by the people.

She knew there was a voting that year and people willingly paid extra tax for their King’s tomb. And here it is... a tomb that cost more than ten million dollars two decades ago and looks magnificent even in today’s standards.

And there was an odd space near the tomb which Talia guessed that it must have been left for her great grandmother to be buried near her husband.

She took in a deep breath. In their Castle, her grandmother has a mausoleum and her grandfather had explained how he wants to be buried in there. He had arranged for everything including the type of coffin and the menu for his wake.

Remembering that, a chill passed through her body and she rubbed her arms to warm herself up.

Oof! Grandpa, I hope you never die!

The Dowager stood silent in front of the tomb for a long time and Talia silently stood there. She understood she might have a lot to tell him after her meeting with Lady Edith.

"He never liked Edith and asked me to keep away from her. But I would speak in favour of her because I felt like I took her place and..." The Dowager spoke and Talia stood beside her. "I asked Albert to stop investigating Edith when he suspected her husband of deliberately murdering my brother. Oh, how stupid was I!"

Talia stood with her head bowed. Maybe if they had kept an eye on Edith, Princess Lillian wouldn’t have left Rosandale. And everything would have been different.

But will I be here?

"Everything will work out for our best, Rosy." The Dowager said smiling at the tomb and turned to look at Talia.

"He was quite remarkably optimistic and always said that to me whenever I was disheartened. I didn’t see the world like him, but he was right. It worked out quite well in the end. I got you. My only wish was that he had the chance to meet you at least once. He’d have adored you more than I do."

The dowager was indeed sad her husband died without knowing their daughter left a surviving heir before she passed away.

Talia couldn’t say a word as she felt the abundant love in The Dowager’s words and her eyes watered.

"Come on, let’s move on..." The Dowager turned to leave. "By the way, that place is left for me you see. You can visit us both together after I-." she pointed at the empty space beside the tomb and Talia clutched her chest.

"Gigima! You’re giving me a heart attack!" she shook her head and The Dowager laughed just like her grandpa laughed when she told him not to talk about death.

Do old people like talking about death this much?

After paying respects to the graves of Louis’ grandparents and parents, as they were walking out, Talia took a good look inside the Church. She’s been to this Church a handful of times. Louis got married here, his parents’ funeral was held here and Louis’ coronation was here too.

But she always was surrounded with people whenever she came here and this day the church was closed for visitors and it was empty. She took a look around. Those majestic pillars that reached the roof that had very intricate artworks, the stained glasses that made the entering sunlight colourful, the beautiful mosaic floor, the beautiful marble statues, the resplendent chandeliers ... everything looked like they were part of a fairytale illustration.

She looked at the direction of the altar. She didn’t think deeply, but in a flicker, the dream she used to have about her wedding got more detailed as the background of Fred merged with what she is seeing now. She could see Fred standing in front of that altar with an adorable smile.

Perfect!

But can I get married here? Or only those who are heirs to the throne are allowed to get married here?

"Can I get married here, Gigima? Is it acceptable for a Princess to-"

The question slipped from her mouth and Talia felt ashamed of her for thinking of her wedding when they are here to pay respects to the deceased and when her great grandmother is having a hard time after learning many truths from the past.

How tone-deaf of me!

"I’m sor-"

"Of course you can! If you want to, you can get married here!" The Dowager’s tone although was controlled, Talia could see her face glowing with happiness.

The Dowager was indeed exhilarated. When Talia told her before that she’d be wearing the Brunton Tiara on her wedding day, and seeing how attached she is with Oakley Castle, she was under the impression that she’d get married in Esteria.

So when Talia herself shows interest in a place in Rosandale, how will she let this chance slip?

"Sir Gregory, call the Archbishop and let him know to keep his schedule clear next spring for a Royal Wedding. And ..."

Next spring? That early? I didn’t say anything about it, did I?

Talia was stunned seeing the over enthusiastic elder already giving orders for her wedding when she still doesn’t even have a ring on her finger.

The aides were rightfully stunned by the usually composed Dowager acting like a little girl getting excited for a family trip. Talia had to pull away the elder back to their place.

"I did not bring you with me just to get Edith provoked." The Dowager said as they were having lunch in her place. "I wanted to keep no secrets from you. "

Talia looked at her great grandmother’s piercing eyes and she confirmed her doubts. Lately she’d been receiving more of the engagements and patronages that were held by The Dowager and some of the loyal aides of The Dowager were transferred to Talia’s office. Some loyal courtiers of the Talia openly expressed their desire to serve Talia increasing Talia’s power in the Palace.

She guessed it... More power means, more responsibility.

But isn’t Cordelia the Queen Consort and shouldn’t she take on The Dowager’s duties? Is it another test to see if I overstep my boundaries?

"I will offer my all to help the King and Queen Consort." Talia replied politely.

"Cordelia is a good girl. She’s a good wife to Louis and a very good mother to the children, but bless her heart she can’t be a guardian standing behind the King. She’s a wife and a mother with the purest heart unlike you and me." The Dowager looked right at Talia in the eye.

True... Cordelia is not a defender or protector. If anything, she’d need protection. She is kind and her kindness extends to her enemies even. It is not her fault though. She hasn’t seen the abyss of human hearts that is filled with darkness and deception like The Dowager and I have. Cordelia grew up protected and surrounded with love and so all she returns is love. She sees everything in pink and I wish she stays pure like that.

Louis understands it all and he can be tough. But he cannot handle it all alone. He’d need someone to share his burdens with and won’t hesitate to step in the darkness with him and for him.

Lambert is there, but even he isn’t as dark-hearted as me or as well-connected to the dark side as me.

"I’ll try not to disappoint you, Your Grace," Talia agreed.

She knew she won’t have to do much and at best would have to guide the Courtiers. Like when there are people like Edith hiding, she’d have to bring them to light. She is already doing it. She liked to continue doing it.

It’s foolish to reject this offer. I need all resources to keep my loved ones safe!

-----

The next week, Princess Lillian’s remains were brought from Esteria on a plane and was received as a Princess as per the Royal Protocols. She was buried in the Hingham Castle grounds where the Royals are buried with the respect of a Princess.

Talia’s father’s grave was not disturbed as he was buried with his wife. He was posthumously awarded a title of ’Duke of Etterden’ and so Talia’s mother gained the title of ’Duchess of Etterden’ posthumously.

And Louis made sure everyone knows that Arthur was the one who went to great extent to bring back the beloved Princess Lillian to Rosandale. And he received a hero’s welcome in Rosandale making him all shy.

Talia this time stood by his side and she was happy to see him accepting the appreciation he gets. She knew he meant it when he said that he’d learn to get used to all the attention and he was getting good at it.

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