“So you threw me out?”
The queen laughed. “I suppose I did, yes.”
“I couldn’t resist. The dress was—is—stunning. I felt like a princess.” Daffy’s confession came easy in the light of new things. “Every little girl dreams of being one. Especially me, being so familiar with the Family, the palace.”
The queen shook her head and glanced away. “I dreamed of being an ordinary girl.”
“Well, there you have it. The grass was always greener on the other side.”
“I did love you, Daffy. I’m sorry for the way I treated you. Especially after you overheard my call. But I had to protect the secret.” The queen squeezed Daffy’s hand again. “While I’d have never chosen Leslie Ann Parker’s way of telling my story, it needed to be told. At least to my husband and sons.”
“So why did you bring me the gown?”
“I want you to have it. To wear to the wedding ball.” The queen tipped up her cup to finish the last drops. “My poor son has been through enough heartache. He loves you, very much, and I will not stand in his way.” She set her cup in the sink and with glistening eyes added, “I think you’re perfect for him, Daffy.”
“But I betrayed you. And—”
“You certainly did not. Your friend betrayed all of us. More than once. No, Daffy, you and I must stand together for the truth. I am incredibly grateful—you cannot know how much—that you kept my secret all these years. Something I should’ve never allowed to rest on your shoulders. I so regretful of my actions against you. So please, put meandmy son out of our misery. Come to the ball.”
“Oh, Your Majesty, thank you.” In an instant, she was ten again and free to embrace the queen who was more like a dear aunt than her sovereign. “I do love him so very much. I think I always have.” Daffy tore off a paper towel for the queen to dry her eyes. Then one for herself. “But are you sure I won’t be part of the media circus? I don’t want to steal Holland and Prince John’s moment.”
“Oh come now, Daffy, we girls are made of sterner stuff. Besides, circuses are fun.”
“Not the kind we’re about to face.” The queen’s sentiments touched her and upon second thought, a trial by fire might heal their wounds.
“Who cares? I’m pretty sure Holland’s up for it. Let’s show the men what strong women they married. Or will marry.” The queen’s wink was downright salty.
The truth really did set one free. Daffy turned to the box and lifted out the dress. “Do you think it will fit?”
“Since Emmanuel gave it to you, I’m almost certain it will.”
“Yes, about that…” Daffy held the gown in front of her. “How did this end up at Shop Vintage?”
“Ah, well there’sthatpart of the story. I also found the dress at the shop. Only it wasn’t called Shop Vintage in ’85. But it was a rather unique boutique. Magical, the locals said. I was to have a designer gown for my birthday, but this beauty…” The queen motioned to the chiffon skirt. “It captured my heart. Just like Trent. That’s when I met Adelaide. Flash forward toourincident after which I shipped the dress back to the shop.”
“So, Adelaide sold you the dress too?”
“Gave.Just like you.”
Daffy dropped down in her chair, the skirt cascading over her lap. “This is so confusing. If it was given to me for theUnknown Bride, why was it given to you? Who and what is Adelaide? How does Emmanuel figure into the story?”
“Don’t you know, Daffy? Emmanuel, God with us?”
“And Adelaide?”
“Angels also walk among us.”
God? Angels? “So this is a divine setup? But why me? Why you?”
“Because the real tradition of theUnknown Bridewas for a future House of Blue princess.” The queen touched Daffy’s shoulder and peered into her eyes. “You are that bride. I believe it. But you don’t need a title or a crown to be a princess. You only have to believe. A princess is about honor. Respect. It’s about trust, loyalty, and duty. It’s about living by your values, even when they cost you. About putting others first. I know from your mum that you are all of these things, love. It just worked out a prince fell in love with you. I knew the day I saw you in the gown eighteen years ago you’d marry my son. Then you heard the secret and well…we’ve gone over it enough. But, Daffy, you don’t need me or Gus to make you a princess. You are loved by God and that alone makes you royalty. As for me, the dress was to remind me of who I was and am. Even I needed to know my calling was sure.”
“I feel rather overwhelmed.” Daffy laugh-cried. “And I’m going to a royal wedding ball.”
“Oh, I’m so delighted. Mission accomplished.” After a quick embrace the queen sat with a mischievous glint in her eye. “But first, we need to have a bit of fun. Just aweebit. Payback for Gus for breaking theTitus.”
“Your Majesty, how scheming of you.” Daffy leaned in. “What do you have in mind?”
Chapter Thirty
