Chapter Seven

NO ONE'S POV

A trail of expensive cars was approaching the walled capital city of Slytherland. When the people saw the slow movement of the door of the giant gate opening even wider, they knew it was the Queen they are welcoming. Hundreds of thousands of Slytherlanders gathered at the main town to witness the grand parade of the Queen’s arrival. 

It was a series of luxury vehicles passing through the main road with blocks cheering people ready to witness the arrival of their Queen, speaking of - A very long-wheelbase luxury sedan car just showed up in within the middle part of the parade. It was gold coated with a touch of shining black limousine that took the attention of the crowd. The speculation rises, believing that the said mobile carries the Queen. Soon, the car stopped. The rumors were gone in a split second. They were right, it is where her majesty was riding.

Surprisingly, the Queen stepped down its track and finally showed herself in the public, facing the crowd of people who have been patiently waiting and hoping to get a glimpse of her. She stood there confidently wearing a very old piece of cloth she has been using since they departed from the home of Liza and James. Though it was not an expensive gown and so good as a rug, her dominating aura, and elegant posture matched with a charming smile, made her presence good enough to make the people of Slytherland bow in their heads for the one and only Queen. She waved her hand gracefully not minding her current look. Finally, after giving a look in all directions for at least two minutes time, she put her hand down. Dismissively, the royal guards moved their selves to assist the Queen in going back to the car and one of them opened the door for her. The engines roared again and the long trail of cars entered the main gates of the biggest palace in Slytherland.

Inside the castle, the Queen was welcomed by the members of the royal family and some more important personalities. They immediately stopped whatever things they were doing or discussing to stand up, signaling her majesty’s most awaited comeback.

The spacious living room was already enough to cater to the number of people present to welcome her. 

Prince Geoffrey, the Queen’s first son and also the Crown Prince who stood as the King's Regeant while her majesty was away for a few months, was present with her wife, the Crown Princess. Prince Harold was present too with his pregnant wife, they are the next in line to the throne after the crown prince, and his father is to ascend the throne in the future. He is the older brother of Prince Hades, the third in line to the throne. His position will gradually move one step lower every time his brother and sister-in-law gave birth to a prince. This means, even though he is a senior member of the royal family, he cannot take the throne unless his father, his brother, or his brother’s future sons will pass away.

The senior members are members of the family who are the direct descendant of the Queen and is straightly connected to the crown and are privileged to ascend the throne someday. They are automatically given titles upon the birth of the oldest son of the reigning monarch.

Princess Lany, the Queen’s only daughter was with them too, with her husband and their son. Prince Chervy, the youngest son of the Queen has been present with his wife and two little children.

The first and second-degree members or the queen's relatives are present in the hall as well.

Royal blood is not the only people to welcome the Queen in the palace. The government is represented by prominent and influential personalities too.

Starting with the Prime Minister himself Mister Patatoo. Under him are the representatives and their secretaries of the three main branches of the government. The executive, the judicial, and the parliament. 

They bowed in unison as soon as the Queen looked at them. It is a golden rule to greet any member of the royal family;  a head bow if it is from a man, and a lady-like bow which needs the other leg to be slightly bent at the back over the other leg with a head bow if it is from a woman – from anyone who’s the position or royal status is lower than his or her, especially for the Queen who is above all of them.

"Ladies and gentlemen please be fitted." Said the Queen as she motioned everyone to take their seat when she finally took hers.

The guests, visitors, members of the clan, and prominent people spent some hours in the room. They talked with each other very formally and with courtesy, and etiquette are being observed properly. Mostly came personally to meet and greet her majesty, a very rare opportunity anyone would gladly grab. This gathering is not just a simple meeting, precisely this is an important historical event that will be remembered even in the far future. Soon the people started to leave one by one, they diminished in just half an hour's time, except for the senior family members and the four more individuals who are technically senior members, the youngest son as well as the daughter of the Queen.

The family discussed the issues, and events, and shared some good and bad news with the Old monarch. They reported everything that happened while she was gone. The Queen specifically asked who was behind the unpleasant article about her in the magazine she had read before. The Queen was a bit upset about the said magazine, she thought the details written about her were overly dramatic and she did not like it, thankfully Princess Lany took charge in explaining the matter and was able to genuinely persuade her mother to just leave it. She also suggested removing the magazine from all outlets nationwide. 

The Queen then allowed the royals to take their way home while instructing Prince Hades to stay. She wants a private talk with him. At first, they talked casually, like any other grandmother speaking with her grandson. She shared some of her most funny experiences down to the things she never thought she would do in her life, the excitement and happiness in their eyes can be seen. What a loving moment for the two of them to spend time together isn’t it?

But the warm atmosphere did not last long. For the Prince, it was an unbarring silence before a deadly storm came after him. 

"I want you to marry the girl who took care of me when I was away." Said the Queen.