When everyone reached the other end of the lake, only Drayce and Seren were able to keep their awe in check. The Crystal Palace was the residence of Great Lady Theodora after she stepped down from the affairs of the palace, thus, not many were granted the chance to step inside. Rather than a lakeside villa, it looked more like a fairyland???? straight out of a painting— with those hanging gardens with flowers in full bloom due to Seren's ability, along with several water fountains and pavilions, it made the palace look harmonious with nature.
Soon, they disembarked from their boats and the Great Lady's servants welcomed their group. They were able to appreciate the view of the gardens as they were guided towards the drawing room where the owner of the palace was waiting for them. They all greeted her with reverence before taking their own seats.
The white-haired Great Lady was happy to see this group of young people and said, "After a long time, Crystal Palace is finally having many guests again. This lonely place has suddenly turned lively."
"If it made Grandmother happy, then I think we should all visit here more often," Arlan said looking at the elegant old lady.
"That would make me happy. You all are always welcome to visit," the Great Lady replied with a kind smile. She then looked at Rayjin who was looking around with her curious eyes. "Young lady, seems like you like this place, hmm?"
Rayjin looked at the old lady and nodded shyly. She heard her father say, "Rayjin, why don't you introduce yourself to the Great Lady? She is His Majesty's grandmother, the former Queen Theodora Ivanov"
Rayjin did a polite curtsy. "Daughter of the Wimark Duchy of Griven, Rayjin Wimark, greets Great Lady Theodora Ivanov."
The Great Lady smiled as she stared at the adorable Rayjin. "What a lovely name for a lovely lady."
"Thank you, Great Lady," Rayjin replied.
Great Lady Theodora chuckled at her expression. It was obvious that she was a lively girl, and pretending to be a mature adult did not really suit her. "I am not a great lady for you. Even your Uncle Arlan calls me a grandmother. You should also call me the same."
Rayjin looked at her father who nodded to show his approval. Rayjin looked back at the Great Lady. "Thank you, Grandmother."
The Great Lady then turned her gaze towards the rest of the group. There were faces she was not familiar with, like Cian and Duke Wimark, but she had both seen them from the wedding ceremony and knew their identities. "My Crystal Palace rarely hosts guests, and I hope you do not find my hospitality lacking"
The men replied in kind.
"It is our honor to visit your residence."
"Thank you for inviting us here, Great Lady Theodora."
The Great Lady gave a light nod and continued, "Prince Cian, I would like to extend my personal gratitude to the royal family of Abetha for letting your sister marry my unruly grandson. Your family has truly blessed Megaris for allowing our people to have such a good queen."
"King Drayce had earned it on his own. I did nothing," he referred to how Drayce helped Abetha and then in exchange asked for Seren. "But I am happy that my sister married him. Once I return to my kingdom, I am sure my father would be comforted to hear how well my sister fared in Megaris."
"Glad to know it. You can rest assured that the Ivanovs do not treat Seren as a foreign princess, but as a precious part of our family. I say this with confidence and my name in line."
"It must be her destiny to be here."
While these two conversed, others mostly listened to them. Seren was glad that her brother thought highly about Megaris and her husband.
"Grandmother, if you are not yet done hearing Prince Cian's thoughts about me and our kingdom, then perhaps the rest of us should head out for our midday meal," Drayce said with a small frown on his face. He knew why his grandmother was being so talkative.
"Oh, you. Why are you being like this? Is it bad to know if the brother is delighted or disappointed after sending his sister to a faraway kingdom to marry a stranger? You do not understand how worried her family must have been," the Great Lady countered and looked at Cian. "Am I wrong?"
"Not at all. In fact, we were truly concerned about how my sister is being treated, after all, she does not send letters back to let us know her situation here and we are ignorant of her affairs. But now, I am assured. I am happy to have someone like Great Lady Theodora guiding my sister in her role as a queen, and I am equally happy with the way my sister's husband treats her as his wife."
Drayce could say nothing as he didn't expect this stubborn prince of Abetha to praise him openly. It was fine if he was mocking him but getting praised felt awkward.
As his best friend, Arlan would not let this opportunity pass. "Don't you know Dray is allergic to praises?"
Cian smirked seeing Drayce looking not so comfortable. He replied to Arlan, "You have told me, but I still wish to check it personally."
This caused the drawing room to be filled with laughter. Rayjin was not listening to what these adults were talking about, and was gazing at them with confusion at this point. Since everyone seemed to be in a great mood, she could not help but ask, "Grandmother, can I look around your palace?"
"Of course, you can, but first we need to have our meal," the Great Lady instructed.
Their group all went towards the dining hall, with Arlan still poking fun at Drayce's expense.. The Great Lady was happy with the kind of warm atmosphere around her????— it felt like family.
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