Wallace was feeling a bit guilty, but Piper was like a big sister to him, and he couldn't bear to let her down.

"I know that."

When the delegation arrived, the royal family threw a grand welcome dinner, with the Queen herself playing host to wash the dust from their travels. As the head of the chess club, Piper was naturally in attendance.

The dinner hadn't officially started yet, but Piper had arrived early to coordinate dinner arrangements with the staff.

Ulysses, the evening's most anticipated guest, was notably absent. Orson's explanation was that he was feeling under the weather.

Ulysses was famously averse to social gatherings.

It was common knowledge in their circles that Piper was somewhat displeased by this.

A dinner attended by the Queen herself, and Ulysses was playing hooky?

At the venue, Brittany and Eltham arrived hand in hand, but Piper whisked Eltham away as soon as they arrived.

Brittany was relieved.

Pregnant and avoiding alcohol, she chose a fruit juice instead, hoping to find a quiet spot to rest. But turning around, she bumped into Orson, spilling her juice all over herself. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. Are you alright?" Brittany apologized immediately.

upset about his stained outfit, but upon locking

"Ms. Russell?"

voice trembled, disbelief

years;

mother?" Brittany realized Orson had mistaken

Russell?" Orson couldn't believe it. Brittany's resemblance to Julie was uncanny - they could easily be mistaken for mother and daughter.

softened dramatically: "What's your

"Brittany."

you're Ms. Russell's daughter." Something seemed to click for

"A bit."

hands - delicate and slender, not the hands of a professional

so talented, yet it seemed that

Queen

Someone called Orson away.

look: "Ms. Lynette, I'd like to visit Ms. Russell's grave sometime. I hope you can

"Of course."

Orson left, Brittany found a secluded

and Orson's meeting was lively. Eltham and Piper, both dressed elegantly and in matching colors, looked

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255