Royalty Secrecy

Tea Time In Paris

On the train the next day...

"Rise and shine, queen-to-be!" Dinah walks into Lauren's room.

"That's got to be Dinah Hansen," Lauren speaks.

"The one and only," Dinah says.

Clover who was laying on the floor by the bed jumps to his four paws and barked happily at Dinah, tail wagging.

"Ah, yes. My entrance is welcome by the corgi's choir," Dinah speaks.

"You know it's almost noon, right? I've actually been awake for hours," Lauren says.

"Oh, really? Great work," Dinah says.

"Thanks..." Lauren trails off, brows furrowed.

"So are you ready for afternoon tea with the former queen?" Dinah asks.

"More or less," Lauren scowls.

"I know... I heard. She's not your favorite person at the moment. But on the bright side, this could be the perfect opportunity to corner her and get your answers. At a public event, she'll be caught off-guard. She won't be able to run off or dodge you," Dinah says.

"Good point," Lauren says.

"So go get ready! We don't want to be late," Dinah says.

"Can Clover come?" Lauren asks, looking down at the corgi.

"I don't think so. Luckily, I've arranged for one of the staff to look after Clover if we're ever gone for too long. He'll receive all the attention, treats, and walks his fluffy little self can handle," Dinah says.

Clover howls at the sound of this as he bounces around in pure joy.

"That's good," Lauren laughs.

"Now let's get to it!" Dinah claps her hands together.

Lauren heads into the changing room on the train car and finds Normani and Ariana already there.

"Really taking your time today?" Ariana speaks.

"Good afternoon! Getting ready for the party?" Normani speaks.

"Yep. Any ideas?" Lauren asks.

"Actually..." Normani trails off.

Normani holds up a gorgeous light blush dress with a floral print.

"Maybe you should try this one on," Normani says.

Lauren takes it and steps into a changing room and puts the dress on before stepping back out.

"Not bad," Ariana says.

"I feel ready for anything. But especially tea," Lauren says.

"Perfect! Let's go," Normani claps her hands together.

A short drive later, they enter an extravagant tea party.

"Wow! This is lovely," Lauren says.

"Why thank you. I'm so glad you were able to join us today," Niall speaks as he walks up to them.

"Oh! Hello, Niall. Thanks for inviting me," Lauren says.

"I'm so happy to have you here while you're in a such great mood. I told Camila that in time you'd be trained," Niall says.

"Trained?" Lauren furrows her eyebrows.

"Well, trained enough to be presentable in society. Now please, enjoy yourself," Niall says.

He bows slightly and saunters off before Lauren can say anything else.

"I never liked him," Ariana scowls.