My Black Inheritance

9

"Okay, goodbye, the guard will serve you dinner when it is time," I reassured, handing Abidemi back to Imani. "I know you'll be safe and well-fed."

Imani gave me a warm hug and thanked me sincerely, letting me know that she was grateful for my assurance.

I left the room with an assured feeling that Abidemi was in good hands. I had even forgotten that I had been in the room with Catherine. I was so immersed in Imani's appreciation that I was reminded of Catherine's presence only when I left the room.

"So... who has a thing for babies now?" Catherine teased. I couldn't help but smile, laughing at the thought of me, a grown adult, developing a newfound appreciation for babies.

"I think I do!" I said, grinning broadly and emphasizing the truth of my words. It was a feeling I had never expected to experience, yet it was so real and so powerful that I could no longer deny it. Like the one I felt when Prince Maxwell-

"What about the letter you got this morning? Was it important?" Catherine asked curiously.

"It was important," I replied with a significant emphasis, "but that is a story for another day."

"Really?" She pouted.

"It's definitely a tale worth telling," I assured her, "but let's save it for when we have more time."

"I can't wait to hear it," she smiled, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

It was supposed to be seven o'clock when everyone got together for dinner. Since it was six forty-five, we started to quicken our pace since the dinner was planned to be on the other side of the palace from where we were currently.

We rushed to make it on time, knowing that even a few minutes could affect our chances of enjoying the meal with everyone else. Even a slight delay could have caused us to miss out on the collective joy of the shared meal.

One minute before seven o'clock and we burst into the dinner hall. Our timing had been perfect - we could feel the excitement in the room as we stepped inside.

We quickly took our seats beside Alexander and Leonard, who looked happy that we didn't arrive late while Charlotte looked the opposite. Charlotte, however, did not feel the same way; she had been hoping for a later arrival.

"Alright, everyone quiet down, as usual we will start eating at seven o'clock," The Queen stated happily, taking a toast for the future.

Raising her glass, the Queen cheerfully declared, "Let us toast to the future!"

As the Queen finished her toast, the room filled with cheers and excitement, the sound of clinking glasses ringing out as the group celebrated the upcoming evening.

The music began to play, the voices of the guests melding with the sound of laughter and joy as the night unfolded. It was a beautiful evening, and the guests were filled with anticipation and delight.

The food was then brought in by the waitress. The waitress placed the dishes before the guests and the aroma of the meal filled the air, drawing a collective murmur of appreciation from everyone.

I had realised it wasn't only the grandchildren that had been here but also the Queen's children as well. What on earth could this special evening be about?

"I am sure you have heard that the current rulers and their heir visited us on my 50th reign anniversary. They have given us a good deal," She admitted, glancing straight at me.

She was clearly pleased and grateful for the gesture, and her expression was unmistakable. Her gratitude and happiness were palpable and it was clear that she appreciated the gesture.