The queen once told me that if my family ever needed help, the palace doors would always remain open. That promise was made years ago, Mama. People change. Queen Elizabeth doesn’t forget people who have been faithful to her. When should I go? Today. [sighs] What about you? I don’t like leaving you alone for too long.
Ask Mama Chinyere to check on me. I’ll be fine for a few hours. I still don’t feel comfortable leaving you. Listen to me, my daughter. You’ve carried this family alone for months. Let someone else open a door for you. All right, I’ll go. Thank you. Don’t thank me yet. I’m only going there to ask for work, not to marry the prince.
[laughter] Cough, cough. You’ve always known how to make me laugh. See, that’s exactly why you should stop laughing and start eating. Fine, but before I leave, you’re finishing at least half of this food. Half? You’re becoming stricter than I ever was. I learned from the best teacher. For the first time that morning, Grace began eating willingly.
Unaware that the decision she had just made would change both their lives forever. Neither mother nor daughter knew that destiny had already begun pulling them back toward the palace. And toward the crown prince whose life was about to collide with theirs. Thank you all for coming. Today is important to my family and to this kingdom.
My son returns after many years abroad. He left as a young man and returns as a man who has built his own life and earned respect outside this palace. We are pleased to be here. Our kingdoms have shared friendship for many years, and we believe this gathering will strengthen that friendship.
Indeed. Princess Vanessa, Princess Zara, Princess Isabella, you have been invited here as honored guests. You are not prisoners, and you are not here to perform for us every minute of the day. My son will meet each of you, spend time with you, and get to know you. At the end of it all, he alone will make his decision.
Your Majesty, may I ask a question? Will there be any formal process? There will be different activities. What kind of activities, Your Majesty? Nothing unreasonable. Will we know about each activity before it begins? Sometimes you will, and sometimes you won’t. A future queen must know how to respond when plans change.
