A Christmas Surprise-Prologue
Four years in the future- What happens when Olivia's mother surprises everyone when she shows up at the palace days before Christmas?
(Not my characters-just my ideas)
"Here we are, ma'am," the old man said as he slowed down his rundown cab, "The Palace of Montenaro."
The dark-haired woman peered up at the imposing facade of the palace and smirked, "Keep the change, Old Man." she scoffed, slamming the door behind her and striding up the steps.
"Excuse me, Miss, can I help you?" a tall guard dressed in a bright red uniform asked.
"I'm looking for my daughter, Olivia, Olivia Richards." she replied, adjusting her cashmere scarf, "I'm her mother, Karen Silva."
"Um, I do not believe Ms. Olivia has arrived yet, but please come in," the guard said, stepping to the side so Karen could enter the grand hall, "Please wait here, ma'am."
Karen looked around the ornately decorated grand hall, "Not bad for such a minuscule country." she murmured.
"Ahhemmm…Ms. Silva, is it?" Mrs. Donatelli appeared from a hallway behind Karen, "I'm Mrs. Donatelli. How may I help you?"
"Oh!" Karen jumped at the sound of Mrs. Donatelli, "Do you know where my daughter is?"
"I believe Ms. Olivia's flight has been delayed an hour." Mrs. Donatelli answered, checking her watch, "However, I just saw one of the palace cars pull out a short while ago."
"'Palace cars''…sounds more luxurious than an old cab." Karen thought, "Is there any way I can get a sugar-free soy latte?"
"Unfortunately, sugar-free soy lattes are uncommon in Montenaro, but I can offer you some tea if you follow me." Mrs. Donatelli replied as she led Karen into the library.
Karen slowly toured the large room, examining the antiques and family heirlooms placed throughout. She stopped when she reached the fireplace and noticed a row of framed pictures lined up across the decorated hearth. Some photos looked old, most likely royal family members now gone, but others were more recent, very recent. Pictures of Queen Margaret's coronation and one with Margaret, Kevin, and Olivia. More pictures of her daughter with Princess Edward and Stacey. Then, finally, this year's official holiday card- Margaret, Kevin, Olivia, and the two young baby girl twins.
"Aren't they just the sweetest-looking family?" She looked closer at the photo, "Almost picture perfect."
"Your tea, ma'am." Mrs. Donatelli announced, placing a tea set on the large marble table in front of the settee, "Is there anything else I can get you while you wait?"
"I was just wondering, where Her Royal Majesty and the Prince are right now?" Karen pursed her lips, unaware that Margaret was standing in the doorway, "Polishing the family jewels?"
"The royal jewels are polished on Saturdays." Margaret quipped, hands clasped in front of her, "I hate to be rude, but who are you, and why are you admiring the pictures of my family?"
"I'm Olivia's mother, Karen." she grinned.
Margaret's eyes widened from shock.
"And you must be Her Royal Majesty, Queen Margaret." Karen grinned.
