The Queen seemed to have been waiting for her. With a look of pure pleasure, she rose from her seat and stepped toward her god child.
Queen Cassandra was a beautiful woman, whose age hadn't seemed to take away any of her grace or charm. She took her god daughter within her arms, stroking her hair and then holding her at arms length.
Her eyes fell upon Julianna's necklace and for a moment her eyes were a little sad, but then she looked into those of, as far as she thought of the girl, her niece. Julianna had been her best friend, practically a sister, and nothing would change that.
"You look stunning, my darling," she said, a hand touching the girl's face lightly.
She seemed to recall that Thomas was there.
"My Lord," said the Queen with due warmth and kindness, inclining a head to him as she released his daughter. "I trust this eve finds you well?"
It was a token gesture, but she'd have done anything for Ella.
"Enjoy the party," she said to both of them, giving Ella a lingering look. The Queen loved parties, but she knew that she couldn't keep Ella with her any more than stop the tide going out.