The Queen beamed at her god daughter with clear adoration. 
"My dear," she said, standing and taking her within her arms. "I'm so pleased that you will come to see me."
She looked at her daughter and nodded, still smiling.
"Of course, Avril will join us," she said. "Edward will be gone all morning so we shall have all the time we want."
Avril, silent on the subject, wondered why she never mentioned Stephen or her father, though she supposed either was unlikely to interrupt it. Once the party was over, she determined upon herself to find Stephen though.
The Queen arranged that Alessandra should come the next day and that she'd meet in her garden. The palace gardens were a sight, but within them the Queen had her own little inner sanctum, which was gated. It was where she grew her own plants and the gardeners didn't enter. It was rather pretty and all the plants had been cultivated by her. The red rose were so sweet in their scent, mixing with the honey suckle on the trellis. 
It was the Queen's pride and joy.
"But you have a wonderful night, my dear one," said the Queen, releasing Alessandra. "Your father must be awaiting your return to him."