Benedict and i slipped out of the closet and made our way back to our families. As we were about to separate, we saw Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury inside a room with the queen.

"Oh god" i mumbled. "My brother has really mucked it up, hasn't he?" Benedict whispered. "I'm pretty sure he's not the only one to blame but... Yes, pretty much" i said

As Benedict and i were eavesdropping, i saw Edwina pacing up and down the hall. I knew she needed someone to comfort her. "Give me a minute" i said as i squeezed Benedicts hand and walked away. I was about to continue walking until i stopped suddenly

I walked back over to him and grabbed his hand. "You are my soon to be husband, which means we'll deal with these messes together" i said with a small smile as i dragged him with me.

"Edwina, are you alright?" i asked. She shook her head. "I have to speak to the queen. I can't go forward with this wedding. Not when i know the viscounts true feelings for my sister" she said.

"What?! Anthony has feelings for Miss Sharma?! Well, the other Miss Sharma?!" Benedict exclaimed. I gave him an annoyed glare. "I'll catch you up on everything later" i whispered.

"Well then, we'll come with you. Won't we Benedict?" i said. "To speak with the queen?" Benedict asked. I nodded. "She's... She's quite intimidating is she not?" Benedict said with an awkward smile.

I nudged him in the ribs causing him to groan in pain. "Yes. Of course we'll come with you, Miss Sharma" Benedict mumbled. Edwina gave us a small smile as we walked into the Queens chambers.

Edwina knocked on the door gently as we all walked inside. "Pardon our interruption your majesty" Edwina said nervously. "It is noted. I do hope my efforts today have not been wasted" the queen said.

"It has not been a waste, your majesty" Edwina said as she looked at the ground. "But rather further proof of the love you have for your people, ma'am" Benedict said as Edwina was to embarrassed to say anything else. The queen looked him up and down.

"Mr Bridgerton? Is it?" she questioned. "Yes ma'am" he said with a gulp. "Can Miss Edwina not talk for herself?" the queen snapped. I took a deep breath in, fighting the urge not to roll my eyes.

"Miss Edwina comes before you humbly now in recognition of all that you-" "Is there not a person here who can think of something else to say to their queen other than sheer flattery!" the queen exclaimed.

We all stayed quiet. "Child. Are you here to tell me that you are going to marry him or not?" the queen questioned. Edwina opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out.

As Edwina tried to speak, the door behind us suddenly flew open. "Did you see them? The fireworks?! They were brilliant!" someone exclaimed. I turned around to see the king of England burst through the door.

I have heard many stories about him. Apparently he had lost his mind a long time ago, that's why no one ever sees him. We all bowed down to him but he didn't seem to care.

"Oh dear, it seems i am late for a ceremony" he said. "My king... Can someone come and assist?!" the queen exclaimed. I could tell by the look on her face that she was shocked. He obviously had no idea what was going on, but he was trying.

"I didn't mean to keep you waiting, Lottie. My bride. My beautiful bride. Where is the Archbishop? And our congregation?" he asked. "George" the queen said as she stood up.

"She's radiant, is she not?" he asked with a smile. I gave him a small nod back. Suddenly, two guards came up from behind him and began trying to drag him out of the room.

"What are they doing? Stop! Leave me! Leave me!... Lottie... What are they doing?" the king asked in confusion. I looked to the queen who looked as if she was holding back tears.

I knew that look. She had the same look on her face as Emma did when my mother was alive. When Mama began talking about Beth and my father as if they were still alive. As if she had forgotten that our family fell apart years ago.

"She will make the most excellent queen, your majesty" i said with a forced smile. Everyone gave me a confused look. "I hear the two of you faced many trials during your happy courtship. but today... Today will make all of it well worth it, will it not?" i asked the king.

"Why... Yes. Yes it will" the king replied. "Then perhaps you might find your rest, your majesty. Before you both rule this kingdom with the kind of love, compassion and kindness the two of you undoubtedly share" i said.

The king nodded slowly. I looked back to see the queen give the king a small smile. "My queen. My Lottie" the king said with a small bow as he was escorted out of the room.

I took a deep breath in and out as he left. I felt my heart drop as the queen began storming towards me. "You... Outside now" she whispered in my ear as she stormed outside.

I looked to Lady Danbury who had no idea what to say. I hesitatingly followed the queen into another one of her many rooms. I looked around to see all of her jewellery. She had necklaces bigger than my head, luxurious crowns and huge earrings.

"That was... Something" the queen mumbled. "I'm sorry if i said something to offend you back there, your majesty. I just thought it might help" i said.

The queen stayed quiet. I began looking at one of her necklaces in a glass case. "Do you like that one?" she asked. "I... Um... Yes, i mean, they're all gorgeous but this one especially" i stuttered.

"I wore it for his majesty's golden jubilee... Here" she said handing me the necklace. "Oh no. I could not possibly-" "Yes you could" she insisted. I took the necklace and began looking at all the distinct designs.

"Miss Bennet. For the past two years, i have seen you at the seasons balls. You always caught my eye. I would even go as far to say you would have been the seasons diamond two years in a row. The reason you weren't was because i felt you were always unsure of yourself. As if you thought you shouldn't be here. It put my off. But after all of that with his majesty... That was something" she said.

"My mother was the same as your husband. She would often forget about what was going on in the real world and she stayed in bed for nearly half my life" i said.

The queen gave me a small smile. "You are very strong Miss Bennet. You are very strong and you have a pure heart. They are the two things a woman needs" she said.

"Thank you, your majesty" i said with smile. The queens eyes drifted from my face to my hand. "What is that?" she questioned. I looked at my hand and saw the paper ring Benedict had made for me. "It's a long story but i am to be married soon... To Benedict Bridgerton" i said.

"Well congratulations Miss Bennet. I would like to offer my palace for your wedding whenever you decide to have it. Consider it a thank you for being so kind to my George" she said. I sighed happily. "That would be amazing your majesty" i said.

"Now come on, we should make our way back to my guests, Miss Bennet... Or should i say Mrs Bridgerton."