**3rd Person POV**
Regina felt like Diane was going somewhere with what she was saying; she had the nagging feeling that all of this was a prelude for a major favour. So Regina said nothing but waited for Diane to make her request known.
“I know you will be at the wedding but it would mean a lot if you were by my side throughout the ball after the ceremony,” from Diane's unsteady tone, Regina could infer that it had taken a lot for Diane to make that request. She had not asked her the question lightly. Regina gave her friend a smile of encouragement. She had been there for her during her darkest times, she was going to do the same for her.
“You don't even have to ask. I'll be there,” returned Regina with a smile. Diane's request made her remember Nydia's friends who had taken every opportunity to abuse and insult her because she had no title. She wondered if those friends were still here.
“Thank you! What do you make of this?” Diane said, showcasing a sequined dress. Before Regina could comment, Diane said, “It's a bit much, isn't it?”
****
Regina had wanted to make things perfect for Diane. Since she had decided to go through with a sizable wedding after all, she decided that Diane's entry into the noble world would not be without fireworks. Regina had thus ensured that her cousin, Emily attended the wedding. Harriet was already going to be in attendance because she was married to Tyler but getting Emily to attend was a big deal. It would be an even bigger deal when Regina introduced them formally. It would give the town something to talk about for sure and no one would dare say anything.
Her children along with their aunt had been the first to arrive. Regina addressed Alison politely but there was no friendliness in her greeting. She had not denied her children their family but she was not ready to reconcile with them yet.
She greeted Alison and embraced Charlotte.
Charlotte made a face only privy to Harlin as she returned her mother's hug.
“I can feel your face, Charlie,” said Regina in a soft voice. She knew what Charlotte was capable of doing.
“You can do no such thing mother. You only assume the worst of me,” replied Charlotte with a grin.
“It's been so long, how have you been my dearest?” asked Regina as she released her daughter from her hug.
“Stop pretending like I'm your favourite. We both know Reginald is your dearest,” said Charlotte, feigning a hurtful tone.
“I am guilty as charged,” returned Regina and they both laughed.
Alison watched mother and daughter from a near distance. She hoped that someday Irvette would be able to reenact this scene with her son.
“Speak of the devil!” exclaimed Charlotte as she saw her brother walk inside.
“Mother!” he exclaimed in delight like a six-year-old at the sight of Regina.
Regina laughed and Reginald collapsed into her warm embrace. Regina ruffled his hair with her fingers and said, “How can you not be my favourite?”
“A good question mother. Charlie always makes faces when you hug her,” he replied in a loud whisper.
“The two of you are gooey; it's unbecoming to watch,” Charlotte returned, faking a shudder and looking away as though embarrassed. This elicited a laugh from Regina and Reginald and in spite of herself, Charlotte began laughing too.
“When you're done serenading your mother, do let me know, okay?” quipped Emily, watching the trio reunite. She was grateful to Regina for allowing her to raise the twins. After their formative years, she had been responsible for their well-being and discipline. It had made up sufficiently for the fact that she had no children. She was still considering Thoma’s request for marriage but she wanted to ensure that her successor, Charlotte, was fully prepared to sit on the throne before she handed over things to her.
Reginald let go of his mother at the sound of his aunt whom he was slightly afraid of. How could he not be? Aunt Em had a thousand ways she could punish someone. He had undergone several punishments under her directive and he could blame a good deal of them on Charlotte who found ingenious ways to get them in trouble. Of course, he was never a victim. He always surrendered himself to Charlotte's devious schemes.
“Sister, I was beginning to forget your face,” said Emily as she embraced her sister.
“I will try to come home more often,” smiled Regina but the both of them knew she would not keep to that promise.
“You should. The old lady despairs of seeing you. I believe it is because of you she has yet to give up the ghost,” returned Emily. Lady Tristan was now very old and was expected to die soon but somehow she managed to hold onto life dearly and when asked she would say that she was waiting for her daughter, Marilyn. When told that Marilyn was dead she would stare into space before repeating that she must see her daughter. Emily sensed that the old woman missed Regina.
“I will follow you home then. I must see her before I take off again,” replied Regina with a note of worry.
“I will introduce you to the bride; she is a dear friend of mine. Alison?” quipped Regina when she saw her cousin remain stoic in a corner.
Alison responded with a weak smile and followed the group. She always felt like an outsider when she was with them and that had everything to do with her estranged relationship with Regina.
Regina led them to the room where Diane was surrounded by a slew of beauticians who were getting her prepared for her wedding. Regina asked Reginald to step out to which he frowned but understood. The ladies were then allowed to come closer to examine the bride.
Regina was the first one to exclaim, “Beauty has nothing on you!”