Page 60 of Bride By Coronation

I should bring her here sometime.

Stay focused. Time is running out.

With more determination, I pass over several I think she'd wrinkle her nose at, and get through half before I pause, reading the nameplate.

Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia, 1874.

Interlocking diamond circles and large drop pearls adorn the gold headpiece. Next to it sits fifteen pendant emeralds.

My eyes dart from the pearls to the green gems.

She's Irish.

The pearls go better with her dress and ring, though.

Fuck. Another choice.

Maybe I can add only one emerald?

Jesus. I suck at this.

I knock on the thick door.

The lock opens, and Henry steps inside. "Your Majesty, may I assist you?"

I step in front of the tiara and pick it up. "I would like to borrow this one. Can I take the emeralds and pearls so my bride can choose?"

"Of course. And that's an interesting choice you selected," he adds.

"Oh?" I arch my eyebrows.

He nods. "Yes. It was created for the Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia in 1874, and smuggled into Britain with 200 jewels from the duchess' secret safe. When the duchess died, her daughter, Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna, sold the tiara to Queen Mary in 1921. She's the one who had the emeralds made to swap with the pearls."

"I see."

He adds, "In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II inherited it in her coronation year and wore it often. It was said to be one of her favorite pieces. She also interchanged the look, sometimes wearing the pearls and sometimes choosing the emeralds. A few times, she wore it without any drop stones."

I stare at the tiara, then declare, "I think Fiona will love this."

He grins. "I will package it up and have it delivered to your plane. I understand you're in a bit of a hurry?"

"Yes."

"Then Oliver will escort you upstairs, and your package will arrive shortly," Henry assures.

"Thank you." I put the tiara down, shake his hand, and exit the vault.

Oliver motions for me to get on the golf cart.

I obey.

He slides next to me and drives us back through the tunnels. We get to the elevator, which quickly opens for us to board, and rises before the doors open again.

I step out of it.

Oliver bows and states, "It's been an honor to see you again, Your Majesty."

"You as well. Thank you," I reply, then enter the stairwell. I climb two flights, stroll down the jetway, and board my plane.

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