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Little Jamie Evangeline of Maldonia was squirming with anticipation. In three days, she, her parents, and Aunt Lottie would board a steamer to journey to her father's homeland for a family reunion!
Even though she'd lived her entire life in New Orleans, her father had done his best to educate her on her noble heritage. Likewise, Jamie had done her best to understand this side of her lineage. Her father's country of origin was situated alongside the Mediterranean Sea. Their economic system was based on fine wine, fruit, and seafood.
There was also small commercialism regarding the nation's incomparable artistic creations; the territorial division had extraordinary untamed beauty and awe-inspiring architecture. Plus, music remained of the essence within society as well.
She knew her father's native tongue, Maldaquesh, had been derived from Italian. While looking like Euros, their currency was valued the same as American currency. Her parents ran a restaurant, which helped her better comprehend the monetary system.
Of course, there were memorable holidays and traditions. The primary theology of Maldonia was strongly linked to Christianity. However, a minority of other theologies were also observed within the country. But overall, the nation remained quite a captivating sovereignty.
She also knew her grandparents, King Basil and Queen Isadora, were respected as monarchs. They genuinely embodied the characteristics of genuine leaders. They exemplified integrity, humanitarianism, empathy, and hard work. As a result, everyone was treated equally in their country. No matter their circumstances, everyone was given the same opportunities.
The only thing her father honestly hadn't informed her about were his siblings. Yes, he did have one younger brother, Ralphie. He was the baby of the family. However, he did have identical quint sisters two years younger than him. Naveen was the eldest; after him came Callista, Philippa, Safiya, Valentina, Iliana, and finally, Ralphie, the baby of the bunch.
Jamie genuinely didn't know anything regarding her aunts or uncle. Her father didn't talk about them much. Jamie didn't know if this was because they had a bad relationship or if he was embarrassed. She'd like to believe it was the latter, not the former. The little princess sat on her bed, squeezing her Ray doll tightly. Her mother insisted on doing her daughter's packing for her.
So she observed as her mother, Tiana, finished packing her luggage. "Mommy? Are you okay?" the little girl questioned cautiously. Last year, her mother survived her brush with breast cancer. Unfortunately, her daughter didn't understand the severity of the disease.
Yet, it made her still worry about her mommy's health more. Seeing how her daddy frequently reminded her mommy to take it easy. Her mother remained quite stubborn, that was for sure. Finally, Tiana stood up to wipe the sweat from her brow, "I'm alright, Tadpole. You don't have to stress," she replied sweetly.
Jamie still frowned, "You should be gettin' more rest. That's what Daddy says," her daughter replied sternly.
Tiana chuckled, "Yes, he's right about that. But, tell you what, Tadpole. How about we take a catnap together? Let me finish helping you pack. Afterward, we can take a nap together."
"Okay, Mommy, that sounds fun! I love it when we get to nap together!" Jamie clapped merrily at the thought. "That's my little Tadpole," Tiana hugged her daughter tightly, "Now, I need to go grab a few items from the laundry to pack. Then we can have our nap, alright?"
"Yes, Mommy!" Jamie scampered to get her bed ready for them. Twenty minutes later, both mother and daughter were peacefully napping. Jamie didn't know what her mother was dreaming about. However, she was dreaming about the enchanting meadows teeming with wildflowers. The endless fruit groves and the multitude of lakes her father depicted to her.
Finally, the day came to board the steamer for the three-week-long voyage. Jamie wasn't surprised that her Aunt Lottie had overpacked with more garments than required. Nonetheless, being stuck on a lengthy boat ride was challenging. Her parents did their most suitable to keep her spirits up. Yet, the young child only got moodier the longer the boat ride lasted.
Finally, her daddy woke her up at sunrise. Her mommy joined them as they observed the dawning over her father's domain. Even this far out, they could make out the country's flag: three horizontal lines, two cyan and one amber. Cradled in the heart of the flag was a flower wreath of some kind. "It looks like somethin' out of a fairy tale, Daddy! I never dreamed it looked like this!" Jamie exclaimed happily.
Her mother adjusted her in her arms. "I've to agree with Tadpole. You've talked about your home. Yet your description doesn't do your kingdom justice. Correct me if I'm wrong, Naveen, but didn't you say the palace has 200 rooms alone?!" it was clear from Tiana's tone she was more than jittery.
Naveen looked slightly embarrassed, mumbling yes. He also mentioned that his parents would undoubtedly have a massive party waiting for their arrival. "Daddy?"
"Yes, Tadpole?"
"I'm nervous. Everything looks way too big and bright!"
"Oh, Tadpole," as he took his daughter from his wife's arms. "I know this isn't what you're accustomed to. Yet, a part of you comes from this land. Also, we're not movin' here, Tadpole.
We're merely here for the Grand Family Reunion. It's held every ten years. Yes, a month-long reunion can be more than overwhelming. But don't fret, Tadpole. Your mommy and I'll make sure everything will be alright."
Then he set her on the ground before instructing her to wake Aunt Lottie. They'd be pulling into port within the hour. Jamie nodded and zipped back to their cabin. Tiana smiled before turning to face her husband. "Naveen, I feel you've been keepin' somethin' from me. So fess up. What is it?"
He blushed and strutted for a few minutes. Finally, however, a kiss helped settle him down. Then Naveen elucidated why he was tense regarding this. The Grand Family Reunion meant all family on the family tree attended.
He was anxious about the fact that Jamie was the first and only grandchild currently in the royal family. While he was reasonably confident that his parents wouldn't do anything too overwhelming, the same couldn't be said of his sisters.
Tiana asked what made him think that. Naveen explained his sisters were even more vivacious than Lottie. They're like Lottie times ten. Continuously enthusiastic, stylish, and more than a little boy crazy. They also loved children. Yet, they didn't always pick up social cues when making people uncomfortable or getting in their personal space.
"I take it that's why you've not told Jamie much about her aunts. Well, I hope they give her some space and don't treat her like she's a toy to play with."
"I hope so too, Tiana. Well, we should return to the cabin to collect our belongings. I'm sure Mother's sent the limo to pick us up."
Sure enough, a dazzling limo was waiting for them. The good-looking chauffeur helped collect their bags before driving them to the Grand Palace. The girls were all rendered speechless by what they saw.
An enormous white marble dome stood atop the gigantic palace. They drove up the long tree-lined boulevard, rounding the reflection pool and decorated marble fountain. Then, finally, stopping at the twenty-foot gold-plated gates. "This makes Big Daddy's house look like a hat box!" exclaimed Lottie in astonishment. Tiana remained speechless. Jamie only said, "This is your home, Daddy?"
He laughed sheepishly, "Yep, this is where Daddy grew up, Tadpole. However, if I'm honest? I much prefer our modest apartment above the restaurant."
The gates gradually unlocked as the car drove up to the steps. The girls were more than intimidated to see at least 150 people waiting for them. Tiana looked at her husband, "That's your family?!" she demanded in sheer disbelief.
"Yes," he rubbed his neck. "Havin' big families with lots of aunts, uncles, and an abundance of cousins is the norm for the royal family. Why else would we need two hundred rooms?"
The small family emerged from the limo. Naveen held his daughter tightly in his arms. He could already sense she was more than overwhelmed by everything. He'd already spotted his sisters from the corner of his eye.
All five of his sisters were tall and had voluminous locks with voluptuous hips. Each wore a breathtaking silk gown, the only way to tell them apart. Callista wore scarlet, Philippa wore midnight blue, Safiya saffron, Valentina magenta, and Iliana turquoise.
He quickly whispered to his family how to tell his sisters apart. He saw they were exceedingly eager to shower their only niece with hugs and kisses. First, however, they greeted his parents. Jamie didn't seem quite afraid of her grandparents. Or at least they weren't making her feel uncomfortable. Her grandmother even had a welcoming gift for her.
Her gift was a silver tiara with pezzottaite jewels and a matching necklace. Naveen knew she'd intended to give her first granddaughter that set since he'd been born. His mother then informed her son they'd updated his suite. She hoped his family would find it suitable for their needs. She also shot a warning look at her daughters.
Naveen thanked them and promised they'd be in the dining room before the dinner gong rang. The maids helped the family to their suite, which again felt like a mansion in and of itself. Lottie immediately went to take a bubble bath. She'd been griping the entire voyage about how inadequate the boat showers were. So once she was gone, Naveen glanced at his bemused family.
"Alright, I left out a few details. I also can see that you're both more overwhelmed by all this. I promise I'll do my most acceptable to guarantee you two don't get even more overwhelmed."
He then turned to his daughter, leading her to 'her' bedroom. Jamie's jaw dropped at how luxurious the bedroom was. It had a queen-size canopy bed, enormous windows, a crystal chandelier, a colossal vanity, and a walk-in closet.
Plus, there were more toys than she'd ever dreamed existed! First, her adorable amber eyes eyed the enormous handmade dollhouse. Then, forgetting her nervousness, she hurried to play with the cute dolls from the dollhouse.
Naveen smiled before calmly shutting the door and leading his wife to the master bedroom, which was just as extravagant. "Okay, I'll admit, I'm more than impressed," as she sat on their king-size bed. "It's not too much?" he asked, to which his wife replied.
"It's more than I ever could dream of. However, it makes me wonder how you could say our modest apartment makes you happier than this," gesturing to everything.
"Well, after our little froggy adventure, I realized bigger isn't better. Plus, home is only a home with the ones you love. So I'd rather have a small apartment than a place so enormous and lonely."
"Good point. I hope we don't have to get too dolled up for dinner. Also, please tell me what to expect from this month-long reunion.
Naveen assured his wife his mother would've seen to their wardrobe. He also admitted the Grand Family Reunion was very much like most reunions. They came together to share stories, play games, and enjoy the food and music. Just a chance for the family to see each other and have a good time in each other's company.
Naveen promised to talk to his sisters about boundaries regarding their niece. He wasn't worried about his twelve-year-old brother. Ralphie may be the baby, but he understood how to treat people respectfully.
The family's month in Maldonia went well. It only took Naveen's sisters four days to curb their excitement. His parents, particularly his mother, enjoyed spoiling their only grandchild. It was one of the best family reunions in the history of Maldonia!