It was soon time for lunch, and Ballina has just arrived. “ Hello, Fiona,” she said.
“That’s Queen Fiona to you,” Fiona corrected.
“Of course,” replied Ballina arrogantly. “Now where is your darling husband?”
“I’d rather not talk about it…”
“Yes, well, divorce can be painful.
“We did not divorce…he died of cancer…”
“A rather good excuse, especially when one tries to cover up the pain.”
“I can see you brought your gnomes along, again.”
“Yes,” Ballina signaled for them to go outside, so they left.
Meanwhile, Princess and Kitty waited outside. “Here they come,” Princess sighed and closed the gate.
“Let us in!” said the boss gnome, banging on the gate.
“Why? So you can steal?”
”We have no intentions of stealing,” argued a gnome.
“We just want to admire the beautiful crystals,” said another.
“I do not believe a word you are saying,” said Princess.
“You have grown a lot since the last time,” said the boss, changing the subject.
“Growing up here has been an enjoyable and exciting adventure, except when my father passed away.
