Author's note: All text written in cursive is narration
Mary-Helene: Well that was eventful as always.
Michael: I think anything else would be impossible for our family dinners.
Henrik: Though I can't believe we had one dinner without Stefan and Ben arguing even once. That's never happened before.
Mary-Helene: Small blessings then.
Sounds of Ben and Stefan's argument reaches to the entrance hall
Roy: Well we almost had a dinner with out one
Michael: Well it was nice seeing you again. We have to book another one soon. Maybe just us parents then though.
Henrik: Ah I can already hear the blessed silence of that dinner.
Roy: Ahahah, indeed. Honestly the house has been a little too quiet now that the boys have moved out.
Michael: I mean you could always get a dog.
Mary-Helene: I see you've still been unsuccessful in convincing Hen to get a new one after Winnie hmm.
Michael: How does she do that?! Are you sure she can't read minds?
Henrik: Trust me honey you are just an open book.
Roy: Well it was fun. Take care of yourselves you two. And good luck with the dog effort.
Michael: Thank you. It's an uphill battle but I'm persistent.
The twins sigh in unison
Mary-Helene: You take care of that silly husband of yours. And call me every now and then alright.
Henrik: I will. And if you do end up adopting a dog let me know and I'll send him over for dog sitting duties.
Mary-Helene: I will hold you to that baby brother. Good luck with the arguing pair.
Now it’s time to cash in those work place bets people. The Charleston Palace just announced that HRH Crown Princess Mary-Helene and boyfriend Roy Herald are engaged. The press was told that Mr. Herald had approached the HRH’s parents to ask her hand in marriage about two weeks ago.
The Palace also published pictures of the actual proposal. Mr. Herald popped the big question on a beach near Blohav while the couple was out on a walk.
Apparently Mr. Herald had tipped the palace photographers about his planned proposal in case the answer was a yes. We’re as glad as he is that it was.
Now for the ring itself. Fitting the HRH’s style, the ring is a simple diamond band with one larger diamond accent. Interestingly enough this ring is not part of the Royal Vaults collection but rather a custom piece made specifically for the HRH. It’s estimated to cost around 500,000 simoleons, once again fitting the modest Crown Princess’ taste.
The wedding day is to be announced later. We send our biggest congratulations to the happy couple!
Undisclosed location in Solna’s suburbs, late spring
Author’s note: All text written in cursive is background conversation.
Minnie: Daddy daddy daddy!
Roy: Hey sugar! My have you grown again!
Minnie: No I haven’t, you’re silly.
Roy: Are you sure? You look taller. Hi Maria.
Maria (from the porch): Hey Roy. And hi Helene. How’s work?
Mary-Helene: Hi Maria. And I’ve really enjoyed it even though we’re practically drowning in cases at the moment. How are you? Has your leg healed fine?
Maria: For the most part yeah. They still have me on sick leave for the rest of the week though.
Mary-Helene: Ah I can imagine you’ll enjoy the quiet then.
Minnie: Daddy we did crafts at daycare! I used all the colours and sparkles and unicorn stickers and even macaroni! I made a necklace and pictures and we even got to make a doll!
Roy: That many things? You’ll show me them all right.
Minnie: Yeah! I even made a necklace for Helene. Will she like it even though she’s a princess?
Roy: I’m sure she will baby.
Minnie: When you get married will I get to wear my princess dress?
Roy: Of course. We might eve get you a new one.
Minnie: Really?! I want it to be sparkly and yellow!
Roy: Yellow?
Minnie: Yeah I like yellow! It’s my favorite colour. Like giraffes!!
Maria: Aaaand they seem to be in their own world already. Do you want tea?
Mary-Helene: I wouldn’t mind a cup. Do you still have some of that honey I gave you?
Maria: Yes! You were right it’s really good.
Mary-Helene: I’ll give you the beekeepers info.
Minnie: Hey daddy can I get a giraffe for my birthday?
Roy: Sadly giraffes can’t be kept as pets but we’ll see if we can find you a plushie giraffe.
Minnie: Yay!
Engagement interview with HRH Mary-Helene and Roy Herald
(Author’s note: Pardon for the long post. I’ve put most of it under the cut.)
Interviewer: So first let me begin by saying congratulations on your engagement.
Mary-Helene: Thank you.
Interviewer: So shall we start from the beginning then; how did you two meet?
Roy: We properly met at Solna University. We had met earlier on few occasions through mutual friends, but it was no more than a few short chats. I think it was during our first year when we both took an elective course in public affairs.
Mary-Helene: Yes it was. We also both took part in the debate team for a while but ended up being too busy to attend full time.
Interviewer: Was it love at first sight or?
Mary-Helene: Gods no, umm I’d say we grew into that. As said we have mutual friends and did grow quite close very quickly due to that. There was an attraction from the start that’s for sure.
Roy: Yes, I was completely charmed by you from the beginning. But we took our time. Went on several dates before deciding to commit to a serious relationship. And even then I’d say we took our time.
Interviewer: There’s also a bit of an age difference between you two. How has that shown in the relationship?
Mary-Helene: Honestly not at all.
Roy: From time to time I think she’s the one who’s three years older. I’m constantly in awe of how smart and level headed she is.
Mary-Helene: See now you’re just flattering me.
All laugh a little.
Interviewer: Now, Mr. Herald we’ve heard that you apparently have a daughter from a previous relationship. Is this true?
Roy: Yes it is. Her mother and I have a co-parenting arrangement so I have her bi-weekly.
Interviewer: May I ask her age or would you rather not disclose the information?
Roy: No, it’s fine. She’s currently 5. It’s a big reason why her mother and I have wanted to keep her away from the public eye, since she is so young.
Interviewer: And how did she take to you Mary-Helene? Have you had any discussions on how you would like to include her in your life?
Mary-Helene: I have met her, yes. She’s a wonderful girl, and has been nothing but an angel. She actually didn’t realize who I was at first so I think that helped us bond on a more ground level from the start.
Roy: Yes, she was quite star struck when she found out you are a princess. It was really endearing to see. Now she’s just been asking if she becomes a princess too when we get married so I’d say she’s excited about the news.
Interviewer: So you’d be looking into becoming her stepmother?
Mary-Helene: Yes that is the plan at the moment. I’d hate to see Roy being separated from her so while it is a bit unconventional we’ve decided that this is the best solution for us.
Interviewer: How did your family take the news?
Mary-Helene: My family has known of her since the beginning. Roy didn’t want to keep her as some kind of a secret and neither did I. As for our plans to include her in our lives they have been mostly supportive. There’s been some security concerns, but that’s about it.
Interviewer: Back to the proposal; how long had you planned for it Mr. Herald? And did you expect it Mary-Helene?
Mary-Helene: No, I had no idea. Honestly when he dropped to his knee I thought I might faint. I was just filled with so much love and it really was the perfect proposal to me.
Roy: As for me I had been planning for about a good 3 months. Obviously the ring took the most time since it is custom ordered for her specifically. And... while it was happening.. Oh Gods the look on your face. I just fell in love all over again.
Interviewer: That’s sadly all the time we have. Thank you so much for your time and once again my biggest congratulations.
Both Roy and Mary-Helene: Thank you.
