“I don’t think any courtiers will be necessary,” I said firmly.Simple was better. More fuss would just complicate everything and take away from the purpose. A simple meeting with representatives of the Court of Sigbin. On my turf. Not a big deal.
He hesitated for a long time. “Yes, Your Highness.” He nodded, then left.
I couldn’t wait until I was crowned and of age, so I wouldn’t need a guardian keeping tabs on me all the time like I was a baby. Elias was only looking out for me, but I could look out for myself.
***
Jinky wanted meto wear a very formal pale-pink terno, but the stiff peaked butterfly sleeves and brocade fabric on the gown seemed way too much for a simple meeting. I dug around in the closet until I found just the right thing. A white silk blouse with short sleeves and a pair of sleek red pants and a matching red scarf. I held them up for Jinky. “These are perfect!” Simplicity. Yes, that was the remedy for how overwhelmed I was.
She cringed. “That’s a katipunero outfit! It’s for working in the garden!”
“No, trust me, these are perfect for a meeting.” I wanted to look powerful, not like a doll. Anyway, being queen meant making my own decisions.
An hour later, Elias and Jinky accompanied me down to the grand hall. I was going to nail my first official engagement.
I took a deep breath as the doors opened in front of me.
10
Nothing could haveprepared me for what I saw.
“I thought this was a standard meeting,” I hissed at Elias, trying to smile politely at the same time.
He shrugged, as if saying,I told you so.
The room was full of visiting courtiers and their guards from Sigbin, dressed in their best from head to toe. They all looked me up and down. I tugged at my stupid blouse. Jinky was right. I should have worn the gown.
Yep, totally nailed it, MJ. Good job.I decided the best thing I could do was act like I was underdressed on purpose. Like nothing was wrong.
I strolled in with my head high. Despite what I felt earlier about Elias, I was glad he was there now. He pulled out a heavy, high-backed golden chair for me. I sat and waited for the rest of the Sigbin courtiers to arrive. Jinky took her place behind me. I had no idea what to do. Looked like I was going to have to wing it.
After a few minutes the door opened, and a man in a beautifully embroidered barong Tagalog walked in. He didn’t look directly at me.
His mouth opened, and a booming, deep voice rang out. “MayI introduce the grand duchess of the Court of Sigbin, Lady Amador Oscura, alongside her most esteemed knight, Sir Lucas Invierno, datu of Mount Makiling.” He stepped aside.
Of course.I was here to meetthem. I should’ve known. Actually, I probablywould’veknown if I’d read the agenda. Fine. Lesson learned. Again.
After a fashionable pause, Amador and Lucas strode in, arm in arm. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, they were even more intimidating out of their school uniforms. Everything about her was flawless, from the complicated braided updo in her dark, blue-highlighted hair (and the frosty diamond tiara perched on top of it) to her shimmering, icy-blue, floor-length Maria Clara dress. Even Lucas was perfect—all cut-glass cheekbones and dark hair that fell into his eyes, the colorful malong draped over his shoulder a perfect match to her dress.
Though this was not a casual situation—or at least, I imagined two nobles from rival courts having their first official meeting was not a casual thing—I sensed a certain amount of humor about him, in regard to the entire scenario. His inky dark eyes were playful, and he had a slight smirk at the corner of his mouth.
I stood and wondered if I should bow. Or curtsy or something. I made some kind of awkward movement in between the two, unsure what to do, but then I noticed Elias put his hand out slightly at his side to indicate I should not. I pretended I was fixing my shoe instead. One gaffe narrowly avoided. I was a little embarrassed that I almost genuflected to a lesser-ranking noble. I wasn’t a subject of the Court of Sigbin. I was the queen of the Court of Sirena, or about to be, and I needed to get used to it.
“Please, have a seat,” I offered, opening my hand toward theplush chairs across from me. Amador, or rather, the duchess—this was an official occasion after all—curtsied while Sir Lucas bowed, and then they stepped forward in unison and swept into the seats as if they were gliding. Once seated, they exchanged a loaded look. I pretended not to notice and moved on, though I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to say now. “Pleased to meet you,” I began.You idiot, you already know them!“Meet you here,” I said, hoping that covered my mistake. “I’m happy to welcome you to the Court of Sirena.” That sounded good.
“What do you think of it so far, Princess?” Lucas responded. “Has it been long since you last visited?”
I felt like there was some kind of insult behind the question. “Since I was but a toddler,” I told him honestly.
“Ah,” he said, as if he didn’t already know my entire life story. I had no doubt that I was the subject of all the latest gossip throughout the four kingdoms. Then it occurred to me: “visited.” Insinuating that I didn’t actually belong.
“No loss,” Amador quipped.
Lucas jumped in. “On your part, she means.” He forced a chuckle. “Because, well, it’s just that, the Court of Sirena is known for—well, it’s not me saying this, mind you, I’m only telling you what is commonly known—”
“Lucas is always honest. Some people can’t handle it, but I, for one, prefer the truth,” Amador said with a smirk.
“As do I,” I told her. I hoped that sounded like the threat that it was. Maybe I felt intimidated when they walked in, but I was never going to let her know that. At least not on purpose.
