"Yes, but political necessity doesn't mean the marriage itself was the right solution."He met my eyes."I supported the Grand Duchess's decision initially.But I'm beginning to wonder if we should have considered other options."
The words landed like stones."Other options meaning what?"
"Meaning there are multiple ways to build alliances.Marriage is traditional, yes, but it's not the only path."He stood, smoothing his jacket."I'm not suggesting anything drastic, Your Highness.Simply that tonight's reception is an opportunity to prove that you're capable of this role.To show the doubters that they're wrong about you."
After he left, I sat alone in the Blue Salon, turning his words over in my mind.Viktor had been kind about it, but the message was clear: I was on probation.One more scandal, one more misstep, and people would start seriously questioning whether I should be here at all.
The unfairness of it made me want to scream.I hadn't asked for any of this.Hadn't asked to be kidnapped as a child, or discovered as an adult, or married off to prevent a war.And now I was being judged for having lived a normal life before I knew I was supposed to be royal.
But wallowing wasn't going to change anything.I had a reception to get through, media vultures to face, and a marriage to save from people who thought it was a mistake.
I found Carmela in my dressing room, already laying out options for tonight.
"The navy would be appropriately serious," she said, holding up a conservative dress with long sleeves and a high neckline."Given the circumstances."
"The circumstances being that I need to look like a nun to prove I'm not a party girl?"
"The circumstances being that you need to look like a princess who isn't affected by tabloid nonsense."She set down the navy dress and pulled out something in deep emerald green."Though if you want to make a statement, this says 'I have nothing to apologize for.'"
The emerald dress was beautiful, fitted bodice, elegant neckline, a skirt that would photograph well without being too dramatic.It looked confident without being aggressive, polished without seeming defensive.
"The green," I decided.
Carmela smiled."Good choice, Your Highness."
Two hours later, I was standing in the palace's east gallery, dressed in emerald silk and trying not to look nervous.The reception was for a children's literacy foundation, which meant I'd be expected to read to actual children while photographers captured every moment for tomorrow's papers.
No pressure.
"Your Highness."Captain Steiner materialized at my elbow."The Prince has arrived.He's in the greeting room."
I felt a little dizzy and sick to my stomach.Nerves."Do I have to see him before the event?"
"You'll be greeting guests together.It's expected."
Of course it was.Because nothing about this day could be simple.
The greeting room was a small antechamber off the main gallery where Archie was adjusting his cufflinks with the kind of intense focus that suggested he was avoiding looking at the door.He glanced up when I entered, and something shifted in his expression.
"Betty."
"Archie."
We stood there for a moment, the air between us thick with everything we'd said this morning and everything we hadn't.He looked tired, I realized.Like he hadn't slept since our fight.
"You look beautiful," he said finally.
"Thank you."I kept my voice neutral, professional.The way I'd talk to any diplomatic acquaintance."Carmela helped me choose something appropriate for the occasion."
"The occasion being facing down media speculation about your allegedly wild past?"
"Something like that."
He moved closer, and I caught the scent of his cologne, the same one I'd been breathing in last night when his face was buried in my neck.The memory made my skin flush.
"Betty, about this morning..."
"We should get into position," I interrupted, not ready to hear whatever he was about to say."The guests will be arriving soon."
