"Yes.I have a small breeding program."
"I'd love to see them, if that's not too forward.I'm always eager to learn from other breeders, especially with Iberian horses.The bloodlines are so fascinating."
And just like that, we were discussing horses.Bloodlines and conformation and training techniques and everything I'd spent years passionate about.Anastasia was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, asking intelligent questions about my breeding choices and offering insights from her own program.
I tried to include Betty in the conversation, but there was nothing for her to contribute.She didn't know about bloodlines or competition standards or the difference between working Lusitanos and show Lusitanos.She just sat there, watching Anastasia and me connect over a shared passion, her expression getting more closed with each passing minute.
Viktor watched too, satisfaction poorly concealed behind his diplomatic smile.
"Your mare is due to foal soon, isn't she?"Anastasia asked."Azzurra, is that her name?"
"In the next few weeks, yes.How did you know?"
"Oh, I've been following your breeding program online.The bloodlines you've developed are remarkable.Combining the Portuguese working lines with Spanish elegance, it's exactly the kind of program I've been wanting to attempt myself."She leaned forward enthusiastically."I'd love to discuss it further, if you have time.Perhaps after the foal arrives?I'd be fascinated to see the result of your work."
"Perhaps," I said, keeping my voice neutral.
"I should warn you, I'm terribly persistent when it comes to horses."She laughed, warm and genuine."My staff says I'm impossible once I've decided I want to learn something."
I glanced at Betty, who was staring at her hands with the kind of intense focus that meant she was trying not to cry.
This had to stop.
"Princess Anastasia, I'm sorry, but I have other commitments this morning."
"Of course!I've been monopolizing your time talking about horses.How rude of me."She stood gracefully."Thank you so much for seeing me.And Princess Bettina, it was lovely to meet you.I hope we'll have a chance to speak again."
Betty stood as well, her smile brittle."I'm sure we will.If you'll excuse me, I've just remembered I have an appointment."
She left before anyone could respond, her exit polite but unmistakably a retreat.
Viktor's smile widened slightly.
"Your Highness," Anastasia said, oblivious to the undercurrents."I hope I didn't say anything to upset the Princess.Sometimes I get carried away talking about horses."
"You were fine, Your Imperial Highness.The Princess has had a difficult few days."
"I heard about the sabotage incidents.How dreadful."She looked genuinely sympathetic."Please give her my regards, and let her know if there's anything I can do to help."
After Anastasia and Viktor left, Viktor still looking far too satisfied, I stood in the receiving room trying to decide whether to follow Betty immediately or give her space to compose herself.
Space.Definitely space.She'd hate me seeing her vulnerable right now.
I waited fifteen minutes, then headed to her rooms.Empty.The guest room in my apartments.Also empty.
The stables.Of course.
I found her in Azzurra's stall, sitting in the corner with her knees pulled up to her chest, tears streaming down her face.The mare stood nearby, occasionally lowering her head to snuffle at Betty's hair as if trying to comfort her.
"Betty?"
"Go away."
"I'm not going away."I let myself into the stall and sat down beside her in the straw."Viktor is a manipulative bastard, and that was a setup from start to finish."
"She's perfect."Betty's voice was thick with tears."She's everything I'm not.Beautiful, sophisticated, trained from birth to be royal.She probably knows which fork to use without having to think about it."
"She's also not you."
