My stomach did that annoying flutter thing at the mention of riding."Cancelled.Lord Chancellor Renaud decided my time would be better spent on diplomatic history."
Chef Auguste's expression darkened."Did he now?"
"You don't like him either?"
"I don't trust men who think they know better than everyone else what's good for other people."He wiped down the counter with more force than necessary."The Lord Chancellor has opinions about many things.Not all of those opinions are correct."
"Petra said he opposed the search for me."
"He opposed many things.The alliance with Solmarina.The marriage arrangement.The idea that an American-raised princess could represent Valdorian interests."Chef Auguste met my eyes."He is not your friend, Princess.Remember that."
"Noted."I finished my sandwich, feeling slightly better about the world."So what do I do?Just survive his schedule until the wedding and hope he backs off once I'm officially married?"
"You survive.You learn.And you remember that the Grand Duchess wanted you here for a reason."He smiled, the expression lighting up his whole face."She saw something in you that the Lord Chancellor cannot see.Do not let him convince you it isn't there."
I was still thinking about his words when Captain Steiner appeared in the kitchen doorway.
"Your Highness, I've been looking for you.There's been a change to your schedule."
"Another one?Let me guess, Lord Chancellor Renaud has added midnight protocol drills."
"Actually, the Grand Duchess has reinstated your riding lesson.This afternoon, three o'clock."Was that a hint of a smile on Captain Steiner's face?"She felt that equestrian skills were an important part of royal education and should not be sacrificed for...less essential pursuits."
"Less essential pursuits like diplomatic history?"
"Her words, not mine."
I grinned, probably looking inappropriately excited for someone who was just going to ride a horse."Thank you.And thank Petra for me too."
"I'll pass that along."
After she left, I realized I was already counting the hours until three o'clock.Until I'd see Peter again.Until I could escape this endless parade of lessons and just...be.
I was in so much trouble.
And I couldn't fully bring myself to care.
