"That's not what I asked."
"He's kind," she said after a pause."More so than people expect.And he cares deeply about doing the right thing, even when it's difficult."
That sounded like something Peter would say.Peter, who I wouldn't see again until tomorrow's riding lesson.Peter, whose face kept appearing in my mind at completely inappropriate moments.
I pushed the thought away.Tonight was about meeting my future husband.I needed to at least pretend to be focused on that.
"The Grand Duchess will escort you to the reception hall," Petra said, adjusting my hair one final time."Prince Archibald will be introduced formally once all the guests have arrived."
"So I just stand around making small talk with diplomats until he shows up?"
"Essentially, yes.Though I'd recommend avoiding the topic of fish migration rights with the Norwegian ambassador.He has very strong opinions."
"Fish migration rights.Got it.Anything else I should avoid?"
"The Bavarian delegation is still upset about a hunting incident from 1847, so perhaps steer clear of discussions about wildlife management.And the Belarus princess believes she should have been considered for Prince Archibald's hand, so she may be...frosty."
"A jealous princess.Lovely.This is going to be a delightful evening."
The Grand Duchess was waiting in the corridor, resplendent in silver silk that made her look every inch the European monarch.Her eyes swept over me with an assessing gaze that probably calculated my worth down to the nearest euro.
"The dress suits you," she said, which I chose to interpret as approval.
"Thank you.Petra has excellent taste."
"She does.Now, a few things before we enter.Prince Archibald requested that his introduction be handled...somewhat unconventionally."
"Unconventionally how?"
"He wishes to speak with you privately before the formal presentation.He feels there are things you should discuss before meeting in front of witnesses."
That was either very thoughtful or very ominous.Possibly both.
"Okay," I said."That sounds...reasonable."
The Grand Duchess studied me for a moment."Bettina, I want you to know that whatever happens tonight, you have shown more grace under pressure than anyone expected.Myself included."
"That's either a compliment or a warning."
"Perhaps both."She offered her arm."Shall we?"
* * *
THE RECEPTION HALLwas everything I'd expected and more.Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light across a room filled with people who probably had more money in their jewelry than I'd made in my entire barista career.The women wore gowns that belonged in fashion magazines, and the men wore suits that cost more than cars.
And they were all looking at me.
I pasted on my best "I definitely belong here" smile and tried not to trip on my heels as the Grand Duchess led me through the crowd.Various dignitaries approached to offer congratulations, and I deployed all the skills Madame Delacroix had drilled into me.Slight nod here.Gracious smile there.Polite deflection of questions about my "colorful American upbringing."
I was in the middle of a conversation with the Belgian ambassador about the surprisingly contentious topic of chocolate tariffs when a staff member approached with a message.
"Your Highness, the prince has requested your presence in the library.He wishes to speak with you before the formal introduction."
This was it.The moment when the abstract concept became a real person.
I excused myself from the ambassador and followed the staff member through a maze of corridors until we reached an ornate door.
"His Highness is waiting inside," the staff member said, then retreated before I could ask any of the thousand questions suddenly crowding my brain.
