Six months suddenly seemed like both an eternity and nowhere near enough time.
"Shall we, Your Highness?"Roberto asked, his professional expression giving away nothing about what he thought of this whole arrangement.
I took a deep breath and nodded."Let's see my new prison.Sorry, I mean palace suite.Same thing, really."
If Roberto had any opinions about that comment, he kept them to himself.
He opened the doors, and I stepped into what could only be described as the most beautiful cage in the world.
The Blue Room complex was spectacular.The bedroom was larger than my entire apartment back home, with a canopied bed and windows that offered sweeping views of the Mediterranean.The sitting room was furnished with antiques that probably required special insurance.The dressing room was bigger than most people's bedrooms.
It was also completely impersonal.Beautiful, expensive, and as welcoming as a luxury hotel room.
"Your luggage should arrive shortly," Roberto said."Is there anything else you require?"
"Just about six months' worth of patience and the ability to stop finding my husband attractive when I'm supposed to be angry at him."
Roberto's expression flickered, just for a moment, with something that might have been sympathy."Those skills do develop with practice, Your Highness."
"Here's hoping."
After Roberto left, I wandered through my new temporary home, trying to get a feel for the space.Everything was elegant and intimidating.The bathroom alone was larger than most bedrooms, with a tub that could easily fit three people and fixtures that looked like they'd been designed by artists.
I was examining the sitting room, running my fingers along the silk upholstery of a chair that probably cost more than my car, when I heard a soft knock at the door.
A young woman entered carrying what looked like the first load of my luggage, and she was clearly struggling with cases that had been packed for a full European royal wardrobe.
"Your Highness, I'm Carmela Benedetti.I'll be assisting Petra with your wardrobe and schedule while you're here.She asked me to start unpacking while she coordinates with Captain Steiner on the security arrangements."
Carmela looked to be around my age, with dark hair pulled back in a neat bun and the kind of quietly competent air that suggested she knew exactly what she was doing even if I didn't.
"Please, just Betty.And thank you for helping with this whole situation."
"Of course, Your Highness."She didn't manage to drop the title, but something in her expression softened slightly."I've unpacked your evening wear for tonight's dinner, and I thought we might discuss your wardrobe needs for the rest of the week."
She gestured toward the dressing room, where my suitcases were arranged in neat rows.
"How long have you worked at the palace?"I asked, following her.
"Five years, Your Highness.I started as an assistant to my aunt and worked my way up to this position."
"And what exactly does this position involve?"
"Wardrobe coordination, scheduling assistance, and general support for your adjustment to royal life."
I needed a full-time instructor in how to exist appropriately.At this rate, I was going to need a whole department.
Carmela opened the first suitcase and immediately frowned."Your Highness, there's been some kind of accident with your luggage."
I looked over her shoulder and saw what she meant.Half of my carefully packed clothes were soaking wet, and the other half looked like they'd been crammed in by someone having a tantrum.
"What happened?"
"It appears there was some kind of leak in the cargo hold.I'm so sorry, this is highly unusual.We'll have everything cleaned and pressed immediately, of course."
I picked up what had been a silk blouse that morning.It was now a soggy, wrinkled mess that would probably never recover.
"How much of it is damaged?"
