Heat crept up my neck."Maybe you can describe them later.In a more private setting."
"Is that an invitation?"
"It's an acknowledgment that private settings have certain advantages."
He offered his arm, and I slipped my hand through.The contact sent a current through me, and I saw his eyes go dark slightly, he'd felt it too.
"Ready to charm some Danish trade representatives?"he asked.
"Ready to wing it and hope for the best."
"That's my girl."
The reception hall glittered with crystal chandeliers and the soft glow of hundreds of candles.Tall windows overlooked the harbor, where the last light of sunset was fading into violet dusk.About fifty people mingled across the marble floor, champagne flutes catching the light, conversations flowing in a half-dozen languages.
The Danish delegation was easy to spot, a cluster of well-dressed professionals near the windows, studying the view with genuine appreciation.Minister Larsen, the Trade Minister, turned out to be a sharp woman in her fifties who appreciated that I'd actually researched sustainable fishing practices before the reception.
"Princess Bettina, your insights on marine conservation are impressive," she said after we'd been talking for twenty minutes."Have you considered visiting our research facilities in Copenhagen?"
"I'd love that.Solmarina has so much potential for sustainable development, and learning from Denmark's experience would be invaluable."
"Then consider it an official invitation.I'll have my office coordinate with yours."
Across the room, I caught Archie watching me.The pride in his expression was unmistakable, not the condescending pride of someone impressed that I'd managed not to embarrass myself, but genuine admiration.Like he was seeing something in me that I was only beginning to see in myself.
The reception continued smoothly, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the work of diplomatic small talk.These were interesting people with interesting ideas, and the conversations mattered in ways that coffee orders never had.
"You're good at this," Archie murmured when we had a moment alone near the refreshment table.
"I'm faking it extremely well."
"You're not faking anything.You actually care about the topics you're discussing.People respond to that."
"I care about not embarrassing myself or causing an international incident."
"Same thing."
By the end of the evening, I'd collected business cards, discussed potential collaborations, and impressed enough people that multiple follow-up meetings had been scheduled.Minister Larsen shook my hand warmly as she left, promising to send information about Copenhagen's sustainability research centers.
"You handled that beautifully," Archie said as we walked back toward my rooms, our footsteps echoing in the quiet corridors."The way you engaged with Minister Larsen, the questions you asked, you have real instincts for this work."
"I was shaking the entire time."
"You didn't show it."
"Years of practice.Customer service teaches you to smile through anything."
We'd reached my bedroom door, and the memory of last night rose up between us, standing in this same hallway, the same soft lighting, the same electricity in the air.Except now we both knew where this could lead.Now we'd already crossed that first threshold.
"So," I said."Here we are again."
"Here we are."
"Last night you walked away like a gentleman."
"I did."
"Any plans to repeat that performance?"
