Chapter 16
In theory, I've had nearly twenty-five years of practice being a princess, though I've only been a working royal since I was seventeen, like each of my siblings before and after me. But it doesn't feel like any of that has prepared me for the nerves of standing in a room knowing that I'm about to be faced with someone representing another kingdom while I'm the one who is representing my own.
And to make matters worse, the new dress Mama has insisted on me wearing is awful. The collar is itchy, and the sleeves drag in a way that's both impractical and highly irritating at the same time.
"Why do we have to wear these dresses when they're so uncomfortable?" I mutter, pulling the collar away from my skin.
"Because it's the fashion in Gaullesse, and we want to look as if we're keeping up with these kinds of things," Veronica responds. "And I'd have thought you'd have more problems with the bustle."
"I will when I sit down," I mutter.
"Well, keep the complaints to yourself, they're not going to appreciate it if you insult their fashions."
"I know. These are inside thoughts. I just don't see why Mama isn't here to welcome the head of the delegation herself. At least then she would be the one in the uncomfortable dress."
"Because they're sending the Duchesse de Mountnoir," she responds. "She's close to our age, and coming with the Comte d'Orrivier. Perhaps she's hoping that one of us may marry one of them and create an alliance."
"I have no intention of falling in love for Mama's political gain."
"Who said anything about love? You don't have to love someone in order to marry them," she says.
"Then what's the point? We don't even have to marry in order to secure the succession, just have a child, and that's Kathryn's job anyway. Marrying for political gain seems very cold." I look towards the door, where one of our heralds is waiting in a Falhaven Castle livery, waiting for our guests to arrive. Until they do, we have nothing to do except stand and look pretty.
"Artie and Solana married for political gain," Veronica points out.
"Because they fell in love."
"Precisely. So I suspect Mama is attempting to orchestrate that for one of us," Veronica says.
"Well, I have no intention of doing so."
"You're already in love," she points out. "So of course you're not. But I could be convinced. I do remember the Duchesse de Montnoir being particularly beautiful."
"I don't think Mama would be particularly pleased if she learned you wish to bed one of the delegation."
"Then I shan't tell her," Veronica responds with a smile.
The herald knocks his stick on the floor, though I'm sure he'd be deeply insulted if I called it a stick, but I don't know the actual name of it.
"Introducing Her Grace, the Duchesse de Montnoir, and His Lordship, the Comte d'Orrivier," he calls.
The doors open and the two heads of the delegation and their retinues sweep inside. I have to admit that Veronica is right in her assessment of the Duchesse, she is incredibly beautiful, though her hair also seems to be an incredible hazard, considering how tall the feather sticking out of the back of it is. We're lucky that the castle has already switched to gas lighting. I suspect if there were still candles, it might end up lit on fire. And if I thought my bustle and sleeves were too much, hers are even more prominent.
The man beside her is just as richly dressed, in a maroon cravat that complements his dark brown skin. The rest of the retinue also have noticeably elaborate clothing, but they aren't as extravagant as the Duchesse or the Comte.
They reach the front of the room and the Duchesse dips into a curtsy while the Comte bows.
"Presenting Their Royal Highnesses Princess Evelyn and Princess Veronica of Falhaven," the herald says, having moved to the front of the room so that he can introduce us.
The Duchesse dips her head. "Your Highnesses."
"Your Grace, My Lord," I say with a nod to each of them. "It is a pleasure to welcome you to Falhaven Castle on behalf of my father, His Majesty the King. Your Grace, I believe you met my sister on a former visit." I gesture to Veronica.
"Your Grace," Veronica greets her.
"It is a delight to have returned to Falhaven. I had a wonderful time when I was last here, thanks to Princess Veronica." The Duchesse's lyrical Gaullessian accent fills every word, and almost makes me miss the way she looks at Veronica, who seems to be blushing a little bit.
"Wait..."
