“Are you concerned about tonight?” I ask as we round a corner. We’re nearing the state rooms now, and we only have a couple of moments left before we’ll be plunged into a roomful of people with us as the star attraction.
“A little. I mean, I did mess up with your parents, even if it worked out well in the end.”
“You charmed them.”
“Charmed them? Really? Between you and me, I thought they were rather terrifying to start with, but I amsovery eager that we become good friends.”
“Well, surprisingly, I think the tea spilling loosened everything up.”
She throws me a knowing smile. “That was the plan.”
Startled, I slide my gaze to hers. “You planned to spill the tea?”
She giggles. It’s girly and sweet. “Trust me, Fred, I did not plan to spill the tea.”
“It would have been a bold strategy if you had.”
“I’m a bold person. Or haven’t you noticed?”
It’s hard not to.
“I’ve noticed.”
We arrive at the doors to the state dining room, and I can hear the murmur of guests inside. A herald reaches for the door knobs. I shake my head at him. We need a moment to prepare for the onslaught.
Astrid takes a breath and straightens her shoulders. “Right. It’s time to sparkle for all of Ledonia,” she says, and I note a quaver in her voice.
She’s nervous.
I place my hand over hers resting on my forearm, and she looks up at me. “You’re going to be just fine.”
“Thank you,” she says softly, and it does something strange and unexpected to my chest.
“Ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” There’s a look of vulnerability in her eyes, and that new, unfamiliar sensation amplifies.
I nod at the herald, and as the doors swing open, every single head in the room turns to face us.
“Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederic ofLedonia and Princess Astrid of Elkevik,” the herald announces.
I’ve entered this room hundreds of times before. This should feel routine. Boring even. But with Astrid on my arm, it feels new. Different.
Better.
Every eye in the room is trained on us, and there’s a sprinkle of applause among the guests.
My parents approach us and Astrid dips into a curtsy. “Good evening, Your Majesties,” she says.
“Princess Astrid, how lovely to see you again,” Mother says as she leans in to kiss Astrid on the cheek. “And what an interesting dress.”
“It was my mother’s coronation dress. I’m wearing it tonight because she suggested it might be a nice thing to do,” Astrid explains.
“Well, it’s certainly a very pretty color.” Mother touches the fabric at her shoulder. “This cape is rather fun.”
My sister rushes over to us in her usual fashion and clasps Astrid’s hands. “I’msohappy to see you again, Astrid,” she pronounces before she pulls her into a hug. “Don’t you look lovely. Who would have thought to wear a cape to dinner?”
“She’ll bring her invisible plane and truth lasso next time,” I joke, buoyed by my recent success with humor.
