“Uh-huh.” I cut my sausage in half. “What does he want Papa to do?”
“Send Edmund to Japan.”
“I’ll give it to the PM; that’s not a half-bad idea. Eddie is popular. Would Amanda be going with him?”
“No.” Mum sighs. “They’re not married yet. It wouldn’t be proper for her to travel on a behalf of the crown. Hopefully, they’ll figure outwhenthey’re going to get married sometime this year. Everyone, including me, is getting tired of waiting.”
“I’m sure they will,” I say casually, trying not to let on that I know theyhavebeen discussing it. “Well, if Eddie has to go alone, I think he could manage the visit just fine.”
Eddie is easily distracted. It would’ve been much better if my brother would’ve been able to bring his fiancée with him. But when it comes down to something important, he always rises to the occasion.
Mum places her napkin on her lap. “Yes, I’m sure your brother couldifhe were going.”
“Mum?”
“Your father thought it would be better if we sent you instead of him.”
My fork clatters onto the plate. “Me?” I sputter, trying not to panic. “But I’m not nearly as important as Eddie. Even David and Clara would be better to send. The public loves them. If it’s good PR the PM is after, I should be the last choice.” They don’t need the Ice Princess.
Mum’s eyes harden. “That’s where you’re wrong, Alice. You are the daughter of the king. Youarejust as important as Edmund.”
“But I still don’t understand. Why me over Eddie?”
“For two reasons. One, your father believes this is the perfect opportunity for you to step out of the shadows and shine. You’re bright, well-traveled, and have impeccable manners. If there’s anyone who can be trusted to smooth over a delicate situation it’s you.”
“And the second reason?”
“He thought you’d enjoy seeing all the architecture.”
I have to hand it to Papa; he’s found reason to make it difficult to say no to this trip. We’re in uncharted territory. I’ve never been on an important solo trip before. There is a lot at stake. With my past history with the press, there is a risk I could mess this all up. On the other hand, the reward of seeing a mixture of ancient and modern buildings in Asia up close would be worth putting in a few public appearances for.
Mum watches me carefully.
“You and Papa have me. I can’t turn this opportunity down,” I say with resignation. “I’ll do it.”
“Brilliant.” Mum’s lips twitch. “The press release already went out about an hour ago. Papa and I will also consider this your first payment for the flat renovation.”
My jaw drops open. “What if I’d said no? Would you have sent Eddie instead?”
“It never occurred to us you’d refuse.” Mum chuckles.
I shake my head. My parents’ gamble is paying off. This visit is to going to mark my first official engagement as a working royal. Talk about trial by fire. I had hoped I’d start with something smaller, like anappearance at the Chelsea Flower Show or a garden party. I blink slowly. At some point, I really need to tell them my true feelings about my future. “When is the trip planned for?”
“You’ll leave in four days. You’ll be there for a week.”
“Is there a briefing book being put together for me?”
“Yes, you’ll have it by the afternoon,” Mum says.
“Great,” I muster.
Mum moves on to discussing the plans for the afternoon’s garden party. I pick up my cutlery again and push some of the fruit around my plate. It’s hit me that I’ll be expected to give a large number of speeches and be photographed twenty-four seven from the moment I step off the plane. I’ve lost my appetite. I’ll need to study the itinerary to see where I’ll be going and whom I’ll be meeting. Then I’ll review their biographies to make sure I have something appropriate to speak to them about. Not to mention putting together a suitable wardrobe.
If you’ve ever seenThe Devil Wears Prada, there’s a scene midway through the film where Miranda, the editor ofRunwaymagazine, has her assistants whisper information about whom she’s meeting into her ear. They spend all day studying their briefing books to memorize the names and faces of their guests. That’s exactly what I try and do when I’m at social gatherings with important people. It may seem like overkill, but it’s saved me once or twice in the past.
With a state visit, the stakes are high. I need to start studying as soon as possible. I won’t let my parents down. Especially when they are trusting me to handle an already delicate situation. I’ve met the emperor and empress once before, and from memory, they were both kind and spoke English brilliantly. However, going into their home country, I’ll need to have a few words of Japanese prepared. It’s the polite thing to do. Especially since I’ll be their guest.
I’d better start caffeinating myself. It looks like I’ll have a few long nights ahead of me. But when I see the temples and old-world grandeur of Japan, it’ll all be worth it.
