Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 116570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
“If you had made a fool of yourself or the monarchy or the country, I would. But you did not,” she said, and even though it was praise, she said it as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “And you did not trample anyone’s hard work. No one is working hard for you just to say a speech. They are working hard to make you into a leader, a future queen. And today, you lived up to it. Though I would tell you the people will only applaud self-deprecation once. Then it becomes tiresome, especially from a queen. Humility is the better choice. But other than that, there is no need for a lecture.”
“So, I did well?”
She gave me a stern look. “I hope you are not expecting all of us to stop and give you a round of applause for today. If we had to do that for every time you did not disappoint at an event, we would never get through our schedules. Today’s success can be tomorrow’s failures, and tomorrow you also have another big night.”
I tried not to smile. She said she couldn’t give me a round of applause, yet she brought out wedding sketches to look at now of all times. Not once had anyone mentioned anything about the wedding before now. She was applauding me.
“Odette?”
“I think lace never goes out of style,” I replied.
“True.” She nodded. “It just has to be done tastefully and with respect for the weather. I’ve spoken to the Magi.”
“The Magi like in the Bible.”
She grinned and nodded. “That is what I call them. They are the men who usher in the next sovereign for their coronation. They believe the best time for Gale’s is this fall or winter. A new king to usher in the holidays, and he will need a queen by his side.”
“Wait. So which will happen first? A wedding or a coronation?”
“They shall happen at the same time. Gale will marry you and then be anointed the king. It would be irresponsible to do it any other way, as it costs money for both, and as you know, we cannot waste it by having two grand celebrations within days or weeks of each other. We have not come up with a date yet, but it will happen, so we must now step up in our preparation. Do tell me any wishes you have, though remember—”
“We must still adhere to protocol,” I said gently because I felt this throbbing feeling bubbling in my chest and behind my eyes. “Thank you.”
“I do not know what you are thanking me for,” she said, taking a seat. “I’m simply preparing to retire and leave you with all my burdens and troubles. You should be cursing me for being so selfish.”
I giggled. “I could never, Your Grace.”
It is starting to feel like home here.
I did my best not to run. However, as I got closer to Odette’s room, I went up the stairs two at a time. The moment I had stepped into the palace, I spoke to no one else. I stopped only to find out where to find Odette and was told she’d gone back to her room to change.
I was nearing her door when her assistant stepped out of the room and curtsied to me, but I just moved to go into Odette’s room.
“Your Highness, she’s sleeping.”
I froze mid-step, looking at her. “Sleeping?”
She nodded. “Miss was not able to sleep last night on account of her nervousness. She even ended up in the gardens speaking to the king. Then we woke her up early this morning, and she’s been up since, leaving the queen about ten minutes ago. She is exhausted, so Her Grace said to let her rest until dinner.”
It was like she had taken all the wind out of my sails. Now I just stood there like an idiot, which she also recognized because she stared at me with slight amusement all over her face.
“I see,” I finally said. “Well, keep up the good work.”
“Yes, sir.”
I nodded, turning away from the door. Of course, Odette would be sleeping! The country was praising her, and instead of basking in it, she was asleep. When they were complaining, that was when she was front and center, full attention.
“Who shit in your Oreos?” Eliza asked, coming up the stairs.
“What has Mother told you about that type of language?” I asked her.
“Since when did you complain, Captain Curse-A-Lot,” she shot back, standing next to me. She leaned in, checking me over. “Don’t tell me that you are becoming mature?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, maybe I am. Care to join me?”
She waved me off. “Absolutely not. I’m far too young to be mature yet.”
“You are twenty-three.”
She crossed her arms. “And what were you doing at twenty-three? Oh, I know, streaking in lakes. Going to clubs. Hanging out, drinking—”