“Did you think the last eighteen years were a clever trick?”
“I like that, you know? That you protect your tiaras like I do my guitar. I like that that’s your thing.”
I pushed the door open, leading us into the hallway. “Good. Because they’re beautiful.”
He smiled. “Thanks for spending some time with me.”
“Thank you. It was a pleasure.”
There was a pause. “So do we shake or hug or what?”
“You may kiss my hand,” I replied, extending an arm.
He took it. “Until next time.”
Baden kissed me quickly, bowed, and headed toward his room. I walked away thinking of how Aunt May would say she told me so as soon as I saw her again.
I knew I’d be the focal point of the Report. Typically, I didn’t mind giving speeches or updates. But tonight was going to be different. One, this would be the first time I faced the public since the parade, and two, I knew they’d want to hear about Kile.
I wore red. I felt strong in red. And I pulled my hair up, hoping I’d come across as mature.
Aunt May hovered in the background, winking at me, while Mom helped Dad with his tie. I heard one of the boys yelp and turned to see Alex holding something sharp in his hand. He was rubbing his backside like he’d sat on it. I hunted, finding Osten in a corner trying desperately not to laugh aloud.
With all the company, the room felt crowded, adding to my discomfort, which was why I jumped when someone called my name, even though it was hardly above a whisper.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” Erik said.
“No, I’m just a little on edge. How can I help you?”
“I hate to bother you, but I wasn’t sure who to ask. Where is it most convenient for me to sit so I can translate for Henri?”
I shook my head. “How rude, I didn’t even think about that. Um, here, follow me.”
I escorted Erik to the stage manager, and we placed Henri in the back row of the stadium-style chairs. Erik was given a seat behind him that was low enough so he wouldn’t be seen but close enough that Henri would be able to hear him.
I stayed by them until they were settled. Henri gave a thumbs-up, and Erik turned to thank me.
“I’ll make sure to go to the stage manager next time so I won’t bother you. I apologize.”
“It’s fine, really. I want you to be comfortable, the both of you.”
Erik bowed his head and smiled shyly. “You don’t need to worry about my comfort, Your Highness. I’m no suitor.”
“Eadlyn! Eadlyn, where are you?” Mom called.
I turned from Erik, running around to the front. “Here, Mom.”
She placed a hand on her heart like it had been racing. “I couldn’t find you. I thought maybe you were backing out on us,” she said quietly as I approached.
“Calm down, Mom,” I replied, grabbing her hand. “I’m not perfect, but I’m no coward.”
Tonight’s Report centered around the women. Mom gave an update on province-run aid systems, encouraging others to follow the example set by three northern provinces that were helping the homeless by donating food as well as free classes on topics like managing finances and interviewing skills. Lady Brice spoke about a drilling proposal that would affect a large chunk of central Illéa. It would benefit the country as a whole, but those six provinces would have to approve it by a vote first. And then, of course, all eyes went to the boys.
Gavril stepped onto the stage, looking as dashing as ever, and I could see a bit of a spring in his step. This was the fifth Selection Illéa had witnessed, and he had overseen three of them. We all knew he’d find a replacement once this was over, but he seemed so pleased that this would be his final role for the royal family.
“Of course, ladies and gentlemen, we will be dedicating a lot of airtime to the charming young men of the Selection. For now, how about we say hello to a few of them?”
Gavril strode across the floor, looking for someone in particular. I wondered if he was having as hard a time memorizing their names as I was.
“Sir Harrison,” he began, stopping in front of a sweet-faced boy with dirty-blond hair and dimples.
“A pleasure,” Harrison greeted.
“How are you enjoying the palace?”
He beamed. “It’s beautiful here. I’ve always wanted to come up to Angeles, so that alone has been a real treat.”
“Any challenges so far?” Gavril prodded.
Harrison shrugged. “I was worried that it would be all-out fistfights from dawn till dusk with the princess on the line,” he said, gesturing over to me. I instantly arranged a smile on my face, knowing a camera would zoom in on me at any second. “But the other guys have been great.”
Gavril slid the microphone to the boy next to him. “What about you? And can you remind us of your name?”