Page 38 of Learning to Love

“Well done.” The personal secretary moves onto the next person.

“Do you always have this before any events?” Elodie questions.

“Yes,” I reply. “It takes a few days of preparation for some of the massive state occasions, although I usually know most people at those in advance. I’ve always liked to keep track of the key players and dignitaries in Janastria and the rest of the world, but tonight’s a bit different. My father wants to build ties across the globe, and this local event here in Florida will help.”

“I guess it’s a good thing for Janastria. It strengthens international relations and helps smooth the path for trading, which benefits both countries.”

“It does. See, Hinchbootie, she understands the purpose of my life already. Shame my father thinks I don’t understand,” I jest with the personal secretary.

“I think there might be a little bit more to it than that, sir.” He raises an eyebrow at me, and I see Elodie’s lips curl into a smile.

“Okay, there’s the State opening of Parliament, receiving the prime minister weekly, doing lots of charitable work, and running foundations. I enjoy that stuff too. I want to talk to my father about setting up a yoga foundation for people with medical or mental challenges when we return. I’ve seen the amazing things Elodie’s yoga has done for those who come to Serendipity.” I look over at Elodie, who has a big beaming smile on her face, “Actually, that could be a good thing to mention tonight. Elodie, would you like to expand your classes across Florida for those who need it? We could include it on the list of topics to discuss.”

Elodie sits silently. “I’m not sure whether to say yes or no or just be shocked that we have a list of topics that can be discussed. What can’t I talk about?”

I laugh, “Probably best to ask what you can talk about.”

Elodie pales.

Hinchbootie searches down his list of things I have to know before the function. “The main topics that can’t be discussed are elections here in America, and the state of the Janastrian Parliament. Talk of trade between the two countries is, of course, useful, and encouraging tourism is of prime importance. Rates to travel between the two countries are very high at present—if we can get them lowered, it will be mutually beneficial.”

“Okay.” Elodie nods, and I can see her getting stressed. She’s playing with the necklace more.

“Everyone out,” I order, “Except Miss Nash.”

The two ladies and Hinchbootie get to their feet and disappear. I know they’ll be on the other side of the door, but they won’t listen in.

“Talk to me?” I take Elodie’s hands and kneel down in front of her.

“I’m terrified I’m going to do or say something wrong and embarrass you. This is vastly different from anything I’ve ever done before.” Elodie squeezes my hands.

“Events like this are scary. I’ve said the wrong thing in the past. Just be you. I know there are set topics, but if you go off-script with something, don’t panic. I won’t leave your side all evening unless you need the bathroom, of course. Would you feel better if we had an agreed sign between us to indicate when we need a time out?”

She nods her head.

“All right, if either of us are worried about something, then we tap the other’s knuckles three times.”

“Agreed.”

“I promise you, Elodie, you’ll be magnificent. If anything, it’s likely to be me saying something wrong.” I stroke Elodie’s hands to give her reassurance. “You look stunning, like a true princess.”

“Thank you. Although I’m not sure about the princess bit.”

“Never say never.” I get up from where I’m kneeling and bring Elodie with me. I press a kiss to her lips, making sure not to smudge the lipstick she’s wearing. “Let’s go and get you into that dress. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can be buried deep inside you again.”

Twenty-One

Elodie

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome, His Royal Highness Prince Dalton of Janastria, and accompanying him, Miss Elodie Nash.”

I slide my arm through Dalton’s as we’re announced to the assembled guests of Florida’s elite. He leads me into the room, and everyone claps. I make sure that even though he’s holding me, I keep one step behind him. Somewhere I can hear music playing. It dawns on me it must be the Janastrian national anthem. I look up at Dalton. His face is a mask of duty, but he breaks it for a second to look down at me.

“The answer to your question is yes, it’s our national anthem. I better get Hinchbootie to teach you the words.”

Speaking of the personal secretary, he appears just behind us as if he was there all the time, but I know he wasn’t there when we were standing behind the ornate doors of the ballroom, waiting to enter.

Dalton steps forward to the first person in the queue to greet us. The national anthem ends, and classical music is played in the background. I’ve become even more nervous since Dalton informed me this was a buffet rather than a sit-down meal. At least I wouldn’t have to talk to as many people if I was sat in the same place all evening.

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