A Beast's Tale

Chapter 51

The table was set with wine, tea, and snacks, and although Luke looked longingly at a plate of cookies, he made no move to take any. I took my seat and instructed Ivetta to sit at my right hand. Clavis sat on her other side, leaning over to whisper in her ear as he sat down. Probably complaining about her taking his spot. He would have to get used to it. The coronation ceremony was in one week, and not only was her gown ready, the ring had been resized and was tucked away in my bureau. One week until I proposed.

And officially became king. Odd how the singular goal I'd worked toward my entire life was rapidly meaning less and less to me.

As I'd planned, we had a few minutes before the foreign dignitaries arrived for her cheeks to resume their normal color. She was always acutely aware of her own blushing, which only made her blush more. I didn't want her to be overly nervous about this. There was nothing of true importance to be discussed in this meeting. It was more of a glorified party, really, with some political banter to lead off. I glanced over at her and was pleased to see her calmly sipping her tea, without any trace of the anxiety Clavis and Nokto had been intentionally provoking.

The diplomats shuffled in and took their seats, and after introductions were made, the meeting began. She listened carefully as we talked. This friendly relationship with Obsidian was young enough that any error was not likely to be overlooked, and there was a definite tension in the air. When the official business concluded, that tension snapped like a twig. Everybody began filling up their plates and topping each other's wine glasses off. Servants appeared with lunch, and the whole affair had indeed become a party.

If it weren't for Ivetta, I would have left as soon as the political discussions were complete. Small talk was certainly not my strong suit, but I knew she was quite good at it, and I was interested to see how she would handle this. She was immediately pulled into conversation, at first with my younger brothers, who were now on their best behavior and trying to help her feel at ease. Their efforts were largely unnecessary. She played her role perfectly, as if she had been doing this her whole life. In a way, she had. She had always been perceptive, easily adapting her manner to suit the situation, effortlessly charming everyone she met. Princes, shopkeepers, frightened children - nobody could resist her. That natural talent, combined with Sariel's rigorous lessons, virtually guaranteed her success in this situation. She was a princess. Of that, there could be no question. More than that, she was enjoying herself. It was for that reason that I chose to stay longer than I had intended, but after the talking and eating had gone on for about an hour, I tapped her lightly on the arm and stood up.

"It has been wonderful meeting all of you today, but I'm afraid Chevalier and I have other business to attend to. I hope we can expect to see you all at the coronation ceremony?"

"Of course, Princess Ivetta," replied the leader of the delegation. "And, if I must say, it was a delightful surprise to see you here in attendance. Prince Gilbert requested that I deliver this letter to you in person." He reached into his jacket and removed an envelope, handing it across the table to her.

I was careful to control my expression, but that letter bothered me. She was still very much on Gilbert's mind.

"Why, thank you," she said, pleasantly surprised as she took the letter. "You're too kind. Please, don't feel the need to leave on our account. You are all welcome to stay as long as you like." She stood up and took my arm, looking up at me. I made no effort to disguise my pride as I met her gaze. "Shall we go?"

She let out a sigh of relief after the door closed behind us, suddenly exhausted and leaning heavily on my arm.

"There will be much more of this to come," I reminded her as we walked.