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A camera flash blinds me as soon as I exit the vehicle.
“Ambassador, over here!”
“Ambassador, what are your thoughts on tonight’s election?”
Reporters pepper him with questions, but the three of us pose for photos without a word. Dad waves at the crowd before herding us inside the hotel lobby.
“I feel like a celebrity,” Galina says, patting her flushed cheeks.
The path to the ballroom is lined with blue, black, and red balloons. Upbeat music pours out of the event hall as people mill around the entrance.
They went all out decorating the ballroom for the election party, with a tall stage lit up and framed with a patriotic balloon arch. News cameras are set up in front of the stage to broadcast Mr. Schultz’s election speech—whether he wins or loses.
Cocktail tables are interspersed along the perimeter of the room, with hotel waitstaff passing hors d’oeuvres and champagne to guests. At one of the tables, Prisha and her father are standing in a small group.
“I’m going to go say hi.”
“Have fun,” Dad says.
When Galina’s head is turned, I give him a thumbs up.
Prisha sees me approaching and excuses herself from her group.
“What a party!” she exclaims over the music. “It’s all so exciting, isn’t it?”
“It is. History in the making.”
“Come on, let’s go find the dessert tray.”
She links her arm with mine, and giggling, we make our way through the crowd on high alert. A tray of champagne passes by, and we each grab a glass.
“Will your dad get mad?” I ask.
“He’s in too good of a mood to care.” She takes a sip. “I think a lot of the ambassadors are relieved they don’t have to work with Grigor anymore.”
“I know my dad is,” I say.
Glancing around the room, I recognize a few faces from the Ambassadors’ Dinner. An energized atmosphere grips the room as people laugh and drink, celebrating a new beginning for Andarusia.
“Ugh, I’m going to miss you so much next year,” Prisha says. “School is going to be so lonely without you.”
“Text me if anyone messes with you so I can fly back and kick their ass.”
Prisha laughs. “Oh, I definitely will. You’re Prince Alek’s girlfriend, and that alone will scare the bullies off.”
It’s so freeing not having to hide our relationship anymore. “And you’re Prince Alek’s girlfriend’s best friend, so make sure everyone knows that.”
She takes another sip of champagne, letting out a hum when she swallows. “When do you leave? Tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Bags are packed and plane tickets are booked. You should come visit us on your next break from school.”
“Maybe over the Christmas holiday. Where will you be?”
“Who knows?” I say. “Wherever the wind takes us.”
Alek and I are taking a year off to travel around the world—although the therapist my dad hired is against the idea. She wants me to expand my worldview beyond Alek, so I’m not so dependent on him to be happy.
Clearly, she’s never experienced all-consuming love.
