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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—”
“You’ve made your point,” I grumbled. “If you keep making it, I will also be immature and put you in a headlock again, you spoiled little gingerbread.”
She laughed, linking arms with me. “Spare me. I have something good to tell you.”
“Not even you can top what I already know.”
“Mom and Odette started planning your wedding today.”
Once again, I stopped, caught off guard. “What?”
“Yep, she agreed with Mom to have your wedding and coronation at the same time—this winter. The date is not settled yet, but they were talking about dresses.”
“Really?” This day, honestly, could not get better. I had thought to at least get through a few more weeks, allowing Odette to become more comfortable before bringing up the wedding to either of them. And I was sure my mother was going to push back on any discussion of it at this point.
“Look at your smile. You are so in love. Aww, look at my big brother.”
I pushed her off me, only for her to latch on more. “You are growing more and more annoying.”
“But you love me anyway. Quick question, who do you love more, Odette or me?”
“Odette, of course,” I said without hesitation.
“Ugh!” She pushed me away. “I can’t deal with these rainbows and hearts everywhere. You two sicken—”
