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Chapter 20
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“After much discussion, it has been decided that it would be in everyone’s best interest if you both go to the Royal University and give the commencement speech together for the graduating students this year,” the queen stated as she brought up her tea.
I glanced over at Sophia, who sat like she was chiseled out of ice. So, I glanced back at the queen, Ambrose, Julianne—the queen’s assistant—as well as a few other older men standing behind her chair.
“You wish me to give a speech? In Ersovian?” I repeated, looking at them bit stunned. I wasn’t sure how many students were in that graduating class, but I was most definitely sure it would be televised.
“Yes, Odette, what other language would you give it in?” the queen asked, knowing that wasn’t what I meant. “We have spoken to your tutors, and they say you are more than capable of that, especially if the speech is given to you to rehearse, which it shall be. So, you will have until Friday to practice.”
“Your Grace.” Sophia’s soft voice captivated the whole room. “Is it not customary for the Adelaar to give the commencement speech for Royal University?”
“The Adelaar is scheduled to be at Trinity Row on the day of the graduation, ma’am,” Ambrose answered instead. “Should the Adelaar not be able to do the speech, it is customary for the Adelina to give the speech in his steed. And currently...”
“There is no current Adelina,” Sophia whispered, glaring at the men behind the queen. “I see. I am the past. She is the future.”
“Let us only worry about the present, Sophia,” the queen replied. “That is all you can do.”
“Your Grace, you must forgive me, but I am not up for such crowds—”
“Then you will take the week to rest to gather the strength, for I know you have it.” The queen’s voice was now stern as she rose from her chair. Sophia and I stood as well. However, she did not look to us, but Ambrose. “I shall leave the details in your capable hands, gentlemen, thank you.”
I curtsied as the queen walked to the door. She nodded at me only once before leaving. It was only then that Ambrose stepped forward, giving both Sophia and me a folder.
“A copy has been given to your tutor as well. Should you have any questions, you should speak to him directly.”
“Okay.”
“Miss Odette.”
“Yes?”
“This speech is of the highest importance,” he replied strictly. “Please treat it as such.”
Was I not treating everything else as such? It seemed he still lacked faith in me. “Understood.”
He glanced over to Sophia, who was already moving to the door. I didn’t want this tension anymore.
“Sophia, may I have a moment?”
