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Part One
Duty
Duty is what one expects from others,
it is not what one does oneself.
~ Oscar Wilde
Chapter One
Esme
Home.
It’s a word that usually conjures fond memories of love. Laughter. Belonging.
Coming home after a long time away is often an occasion to celebrate. Moms hug their daughters, telling them how much they missed them. Fathers embrace their sons, asking how they’re getting on in the world. Siblings make jabs, sometimes teasing each other about a new love interest. But through it all, one thing is constant.
Their love for each other.
Unfortunately, that’s not what it’s like for me.
There are no warm greetings.
No hugs from family members.
No love.
There hasn’t been for years now.
After all, there’s no room for love in a monarchy.
Or so I’ve been told my whole life.
Instead, the second I step out of the SUV driven by my chief protection officer and stare up at the imposing brick walls of Lamberside Palace in the Nation of Belmont, I’m met with formality. Custom. Tradition.
“Your Highness,” a man in a dark suit greets me with a bow, as is expected.
I offer one of the palace butlers a cordial smile. “Good afternoon, Oliver.”
“How were your travels?”
“Uneventful. It’s a short flight from Paris.”
“Lovely to hear. The Queen Mother has requested to see you upon your arrival.” He does a once-over of my attire. “Would you like a moment to…freshen up?”
I’ve been around this life long enough to know this is his polite way of suggesting I change into something more in line with the unspoken dress code.
The jeans, white, off-the-shoulder top, and wedge sandals revealing my bright pink toenail polish certainly aren’t appropriate attire.
Especially the wedge sandals.
I give him a knowing smile. “That’s not necessary. My grandmother’s time is valuable. We can go there directly. It’s why Adam drove me here instead of my apartment at Gladwell.”
Oliver arches a brow, silently questioning if I’m certain. When I don’t respond, only holding my head higher, he nods, extending his arm toward the entrance.
As I cross the threshold into the lobby of the residential wing, a weight settles on my chest.
