end to the infinite restlessness and ennui. "Just tired, you know?"
"Yes, I’m sure. Didn't you arrive quite late today?" The look she gave me was one of genuine worry, and guilt stabbed through me. It wasn't her fault I felt such discontent, nor was it her fault I was bored out of my mind.
"We did. Father had work to do to ensure that Theodosia runs smoothly while we are away. My brother was none too pleased at his lack of trust." I took a sip of champagne, reveling in the bitter trail it left on my tongue and down my throat. “Although I know he’s scared out of his mind.
“Heirs to the throne will always be a mixture of pride and fear when they’re first left in charge. Especially at sixteen. Owen will be fine,” she said with a laugh as she spoke of my brother.
“Well, you’re the expert,” I returned, thinking of Piper’s brothers. “Are you alone here this week?”
“I am. My eldest sister got married last year. And Amelia is expecting a proposal soon. Mother is with me, but she’s turned in by now.” She took a sip from her own champagne, clearing her throat as she did so.
“It’ll be your turn soon enough.” Piper was lovely, but I was fairly certain she was none too happy about her situation, as I was.
“I suppose. At least you don't have to worry too much with the events of this week, right?" She sighed as she looked out at the room. I turned my head to watch the spectacle my fellow royals made of themselves. This week when we could be slightly less formal as we were in the company of others like us.
A time when our people could not see us and no paparazzi could snap unsolicited pictures to splash in tabloids the next day. I could not deny that there was some relief at the thought that I didn’t need to make a similar spectacle of myself. I rubbed a hand over my friend’s shoulder to soothe her frayed edges and concerns.
“Yes, I suppose it's lucky that Holden and my parents' desire for an alliance between Theodosia and Mitnar has worked very well in our favor. If the hardest thing we have to do this week is make a formal announcement, then I should consider myself in a charmed position.” My sigh echoed the same sound that escaped Piper's lips and I continued, “I'm sorry, Piper. I can't even imagine how much pressure is on you to contract a marriage.”
But that was my problem to bear. I should have felt fortunate, but all I felt was resignation. If I could trade places with her, I would have. She saw right through the charade of my words, giving my arm another squeeze before quickly murmuring under her breath that she was heading back into the fray. With her shoulders braced, she walked off to ask a King or a Prince to dance, hoping he would be charmed enough to ask for a match.
I took another sip of my champagne as I watched the man who headed my way with a small smile on his face. He had a golden swoop of hair, big blue eyes, and a smile that could charm men and women of all ages. A fair and intelligent King, he was an obedient and loving son. A kind and loyal friend.
I loved him, but he didn't make my heart race. Whenever he held my hand, I could only comment on how steady and reliable his grip was. And when I closed my eyes to daydream, he was never the hero of my fantasies.
"Holden," I greeted him softly. The man I was betrothed to marry, he was steadfast and sure. Safe.
He gave the top of my head a pat, like one would a younger sister or a favored friend. "Bristol. Getting drunk already?"
I glanced down at the empty champagne flute in my hand, feeling bereft that I’d drained it of its contents. I cast my eyes about for a server bearing a tray of drinks for a refill. Or even where the nearest table was so I could snag a refill.
What else was there to do on a night where I had no goals beyond making an appearance? I gestured at him with the empty glass. "Not drunk enough yet. A night like this requires more than one flute of champagne."
He threw me a smirk before downing the rest of the contents of his own glass in