To Kiss a King - NIcole Burnham Page 0,6
to discuss business?”
“Yes, though I’d like to run through the evening's schedule with you first.” The rail-thin man proceeded to tick off the order of events for the evening. Everything coincided with the briefing Karen had given her earlier.
As Sergio spoke, Claire studied his face. There were a few lines at the corners of his mouth, as if he held his stress in his jaw. But his eyes were bright, his teeth white and straight, and he had a full head of thick, jet black hair. He was around thirty-five, if she had to guess. She wondered how long he’d been working for the king. He was young to be in the innermost of King Eduardo’s circles.
“That sounds straightforward,” she said as he wrapped up. “Was there something else?”
“Yes, Madam Ambassador.” He hesitated a beat, then said, “Before you arrived, your office sent a letter to mine outlining the issues that you hope to address during your first days here. While most of the items involve furthering diplomatic initiatives discussed by your predecessor and King Eduardo, there was one new item you mentioned that I’d like to discuss.”
Claire knew what was coming. She kept a polite smile on her face despite the wave of disappointment that rose in her.
“While you were in Uganda, you worked with the government to institute a regional education program directed at disadvantaged children. It’s my understanding that you brought in teachers from the United States, and then from several other nations to work with children.”
“That’s the core of the program, yes. It started in Uganda but has since expanded to neighborhoods in need in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. My successor plans to continue the program. It’s my belief—and the President’s—that when children from rural or poor areas have access to the same educational resources as children in larger urban areas, they’re better able to contribute to their economies once they leave school. They aspire to careers once considered beyond their reach. Perhaps in finance, the law, or medicine. We’d even like to see some of those children come back and teach in the program themselves.”
“I read the summary report, which was impressive. You’ve built solid partnerships. You noted in your letter that you planned to continue your support of the program to the extent feasible in your new role here, and that you hoped to discuss the matter with King Eduardo.”
Claire chose her words carefully. “San Rimini has an excellent education system and a tradition of providing assistance to its neighbors. I believe involvement in this program could be of great benefit. Even if I had remained in my post in Uganda, I would eventually have contacted your government regarding a potential partnership. Austria and Italy are already contributing funding and sending teachers.”
“Yes, your letter mentioned that.” The young man straightened slightly, as if needing to shore up his courage before speaking further. “The king has looked into it, and while he does see the long-term benefits of the program, he doesn’t feel it’s feasible for San Rimini to offer their financial support or to supply teachers at this time. I wanted to let you know before the ceremony tonight—”
“So I won’t lobby the king over dinner?” Claire said, raising an eyebrow. “Without his support, it’s unlikely to get far with parliament.”
“Yes.”
“In other words, he doesn’t want to say no in a public place, while the cameras are watching.”
Claire assessed the man’s silent reaction to her words. She wanted to argue, to explain that she had no intention of approaching the king tonight about any of her proposals, let alone about the education program, but sensed this wasn’t the proper moment, nor the proper person.
She smiled, but it was a cold smile. “Thank you, Sergio. I’ll take that under advisement.”
Chapter 2
Sergio Ribisi blinked, apparently debating whether that meant Claire would keep the topic closed. Before he could argue further, she added, “I’m sure that in the years to come, we will discuss a number of programs beneficial to both our countries. My assistant, Karen, has my trust and a solid understanding of the issues. You can contact her for any reason and know it will get to me or to the appropriate person on my staff.”
Karen appeared at Claire’s side at the same time that voices rose down the hall, in the direction Amanda had been leading them. Sergio took the hint and extended his arm in the direction of the Imperial Ballroom. “I believe it’s time to join the party. Shall we?”
As they strode