“A ceremony to celebrate the centenary of our Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the Samarind Empire?” I asked.
“Yes. It should take place three months from now,” Phil replied.
We were sitting across from each other in a café within the capital of the kingdom, having tea together. I had plans to shop with Jamie afterward, and Phil still had work to finish in the palace, so we would have to bid farewell to each other in about thirty minutes. It was unfortunate that we wouldn’t be able to chat for too long.
“During the dinner party yesterday, I was told that the next generation of the upper echelons of nobility should attend the ceremony.”
“Oh, I see.”
Apparently, this was what the prince had wanted to discuss with Phil during the ball the other day. The ceremony that would take place in three months was a very important event for our country.
In the past, we had had an antagonistic relationship with the neighboring Samarind Empire, and war even broke out between us. However, we’d been allies since we signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship a hundred years ago. On paper, anyway, we were friends.
In terms of strength, though, the Samarind Empire was far more powerful than us. We also relied on their imports for some of our resources. I heard that those two factors contributed to our country having to bow to their demands more often than not. That was precisely why we had to give the Samarind ambassador the royal treatment. The main focus for the ceremony was to improve the conditions of our trade deal, as well as the support we receive from them.
“It looks like I’ll be busy for some time. I might not be able to meet with you as often,” Phil said.
“I understand. Please take care of your health and don’t push yourself,” I replied.
“I will, thank you.”
Ever since we became a real couple, I started to meet with Phil more. It became a given that I’d be able to spend time with him, so the idea that I wouldn’t be able to do so until the ceremony ended was a lonely one. But I knew that the matter was out of our hands and I managed to smile at Phil. My tutor, Miss Patricia, once told me that it was important for a woman to be understanding if they wanted to be the wife of a man with authority.
While Phil’s busy, I’ll improve my skills as both a wife and a socialite, and work hard on the tasks allotted to me. I wanted to eventually become someone he could count on. This ambition filled me with the resolve to better myself.
“Viola.” He suddenly called my name and I looked up at him. Phil was staring at me with a serious expression as he continued, “There’s something I’d like to tell you after we finish the ceremony.”
He stared straight at me, the color of his gaze reminiscent of melted honey. My heart started to beat faster under his keen attention.
“All right. I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Thank you.”
I didn’t know what he wanted to talk to me about, but I nodded anyway.