“Jeff, it’s not polite to slip away so early. Everyone’s dying to talk to you more.”
“I’ve talked plenty, Edward.”
“Oh, don’t be so childish. Think of chatting as one of your duties. You know, something that comes with the title and wealth. Just consider it work and push through.”
“It’s not like I asked for the title and wealth,” Jeff grumbled.
“Stop complaining and go on back in. Now, I’d like to speak with Anna for a bit.”
“See you in a few, Jeff,” I said.
“Fine, I suppose I have no choice. I’ll leave Anna with you, then, Edward.”
Jeff glanced back at me twice as he reluctantly returned to the ballroom. Edward turned to me with a serious expression on his face.
“Are you all right, Anna? I’m sure this is exhausting for you.”
“I’m fine. I should be the one apologizing for making you worry.”
“I haven’t had many chances to speak with you alone. I’m sorry about that. But I wanted to tell you Jeff has been more alive than I’ve ever seen him since he met you. As his brother, I couldn’t be more grateful.”
“Thank you.”
Edward was the chief of the Institutional Maintenance and Document Management departments, but he had a humble and gentle demeanor. Even though Mike must have told him how I’d been pursued by foreign dignitaries, he showed no signs of displeasure when he interacted with me.
“As you can see, Jeffrey isn’t fond of noble gatherings, so I’m sure he’ll be leaning on you a lot tonight. I’m sorry for the trouble. By the way, I’ve heard wonderful things about that ointment of yours. My wife said she went to a gathering of noblewomen, and everyone was praising it,” he said.
“Is that so? I made it with commoners in mind, so I’m surprised the noblewomen know about it.”
“Well, an effective medicine is the best form of advertising! Once someone uses a product and is satisfied with it, they’ll spread the word for free.”
“I’m very glad to hear that,” I said.
“Oh, here comes the royal family! Let’s return to the ballroom. Blythe is waiting for us, too.”
“Of course, Lord Edward.”
As we went back into the ballroom, everyone was standing at attention, facing the front. The king entered first, followed by the queen, then the crown prince and princess.
All right, time to go to battle. Uh, wait. This isn’t a battle! I am Anna Victoria Asher, a commoner from Cadiz who married into a baron’s family. Anyone in that position would be nervous at a royal ball!
Jeff rejoined my side, and I put a deliberately hesitant smile on my face as I spoke to him. “Since I’m new to high society, I’ll be relying on you, Jeffrey.”
“Understood. Thanks for that reminder, Anna.”
“You’re quite welcome,” I said, keeping the timid expression on my face.
“Well, you certainly have the innocent country-girl routine down pat. Yet another charming side of you,” he whispered in my ear.
“Stop teasing, Jeff. You know that the ball doesn’t end for me until we’re back home safe.”
“I know.”
It was important for me to stay vigilant the entire time, so I didn’t slip up.
The king’s speech began shortly after, and naturally, he mentioned the discovery of the gold. Everyone turned to Jeff. I maintained my awkward smile and stared at the back of the person in front of me.
After the speech, the royal family had two elegant dances to themselves, and then other nobles like Jeff and I joined in. I kept my expression calm, concealing the anxiety I felt swirling inside me.
“Anna, are you relaxed now, or are you still nervous? I can’t tell.”
“If you can’t tell, then I’ve succeeded. I’m incredibly anxious right now.”
He leaned back slightly to get a better look at my face.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I’m just impressed with my wife, that’s all. You truly look like someone who’s being very timid in unfamiliar territory.”
“Well, it is unfamiliar territory.”
“I mean, your acting is flawless. You’re so good that it’s a little scary…”
“Oh, stop,” I said.
If I was feeling more at ease, I would have laughed, but instead, I lowered my gaze and pouted slightly. I didn’t know who was watching me, after all.
Once the song ended, I felt someone’s gaze on my back.
“Jeff, is someone staring at us from behind?”
“Yes. It’s Crown Prince Conrad. That certainly didn’t take long.”
“Well, this is tonight’s biggest test. Don’t forget the story we came up with of how we met.”
“Leave it to me,” Jeff said.
We bowed slightly to the crown prince as the music ended. He shifted his gaze from us to the far end of the ballroom before turning and walking away. He wanted us to follow.
Jeff and I lightly brushed our hands against each other, a signal meaning, “Let’s go.”
I felt another set of eyes on us as we began to walk and glanced to the side. Lord Edward and Lady Blythe were looking at us with concern.
Prince Conrad left the ballroom and continued down a hallway before entering a small room.
“Please have a seat. It’s been a long time since we’ve gotten to speak privately, hasn’t it?” he said.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I’m happy that you’ve come back to the castle again.”
“I’m honored,” Jeff said.
“It seems like the gold mining is going well. Subartu hasn’t interfered yet, either. Ashbury depends on commerce, so that gold mine is priceless. Thank you very much,” the prince said.
“And thank you for such a generous reward, Your Highness,” Jeff replied.
“Lady Anna, it’s a pleasure to meet you. How are you finding life in the royal capital? I’m sure it must be quite an adjustment from the duchy and Shen. Are you doing well?”
I clenched my hands in my lap and forced a stiff smile, as though I’d forgotten my education as a lady.
“The capital is very lively, Your Highness. I find myself constantly surprised here.”
“I figured as much. Is Jeff treating you well?”
“Y-yes, of course. Very much so.” I lowered my gaze to my lap and answered shyly, still clutching my hands together. I tried to express a perfect blend of nervousness and humble embarrassment.
“We should have an informal dinner sometime soon, just the four of us. You two, me, and Delphine,” the prince suggested.
“We would be honored, Your Highness,” I replied.
“There’s no need to be so nervous. Oh, by the way, there’s someone here who’s very eager to meet you two tonight. I believe he’s talking with Cedric now. I’ll call them both over.”