Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
ANDI
My Aunt Franziska, as the senior royal, knocks on the closed door. The two ornate panels fold back, and she and my uncle sweep into the room. My cousins, Tori and Ronald, then Khristof and his fiancée Indra follow. Mutti and Vatti go next, then Teo. I thought I’d be entering with the crowd, but my parents insisted I process with the family. I tug Reece into place, and Bert and Bee close in behind.
As we cross the threshold, the announcer does his thing. “Her Royal Highness, Princess Karola Andela Louisa of Freiberg and Mr. Reece Turner.” Reece jerks with surprise, but I squeeze his arm and keep him moving.
As we cross the wide balcony inside the ballroom and start down the steps, the announcer calls out my younger siblings’ names. The opulent red and gold decorations dazzle the eyes, the scents of cinnamon and fir make me want to sneeze.
“This is surreal.” Wide-eyed, Reece stares around the massive room, taking in the string quartet in the corner, the long red carpet, and the Grand Duchess at the front of the room. Eduard and Selina stand with her.
I risk a peek over my shoulder to confirm Selina’s parents and sister have followed us into the ballroom. “This is the only official part,” I tell Reece. “We have to say hello to them, then we’re free to enjoy the party.”
Reece swallows so hard I hear it. “Do I have to bow or say anything?”
“You’re so cute when you’re nervous.” I squeeze his arm again to keep him moving when he’d obviously prefer to stop. Or maybe bolt from the room. “I’ll introduce you in English—kind of a hint that you don’t speak German. You can say ‘thank you for having me’ or something like that. Don’t shake hands with the Gee Dee, but you don’t have to bow, either. You’re an American—do what Americans do.”
He chokes out a nervous chuckle. “Americans would shake hands. But I got this.” He takes a deep breath. “I got this.”
We pace down the wide red strip of carpet, turning at the far wall then again at the front of the room. It takes forever, as always. When we reach the front, we stop, waiting as each of the family greets the monarch and her son. Everyone exchanges formal compliments and nods respectfully. Aunt Franziska does a little curtsey, as does Tori.
“They’re bowing.” Reece reaches nervously toward his bowtie, then his hand drops.
“Different generation.”
“You said Tori is your cousin.”
“She’s old school. See, Khristof just nodded his head. Do that.”
Reece nods curtly at no one.
“Perfect.” I chuckle. “Seriously. Relax. Watch Vatti. He was in your shoes thirty years ago.” My cheeks heat as I realize I’ve just implied Reece will be here in thirty years as my husband. But the idea fills me with joy.
When we finally reach the monarch, I find myself doing the same curtsey Tori performed—but with a little more bounce. “Your Majesty, I’d like to present my…” I swallow, not sure what to call him. I’ve never presented a guy before. The formality of the situation blindsides me for a brief second, then is replaced with the certainty that Reece is the only one I’d ever want to present. “This is my boyfriend, Reece Turner.”
The Grand Duchess frowns. “Boyfriend is such a juvenile term, Andela.” Her lips curl up in her professional smile as she turns to Reece. “But I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Turner. Welcome to the Freiberg Gala.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” His Texas drawl is so heavy and comforting the Gee Dee doesn’t even blink at his term of address, which should be “madam” or “Your Majesty.” “I am honored to be here.”
Aunt Karolina’s smile softens into a genuine expression. I try not to smirk at the realization that even the Gee Dee is not immune to Reece’s smooth voice. “I hope to see more of you, Mr. Turner.”
As we move on to greet Eduard and his fiancée, Reece’s tense shoulders relax. “That wasn’t so bad.”
“She puts on her pants one leg at a time just like everyone else. Or would if she ever wore pants.” Eduard extends a hand to Reece. “So, Andi finally met someone she bothered to bring home?”
“Eddie, charming as always.” I roll my eyes at my cousin and resist the urge to punch him.
Reece bristles and I squeeze his arm. He finally takes Eduard’s hand and shakes it. “Nice to meet you, Eddie.”
I bite back a smile at Eduard’s grimace, but he doesn’t argue. Instead, he gestures to the woman at his side. “Andi, you’ve met my fiancée, Lady Selina. Darling, this is Reece Turner.”
I shake her hand. “Sorry I messed up your engagement last time. Well, I’m not sorry, because Teo wasn’t —”
She laughs musically and puts a hand on Eduard’s arm. “I think it turned out for the best. Although my sister isn’t quite as sanguine.” She darts a look past Eduard down the line where her family approaches the Grand Duchess, then shrugs. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”
I nod and pull Reece away. “The heart. Right.”
Reece looks over his shoulder as I drag him into the next room. “They seem happy enough. You think they aren’t in love?”
I turn to face him. “I think they’ll be happy together. And I hope someday they’ll feel some fraction of what I feel for you.” I hold my breath. Did I really say that out loud?
He leans in to kiss my cheek. “Me, too.”