It looked like something out of a fairy tale. The walls were made from stone and old brick. When I finally got a good look at the castle, I smiled my first real smile since landing. The palace was made from the same stone as the walls. A huge door was in the center of the old building, flanked with guards in ceremonial dress. It was breathtaking. Duvall opened our car door and Alex helped Rose and me out. A man in a tux took pictures as we climbed out and I tried to not look frustrated. I had hoped we would be through with the photographers at this point.
“That is the palace photographer. You can trust Cecil.” Alex seemed to sense my hesitation.
“Duchess Rousseau, may I have you stand here in front of the car? Look up at the castle for me. That’s perfect!” Cecil snapped pictures quickly before standing up. “Duchess Sverelle, Your Highness, will you stand with Duchess Rousseau for a moment?”
They moved next to me and gave practiced smiles for the camera. Alex didn’t put a hand on my back like I was growing accustomed to, but kept a friendly but respectful distance. I blinked at the flashing and hoped my smile didn’t show all my teeth.
Once Cecil was satisfied, the guards saluted Alex and opened the front door for us. I digested everything around us, staggered by the amount of history contained in the walls. Rose and Alex looked like they were just coming home. Their relaxed expressions made me wonder if they were going to kick their shoes off and go dig through the fridge. Instead, we were greeted by a group of people just inside who bowed and curtsied to Alex before taking our coats.
“It’s good to have you home, Your Majesty.” An older man smiled at Alex. “And lovely to see you, as always, ma’am. Welcome home, Duchess Rousseau.” He dipped his head at Rose and me.
“How are things tonight, Ryan?” Alex asked.
“Good. Dinner should be ready shortly and your mother is waiting in the front sitting room.” The man checked a clipboard he was carrying. “The prime minister and his wife are here along with your sister, Duke Constal, and Duke and Duchess Marion.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Excellent.” Alex smiled at the others. “Chadwick, let me introduce you to Duchess Rousseau. Samantha, this is Chadwick. He’s offered to be your assistant until you decide on something permanent.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Duchess.” Chadwick was a tall, thin man. He bowed his head in a formal greeting.
“You too, Chadwick.” I held out my hand to shake his. His hands were gentle, but firm. “I think you’ve got your work cut out for you.”
“I do love a challenge.” He smiled.
“Well, then. Let’s go meet Mother, shall we?” Alex turned away from the aides he was speaking with and looked at me.
“Let’s.” I took a deep breath.
Alex held his arm out to me, and I slipped my hand in and let him lead me down a long, formal hallway. Portraits of monarchs lined the walls, interspersed with images of gardens and forests. There was a man in a tailcoat waiting next to golden double doors. He stood to attention when we neared and opened the door.
“You’ll enter last, but we’ll be waiting inside.” Rose patted my shoulder as she nodded at the man. He knocked on the door and waited for an answer. When he heard what he needed, he opened the doors and stepped inside.
“The Duchess of Sverelle, Your Majesty.” Rose followed closely behind him, curtsying once just inside of the door. She walked out of sight and I fought the desire to peek around the corner.
“His Royal Highness, the Duke of D’Lynsal.” Alex stood up straight and winked at me before turning the corner. I could hear voices inside, but not what they were saying. Or maybe they were speaking in Lilarian.
“The Duchess of Rousseau.” The man announced my name and I took a jerky step forward. There were ten or eleven people standing in the center of the room. The queen was right in the center, complete with tiara and flowing dress. She was an attractive woman and I could see a great deal of Alex in her features.
I remembered to curtsy once inside the door and took a few more steps before pausing and doing it again. I didn’t curtsy too deep, scared I would fall in my heels. When I looked up, the queen was smiling. When I reached her, she held out her hand and I shook it.
“Your Majesty, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I looked down at her, surprised that such a small woman had given birth to such a tall man like Alex.
“Welcome home, Duchess Rousseau. We’re very glad that you’ve come.” The woman smiled. “We were very excited when we found you.”