“I’ll call for extra security,” Cathy offered. “If you want. Or we can try again another day.”
“No. Let’s go.” I was glad my voice sounded so sure, because the rest of me wasn’t. “Mind if I run and change? These shoes are killing me.” My feet were screaming in agony. I’d throw them away if I could forget how much they had cost.
“Of course.” Alex leaned against the wall and tucked his hands into his coat.
“I’ll be quick.” I hurried down the hallway in the direction of my room, only to stop and look around, confused. I looked back behind me and Catherine was smiling. Alex pointed to the right, so I nodded my head and took that hall.
Chadwick was standing at my door and held up one of my new sweaters.
“Be careful tonight.”
“I will.” I blew him a kiss as I took it out of his hand ducked into the room. I changed quickly, pulling my hair down from the clip I had been wearing and grabbing my scarf. I threw my necessities into my pockets and headed back to the others. The entire walk back I chanted in my head: I can do this. I will have fun. I can do this. I will have fun. I didn’t want the media to stop me from seeing my new country.#p#分页标题#e#
By the time I got there, my stomach was growling and Catherine laughed. “I think someone needs dinner.”
“I haven’t eaten since noon.” I winced.
“We can fix that. Do you have a preference?” Alex opened the door for us and I shook my head. I noticed there was a second car behind us, containing several bodyguards.
“I’d settle for a peanut butter sandwich at this point.”
“We can do better than that,” Catherine said as we climbed into the car.
“What do you have in mind, Cathy?” Alex sat next to me, his leg brushing mine.
“How about that little place you like in the South District?” Cathy poked at his stomach. “The one with all the greasy burgers.”
“I don’t know. I just got back from the States, I’m not sure these will measure up. Why not get some local food?” Alex turned to look at me.
“Sounds good.”
Cathy gave the name of the restaurant to the driver and we headed into town. Reporters followed us as soon as we left the palace gates. Cathy shook her head, but I could see how tense Alex was next to me.
“What’s the big deal? We’re just going to dinner.” I frowned. Maybe we should have just stayed at the palace. Ordered pizza or something.
“They’re hoping to catch an embarrassing shot.” Alex sighed. “It’s their livelihood.”
“Like ketchup on our chin?” I was trying to lift some of the dreariness that had settled over the car.
“Like us stumbling drunk out of a bar.” Catherine shook her head. “Like we would ever do that.”
“It happens.” Alex frowned at her. “Kyle is often photographed acting like a baboon at nightclubs.”
“Kyle just likes to have a good time.” Cathy looked out the windows. “Look, Samantha! There’s the Rousseau monument!”
I looked out the window surprised. “Really?”
“Yes. Your family fought off a northern invasion and gave the capital enough time to rally troops.” Alex looked out the window with me as we drove past the large statue. A man rode a rearing horse, sword held high.
“How about that.” I felt a little bubble of pride in my chest. My family had faced down invaders.
“Just down the road here is the Lilarian library. There are paintings of some of the earliest families inside. You should go visit them when you have time.” Cathy was proving to be an excellent guide. “Oh! And that’s the Sverelle Bridge. Our mother’s family is responsible for it being here. It’s one of the few that survived the Nazis occupation.”
“Wow.” And I meant it. There was intense pride in her voice for the work of their family and that of their country, and I understood. This was their home and they could literally trace their ancestors back to massive historical moments or places. It gave the history a life, a face.
We pulled up to a small family style restaurant situated between two buildings. There was faint music spilling out of the door, and I could smell food as soon as Duvall opened the car door. The press were on us immediately and I felt my hackles rise. I was trying to get used to the idea, but they certainly weren’t giving me any adjustment time. Alex opened the door for us and a tall thin man greeted us inside.
“Your Highnesses, Duchess. A pleasure to see you.” He bowed to us.
“We’ve been coming here since we were kids, Luca. Why are you suddenly bowing?” Cathy pulled her coat off and hung it on a rack near the door. A few of the patrons inside turned to look at us, but for the most part seemed more interested in their food.#p#分页标题#e#