“Oh, but it is,” her sister managed to say as she doubled over with laughter. “Please,” she sputtered, “Please make sure father picks up a tea set for me,” she finally managed to say, as she roared with laughter.
With a huff, Macee slammed the laptop closed and tossed it to the end of the bed.
* * *
The official dinner presenting Prince Louis and Macee had arrived. Representatives from some of the oldest families in Monaco along with high-ranking officials within the government were in attendance. Macee felt apprehensive about the dinner as her maids helped her into her A-line princess style gown. It was a beautiful shade of burgundy and complemented her hair and skin tone well. At the very least, the gown wasn’t as tight as most of the skirts she was expected to wear and she was able to walk comfortably in it, although sitting might be a whole different matter as there certainly was a lot fabric.
Prince Louis showed up to escort her to the ballroom. Macee couldn’t help but admire how handsome he looked. If he was anyone else, she might be interested in him, but being a member of royalty came with too many rules and expectations that Macee wasn’t interested in. She would definitely like him more if he wasn’t so arrogant. As he gestured for Macee to link her arm around his, she looked at him. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this bodily contact.
“I can walk on my own,” Macee said.
“Nonsense.” He took her arm and linked it around his as Macee groaned in complaint. She was far more stubborn than he had initially thought.
The walk to the ballroom was a quiet and awkward journey. Macee tried to think about something else to take her mind off the fact that she was walking arm in arm with the Crown Prince but her thoughts were distracted by his scent. He smelled delightful. She sighed with relief when they finally arrived.
Charles announced their arrival as everyone stood up and bowed their heads until they had reached their seats. The room was full of luxury, from the high marble ceilings to the long elegant mahogany tables. Grand chandeliers hung down over hundreds of fashionably dressed guests. It was obvious no expense had been spared for the new royal couple.
“It is good to see you all. Please be seated,” Prince Louis said. He held Macee's hand as she sat down. Princess Katherine was watching them. The more she saw them together, the more she felt like they made a great couple.
Macee wanted to greet her family properly but the situation did not permit it. Her mother was staring at her in disbelief. She couldn’t believe how elegant her daughter looked. These last few weeks of intensive training had improved her behaviour, but she knew that it wasn’t enough to change Macee into an appropriate match for the prince.
Colonel LeBlanc was happy to see his daughter. She had not spoken to either of her parents since they forced her to come to the palace. He was relieved that Liane had kept in contact with her because he was worried about how she was getting on. He was happy to see her looking well. Francesca had given Macee a small smile. This should be my life, Francesca thought to herself. She too had been speaking with Liane and she felt bad about the way she had been treating her sister. Macee was the carefree one who did not want these things for herself and now she was getting them and more and Francesca was decidedly jealous.
The dinner went well. Although it was difficult for Macee to tell as she spent most of her time concentrating on her food. She felt as though she was under a microscope and was terrified that she would do something wrong. Most of the families were surprised to find out that she was Colonel LeBlanc’s youngest daughter, as she never attended any of the public events.
Right after the dinner, Macee pulled Francesca to the side. “What do you wish to speak about, your highness?” Francesca asked Macee.
“Why are you calling me that?” Macee asked.
“I can’t very well call you Macee now.”
“Frannie stop it! I am still your sister. Why are you acting this way?”
Francesca shrugged her shoulders. “This lifestyle is not you.”
“But it is you, right?”
“You knew I wanted it.”
“It wasn’t as if I had a choice.” Macee's suspicious were now confirmed. Francesca blamed her for being chosen by the crown prince.
“You always have a choice.”
“And what was the other one? Because if there is one, I don’t see it.”
“Figure it out.” Francesca turned her back and started walking away. Macee pushed her.
“What do you want me to do? Slit my wrists?”
“Don't be dramatic,” Francesca pushed her back.