A Royal Internship | Complete

Chapter Twenty-Four

And we were off, stepping around the corner into full view, with my hand still in Clarence's.

There were no guests in the entrance hall, but there was a sizable group of reporters huddled between the open palace doors and one of those tapes they put up at theaters or airports to keep people in line. Their cameras were flashing constantly, but unlike most paparazzi I'd seen, no one was clamouring or asking for us to look at them so they could get a better picture.

The contents of my stomach churned, so I tried to focus on all the things I'd learned to prepare for this moment. The smile on my face must have faltered as I tried to walk down the stairs and keep my nerves under control. What am I doing here?

In my room, I'd felt ready, but there, with the eyes of an entire nation on me, I felt very much like the earth opening to swallow me whole would be a more pleasurable experience.

I glanced briefly at Clarence, who smiled reassuringly before turning back towards the photographers. "Just give them their smiling photograph and they won't print any of the others," he whispered without letting the smile slip off his face.

I nodded once and turned my face towards the cameras, smiling brightly even as I nearly tripped on my dress. Clarence's hand tightened on mine and his muscles tensed, acting as a sturdy railing for me to hold on to and I managed not to wobble too noticeably.

When we reached the bottom of the stairs, Clarence led us in a large curve towards the door and then back down the very long entrance hall that led to the dining room. The other half of the grand staircase met our procession, and we folded in like cars merging onto the freeway.

I smiled when I saw Princess Madeline walk towards us to cut in front. I remembered her saying she is never escorted, and always feels special walking in by herself. Apparently, her brother has had the opposite problem, historically.

We were now in line with the king and queen behind us and the princess bouncing on her heels directly in front of us. The gaggle of photographers long forgotten, we walked through the doors of the ballroom only as we were announced yet again. It really is impossible for anyone to forget a name around here, isn't it?

"His Royal Highness, Prince Alexandre, and Miss Genevieve Levin," a different man called out when it was our turn.

"Why did they announce you differently this time?" I asked Clarence, noting the addition of 'Royal Highness.'

His eyes twinkled as he smiled. "It's a long story. Basically, it's how many fancy, titled people are in the room."

I didn't have time to worry about his answer, instead focusing on the walk to our seats, which was one of the few things I remembered from the afternoon's lesson. I desperately wanted to pick up my skirt as I walked, but I could feel the king's eyes boring into my back, looking for any reason to reprimand me, so I pulled my shoulders back and tried to make myself as tall as I could, hoping not to trip on my dress again.

We finally completed our procession and Clarence escorted me up the steps to the platform where we would eat. Of course we have to be watched while we eat, because this isn't awful enough already. He stopped at the chair beside his sister and let go of my hand after placing a soft kiss on the back of it.

Hello again, butterflies. Can you find a new home?

"Don't worry," he leaned in and whispered in my ear, "I'll be right over there if you need me. Just be thankful you get to sit beside Mom and not Dad."

"I'll be fine," I promised. "I've got Madeline." I was trying desperately to keep him from seeing the anxious heat rising into my face and the sweat forming on my palms. I could feel my heart flutter in my chest every time I thought about his lips brushing the back of my hand.

He winked as he walked past me to stand behind his own chair. We all stared straight ahead and waited for King Richard. I must have missed his arrival, because I felt the chair press into the back of my knees quite suddenly. Without missing a beat, I effortlessly bent my knees and descended onto the chair. One skill down.

A lot to go.