The Crown

Chapter Twenty Six

Tobias guided Beatrice's hand around his arm, patting her fingers as he laid them to rest. She held his arm tight as she looked up, smiling.

"This surprise falls so nicely with tonight's soiree," Tobias realized as they walked back toward the entrance. "My best friend is joining us."

"Zeke," Beatrice remembered. "Yes, I do remember how fondly you spoke of him. Perhaps he will be able to tell me about your younger days," she teased, causing him to chuckle.

Beatrice detached herself momentarily from Tobias to curtsey his parents. Evelyn found herself somewhat proud that the servant had managed to figure out the first steps of etiquette. Marcus payed little attention as the guests started pooling in, diverting his attention to them instead.

Lord Pedrad laughed as he bowed to the King, excited to reconnect with his long time friend. "I have not seen you in so long, King Marcus!"

"Lord Pedrad," He laughed, nodding to his bow. "You flatter me too much, my dear friend."

As Evelyn went over to greet the Lady, Tobias stiffened beside Beatrice at the sight of his friends coming through the doors. He reached her hand, holding it tight. She took a deep breath, becoming nervous herself.

Zeke and Uriah stood before their closest friend. The three friends stared uncomfortably at one another, waiting for one of them to spark the conversation. Beatrice stood by and maintained her smile, although it had started to burn her mouth quite a bit. She glanced behind the two brothers and noticed they had brought dates as well.

"Your Highness," Zeke finally said and bowed, breaking the tense silence between them. "I am glad to see you look so well."

Uriah bowed with his brother, mimicking his greeting.

Tobias nodded. "I want to present to you the woman I have written to you about," he announced, taking Beatrice's hand and guiding her to step forward. "This is Miss Prior."

Zeke smiled at her, nodding in her presence. "What a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Prior."

"The pleasure is all mine," Beatrice finally spoke, careful not to trip over her words. "I have heard many great things about your friendship."

Uriah stepped forward and smiled, blocking his brother's view. "I am sure the prince has told you many things about me - all false, you should know."

She forced a laugh, clutching slightly to Tobias' arm.

Zeke cleared his throat and extended his hand to the side. A young woman slipped her hand in his, standing by his side. They stepped forward as she curtseyed to the prince, greeting him.

"This is my fiancee, Lady Shauna," Zeke said proudly. 

"Zeke writes so fondly of you in his letters," Tobias smiled.

Beatrice waited patiently as more guests were introduced. These conversations are so ... boring! she complained silently, keeping up her outward gleeful appearance. I feel as if I am about to fall alseep! There isn't anything interesting said between anyone here, only simple small-talk!

As the prince and his friends conversed about nothing, Beatrice glanced over at the silent Lady's escorting the brothers. I wonder if anything is passing through their minds - what a terrible rule to not speak unless spoken to, she condemned, glancing at the Queen who had no ease in speaking freely with the guests. 

How quaint that only the woman with the highest title in the kingdom is permitted to speak whenever she likes. 

Snapped out of her thoughts, Beatrice watched the guests disperse toward the dining hall. Tobias waited until they were alone once more before turning toward her, rubbing his temple.