In The Name of Love
19: Charming

Fifi lingers near one of the refreshment tables even as Minna and Prince Lisandro start the next dance. Since she and Minna argued after the Questioning about which suitor Minna should choose, Fifi has felt more and more like her presence at the Ball is a mere formality. She has had her fill of people and dancing and small talk for quite some time, and she would dearly like to leave the Great Hall and seek solace in some courtyard or other, watching dusk turn to darkness and the stars come out. All that keeps her from sneaking away is the fear of what her father would do to her when he found out.

And he’d be bound to notice eventually, Fifi reminds herself. We’re all meant to talk about the suitors tonight as a family, once the dancing finishes, before Minna announces her choice and we have supper with that lucky—

“Ah, Princess Josefina,” a suave masculine voice interrupts Fifi’s brooding. She turns to find Prince Didier standing nearby with a charming smile. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of dancing with you, as yet. Would you be so kind as to grant me that honor?”

“As you wish, if you’ll be kind enough to call me Fifi henceforth,” she answers.

“Of course, Fifi.” He offers her his arm, and she takes it, letting him guide her to join the rest of the dancing couples towards the middle of the room. Her breath catches as they start to dance together; he’s at least as good a dancer as Lord Ingemar, and his vibrant green eyes are positively enchanting up close.

“Your performance during the Talent Round was sensational,” Fifi compliments after a few moments. “I’ve never seen anyone paint like that before.”

“Thank you. I had hoped it would please.”

“My sister was also quite impressed. Although I think your singing captured her attention more than the painting.”

“But not so for you.”

“No. I like painting and drawing more than I enjoy music. Although my favorite is when Minna—I mean, Princess Wilhelmina—plays while I sketch.”

“What do you most like to draw?”

“Flowers, or landscapes, or animals, if they will pose for me. Algot, my pet raven, is a good model, but rabbits are just impossible. They bound away at the slightest noise.”

“Are there rabbits in your courtyards?”

“No. I only see them when we’re permitted to ride outside Adelhyod, and Father insists that we are accompanied by Hedersvakt, and the clanking of their armor scares most things away. I’m sure you don’t have the same…restrictions, finding things to paint.”

“Not usually,” he admits. “But I would just as soon paint a still life indoors as venture out in search of a worthy subject.”

“But why? I’ve heard Vyrunia is such a beautiful country, especially around the Palace of Roses. You must have so many inspiring sights to choose from…”

“Aye, but not enough time to devote to leisurely pursuits. I spend many hours in meetings with my father and his Royal Advisors.”

Fifi wrinkles her nose. “Father won’t let me sit in those meetings.”

“Why not? You’ve just as much chance as your sister of being a Queen someday, and a Queen ought to share the burden of ruling with her King.”

“Because I was not content to keep my opinions and suggestions to myself. Father has…a different view on the role of a Queen than you do.” To Fifi’s knowledge, her mother is not involved in ruling Aethyrozia at all, beyond intervening wherein her offspring are concerned.

“Is your sister also excluded from those meetings?”

“No. She’s better at…fulfilling Father’s expectations. Even when she disagrees with them. But she’s observed how the meetings are conducted, how ruling is done. I’m sure she’d make an excellent Queen.”

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“I’m glad you see that. I’ve heard others speak of her as a prize to be won, and…. I can’t bear it. Minna’s so much more than that, and deserves someone who will admire her for everything she is and….” Fifi’s voice trails off as her throat closes, choking back an uninvited sob. Pull it together, Fifi. You know better. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be speaking to you of such things.”

“On the contrary, I find your honesty and genuine affection for your sister…refreshing. Being a prince or a princess shouldn’t require abandoning one’s true self, or hiding it away from the public eye.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I just wish everyone saw things the same way, Fifi wants to add, but the song has ended and she dares not say anything else, lest the wrong person overhear.

“Thank you, Fifi, for the pleasure of your company,” Prince Didier says with a bow and a smile. “Until we meet again.”

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