Willful and Divious Child

I bite back my anger, not wanting to cause a rift. I will have to swallow my pride around this brute.

"Your Highness, as always, is perspective in your intuitive choice." I resist the urge to roll my eyes as Bertrand sucks up to the Prince. If he needs to flatter when he is already the second in command, and a trusted decoy, how much of my pride will I need to eat to survive? I hope that this is merely Bertrand's personality, as I don't believe I will survive giving that much flattery.

My frustration mounts, but I use the opportunity to signal the next course. With a flick of my had the servants move forward and recuperate the plates from the Roulade. I reflect on the next course, which is my favorite, a cheese platter. There are so many flavors, and in this course. I adore cheese and struggled to narrow this platter to only 5.

"Duchess, tell me about your education." If I wasn't already as straight as a board, I would have adjusted myself under his analytical gaze. How do I admit my lacking in this department? The Prince will require me to help him with specialized tasks, that I will need to have training to complete. The Duke never wanted to teach me; therefore, I was limited to my own ability to learn. I pray that I will not come up short of the Prince's expectations.

"I was taught some basics like how to sign my name, but the family governess focused on my stepsisters." I am ashamed to admit the faulties of my upbringing but know that it is best to inform him of them before we are further in our partnership.

"You can read and write a treaty without problem. Your manners are good, and you are aware of various foreign customs. These are no the basic skills." He corrects me.

I look down embarrassed but try to configure a reasonable explanation. "I was a willful and devious child. I taught myself to read and write when I was little. As I said the governess focused on my sisters and praised my absence." I look up, wanting to gauge his response. I find that he is staring at me. I lower my eyes again, but I continue. "I would hide books in the punishment room, where I spent much of my time, so I never waisted it. I read everything I could and learned everything possible from the books in the library, including arithmetic and war strategy. I would hide in nooks and crannies to listen in on my sister's lessons so I could learn other languages, manners and dancing." I stop, again looking to see if the Prince is still giving me his attention.

"You are resourceful." He observes.

"I had to be." I counter. It is true that I was creative, but if I wanted any kind of future, I had to become that way.

"Why were you denied an education like you sisters? It wouldn't have been hard to include you in the courses." He inquires. Did he not already remark my exclusion from the family at the family portrait?

"I am considered a bad influence on them and was required to be separated."

"You a bad influence, I can't imagine that." He teases with feigned astonishment. This is the most expression he has warn all night, and that comforts me. At least he appears to be able to gest.

"I know, I am the pinnacle of innocence." I finally stop staring at the table before me, to look up with an obvious eye roll at my exaggerated words of jest. Somehow, I am simultaneously afraid and emboldened around him.

"I agree." With his words I expect a teasing expression, but I am met with stern, sharp eyes. He is serious! My eyes widen, and I am grateful I have nothing in my hand, as I would have dropped it. I don't respond still uncertain if he is words are a tease, or his truth. He doesn't expound, and I am afraid to ask what he means now. Again, the servants have impeccable timing. They enter with the cheese platters, making it so that there is no need to ask about his meaning.

With silver domes lifted to reveal an array of dairy products and breads I stand, excited to present and explain each of the cheese before us.