Chapter l132

Chapter 0132

Forgive me, Your Majesty, but we had given consideration to the spirit of the event,” I said.

It wasn’t totally a lie. I had given some thought about how our divided display could still indicate some measure of cooperation, even if Linda hadn’t.

“Explain yourself,” the Queen said.

I motioned toward our display. “At first glance, our table is divided, which could reflect the deep disagreements between us and our adversaries. Yet if you look closer, you will notice that our selections actually complement each other.”

The Luna and King pressed in closer to the display, peering at where I suggested. Behind them, Nicholas. and Julian gave me supportive looks – a full smile from Julian, a partial from Nicholas. Joyce continued

to look off into the distance, disinterested.

“Linda’s cold selection and my warm one offer an exploration of taste. The drinks in between act as a palate cleanser, when needed. Individually, we could stand alone fine, but when presented together, we

are better.”

I lifted one of the stuffed mushrooms and handed it to the King.

“Much like diplomatic relations, we bring two different individualities together in a united front.”

He nodded, thoughtful. Then he bit into the stuffed mushroom. He hummed, then motioned to his sons.”

This is very good. Try one.”

I provided each of the princes their own appetizer. Nicholas touched my hand a moment longer than needed as he accepted his. Pride shone bright in his eyes, which warmed me up from the inside out.

When I offered one to the Queen, however, she simply looked at me blankly, and made no motion to

accept it.

I slowly lowered it back to the table. “Whenever you are ready.”

“That is outrageous,” Linda said suddenly, claiming everyone’s attention. “Piper’s talking out of her

backside. We didn’t discuss any of this.”

Standing up straighter, I tried to catch her eye, to ask her what she thought she was doing, but she didn’t

once bother glancing my way.

“Our foods are divided because I didn’t want her inferior selection to be anywhere near my own. I

understand this isn’t in the spirit of the event.” Linda huffed. “But what kind of diplomatic relations would

+15 BONUS

She picked up one of her dried–out deviled eggs and handed it to the Queen, who eagerly accepted it.

“Commoners should stay within their own boundaries and do as they are told,” Linda said. “That is why our display is the way it is. Had I been partnered with someone on my own level, I would have been happy to advocate for cooperation.”

The King and Queen nodded critically, as if they agreed with what Linda was saying!

“You don’t often get to select who you must work with,” Nicholas said, face stern. “Oftentimes those we must find common grounds with are not the kind we would normally associate with.”

“Yes,” Linda said solemnly. “But they wouldn’t be common. I had to divide the table. Don’t you see? If I allowed her to infiltrate my side, she would only steal the benefits of my station, without providing any good qualities of her own.”

“Piper’s stuffed mushrooms were quite delicious,” Julian said. He pointed at Linda’s eggs. “Have you been keeping those on ice? You know they need to be kept chilled, or they will go bad.”

The Luna shushed him. “Don’t be rude, Julian.”

Julian looked at her. His smile took on an edge. “Rude is how everyone else is acting, mother.”

“To assume the common people want to ‘steal the benefits of your station‘ is a dangerous opinion to have,” Nicholas said. The common people, after all, are what keep this kingdom running.”

Behind him the producers whisper–yelled, “That’s good. The people will love that. Get a close up of the

prince.”

Nicholas glowered. Clearly he hadn’t just said that for the cameras, and having been caught out made

him uncomfortable.