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They ave practiced smiles for the ca accustomed to, but kept a friendly but respectful distance I blinked at the flashing and hoped my smile didn’t show all uards saluted Alex and opened the front door for us I digested everything around us, staggered by the amount of history contained in the walls Rose and Alex looked like they were just co hooing to kick their shoes off and go dig through the fridge Instead, ere greeted by a group of people just inside who bowed and curtsied to Alex before taking our coats

"It’s good to have you home, Your Majesty" An older man smiled at Alex "And lovely to see you, as always, ma’am Welcome home, Duchess Rousseau" He dipped his head at Rose and ht, Ryan?" Alex asked

"Good Dinner should be ready shortly and yourroo "The pri with your sister, Duke Constal, and Duke and Duchess Marion"

"Excellent" Alex smiled at the others "Chadwick, let me introduce you to Duchess Rousseau Samantha, this is Chadwick He’s offered to be your assistant until you decide on so permanent"

"A pleasure to meet you, Duchess" Chadas a tall, thin

"You too, Chadwick" I held out entle, but firot your work cut out for you"

"I do love a challenge" He so meet Mother, shall we?" Alex turned away fro with and looked at me

"Let’s" I took a deep breath

Alex held his arm out to , formal hallway Portraits of ardens and forests There was a olden double doors He stood to attention e neared and opened the door

"You’ll enter last, but we’ll be waiting inside" Rose patted my shoulder as she nodded at the man He knocked on the door and waited for an answer When he heard what he needed, he opened the doors and stepped inside

"The Duchess of Sverelle, Your Majesty" Rose followed closely behind hi once just inside of the door She walked out of sight and I fought the desire to peek around the corner

"His Royal Highness, the Duke of D’Lynsal" Alex stood up straight and winked atthe corner I could hear voices inside, but not what they were saying Orin Lilarian

"The Duchess of Rousseau" The man announced my name and I took a jerky step forward There were ten or eleven people standing in the center of the rooht in the center, co dress She was an attractive woreat deal of Alex in her features

I remembered to curtsy once inside the door and took a few ain I didn’t curtsy too deep, scared I would fall inWhen I reached her, she held out her hand and I shook it