I stayed as far away from Clarence as I could during the meeting, making sure Semret and Janet were up-to-date with their information and tasks for the event. Then, I left them to discuss details with Clarence while I went downstairs to check the dark green room we were having our event in. I could never remember the technical name for it.

It took me hours to make sure everything was in just the right place, and then I sent Janet and Semret in to make sure everything stayed perfect. I had busted my butt for a week and a half over this, spending countless hours with my head in contracts or skipping breakfast so I could finalize locations. I was not letting it fall apart at the last second over a lack of attention to detail.

"I'll be back when it officially opens. I don't remember all the rules, but I do remember the hosts are supposed to be there to welcome their guests."

"Very funny, Genevieve." Janet glared at me and shook her head before following Semret into the room, ordering around one of the staff as soon as she did. So very Janet, I laughed to myself and hurried upstairs to my room.

"Marinette?" I called when I entered my sitting room. "I need my final touches now. And different shoes, I think."

"Miss," Olivia spoke, curtseying after she rounded the corner. "Marinette is busy with a task from Prince Alexandre, so I will be here to assist you."

"Of course." I smiled. "Thank you. I need some new shoes and just to double check everything is in place before I go to this event. Don't want any embarrassing photographs."

"No, we do not." Olivia let me into my room. "If you'll wait at the dressing table, Miss, I will get your shoes and then get started." She looked me up and down, calculating everything that needed to be done, no doubt, and then rushed into my enormous closet I had never actually set foot in.

New, appropriate heels were placed on my feet, and my make up and hair were touched up to perfection.

"I think we're done," I said, smiling into the mirror at Olivia's reflection. "Thank you."

"Not quite." She held up her finger. "I have something from Queen Adele for you." She walked over to a drawer in the wall and pulled out a small package wrapped in forest green fabric. When she unwrapped whatever was inside, it caught the light from the sun and scattered it around the room.

"Wow," I whispered, tracing my fingers along the cold silver metal that made up the decorative hair comb. "Are those diamonds?"

Olivia couldn't quite stifle her giggle. "Sorry, Miss. Yes, those are diamonds." She slid her fingers into my hair and deftly added the comb to the left side of my twist. It sparkled perfectly, making me look more regal than I felt.

"Thank you," I said, touching it to make sure it would stay. "It's beautiful."

"It's from the queen," she reminded me.

"Yes, well. I'll have to thank her, too." I stood up and took one last look at myself in the mirror before leaving. I reached up to feel the comb in my hair again, noticing for the first time how much it looked like I was wearing a tiara. I could get used to this, I thought as I left the room.

But first, I have to get through this.

I sauntered down the hallway with alarming speed, not wanting to be late to greet Clarence or leave our guests waiting longer than was appropriate.

I was moving so quickly that palace staff were flattening themselves against walls to make sure they didn't get in my way. On a normal day, I would have apologized profusely to each one, but today I had other things on my mind. Life-altering things. I have to get this right, I repeated my mantra to myself just as I rounded the last corner towards Clarence's office.

I had barely rounded what I thought was the corner when I came face first with what could only be described as a brick wall. I spun backwards and stumbled around in my heels, trying to keep my balance. My arms were flying all over the place, searching desperately for something to hold on to.

Finally they did find something. Or rather, someone. I opened my eyes cautiously. "I'm so sorry, I missed the turn somehow and crashed into--"

Only then did I register that the dark figure I was holding was not a guard, but rather Clarence dressed in a black and gold suit.

"Me." He smiled. "You crashed into me."

"No." I shook my head. "First I crashed into--" I looked around, searching for what had caused this whole incident.

"A statue," he supplied. "It's the one of a horse, I believe."

"Please tell me my head isn't swelling up, at least?"

"You're good." He offered me his arm. "But let's try to avoid a repeat performance, okay?"

I sighed and slid my arm through his. "Yes, please."

"No need to be nervous," he reminded me. "We've prepared for this and you are ready."

We stopped just before the grand staircase, out of sight from everyone below and I saw the first sign that Clarence might be as nervous as I was: he took a deep steadying breath before plastering the working smile across his face.

"Are you ready?" he asked, turning to face me.

I pulled my shoulders back, stood up as tall as I could, took a deep breath, and then nodded. "I guess it's now or never."

"Let's go then," he said, stepping out from behind the wall and into view of the palace photographers.

As we walked down the grand staircase, arm-in-arm, I suddenly realized what a massive deal it was to be hosting an event together. I caught a glimpse of us in a mirror. His dark and gold uniform and my comb glistening like a tiara, we could have been... I don't know what we could have been. I glanced over to see his work face smiling and waving to the cameras, ready to greet the crowds, so I steeled myself for what was to come. I needed to be a princess, even if I would never be one.

* * *

Our guests of honour lined up at the end of the reception for a photo opportunity and Clarence and I moved down the line in turn, talking to each member.

I had to hand it to the queen, it was way easier to talk to these people than it had been at the ball when I first arrived. And this was probably due to my extensive preparations. I knew things about them and their work. I asked intelligent questions and made jokes and genuinely enjoyed the conversations.

"Thank you so much for coming," I said as I shook the last woman's hand. "It has been such a pleasure for me to learn more about your charity and everything you do. I hope we can have a fruitful relationship in the future. The work you are doing is superb."

"Thank you, so much." The woman looked towards her coworkers and then back to me. "I'm sure we will."

I glanced at Clarence to see him smiling at me with an intensity that brought the heat raging to the surface.

"Thank you again." I smiled at the gathered crowd. "It's been such a pleasure getting to know you." Clarence presented his arm and I snaked my arm through his like it was second nature. I smiled and followed his lead as we left the room and climbed the grand staircase.

Once we were out of view of the photographers, I finally relaxed my shoulders and let out a large sigh. "I cannot believe we did that." I could feel the happiness bubbling up inside me. "We did well, yes?"

Clarence didn't answer me so I looked up at him, slowing our pace as I did so. He was looking off in front of him, his eyes glassy and far away.

Oh, no. This is another one of those moments where I think it goes well but it's really awful. I'm going to be fired for sure.

"Oh," I looked down at my shoes. "Maybe it's best if I go back to my room." And pack my things, I added silently to myself. Since I'm certainly going to be fired if this went poorly.

"What?" Clarence snapped his head around to face me. "No!"

I shrunk back at the violence with which he moved, pulling myself away from him instinctively. "Sorry," I answered by reflex.

"Don't ... what?" He groaned and put his hands on both of my shoulders, stopping me from turning away. "Please don't do that." He looked me straight in the eyes and I back at him.

"Okay," I nodded absentmindedly, drawn into his gaze as if by magic, my heart speedily jumping in my chest.

"You were amazing," he smiled and my heart skipped a beat. "There's nothing for anyone to complain about. You were marvellous!"

"You said that already."

He took my hand and gently pulled me towards a hallway that went outside. "Will you come with me?" he asked. "Please don't ask me to explain," he answered my question before I could ask it.

I should say no. I always say no.

"Of course," I said. Please don't let this be a dumb idea that gets me into trouble, I thought to myself. You already are in trouble, the rational part reminded me.