“Princess Isabel is here.”
“Oh.”
“Where would you like to receive the princess?”
I fumbled. Was it supposed to be formal? Couldn’t she just walk in here like a regular person?
“The living room is fine, Francesca. I’ll be right out. You can offer her something to drink.” There was one thing all palace rooms had—a fully stocked bar.
I left the rows of colored cards and walked into the main room of my apartment. Damon’s sister was waiting for me.
“There you are.”
“Hi, Isabel. Sorry, I was working on my chapter orders.”
She waved her hand in the air. “I’m not like my brother. You don’t have to apologize. I can wait a few minutes.”
I smiled and took a seat next to her. “Thank you for understanding.”
“Have you recovered from last night?”
I almost choked. “Y-yes, I have.”
“Good. I know my mother was a complete bitch. She’s gone.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond. A delicate approach was probably the way to go. “It’s not her fault. It was rushed. There was a large audience. It’s ok.”
“You are way too saintly for this family.” She crossed her legs. I didn’t know if she was planning on staying a while. “After that scene, I didn’t want to speak to her. Damon was livid. She won’t be back until he requests it, which isn’t likely any time soon.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Damon has told me a short version of the situation I’m sure, but I don’t want to be one more reason she stays away from Freychon.”
“Believe me, you are not the reason. I’m the only one willing to visit her anymore.”
“I’m sure you were excited about the olive grove vote. Damon told me you spent time there before our trip.”
“That was his victory, not mine. I go where I’m requested. Which is actually why I’m here.” She flipped her long hair over her shoulder. Her high cheek bones were dusted with a light pink.
“What do you mean?”
She grinned. “As the king’s advisor I was hoping you’d be able to put in a request for me.”
I laughed. “You can’t be serious. You’re his sister. You have more pull than I do.”
“True, but with a little nudge from his favorite consort I think my idea would be more successful.”
“I don’t have that kind of influence. Really. Damon makes his own decisions.”
“Then think of it as a favor.”
“Ok. I’m happy to help with a favor. But please, not as Consort. I wouldn’t feel right.”
She sighed lightly. “You have so much to learn about royal politics. Anyway, I’ve been trying to convince my brother to send me to Spain.”
“Spain?”
“Yes. I need to get away from Galona for a while. I’m tired of these rural trips. I need a vacation. And not a fake vacation where I have to make appearances. An actual, honest to God break from being princess.”
I didn’t feel like I could ask her what was behind the request. Besides, she should be able to travel where she wanted. But I was learning that everyone in the family had issues with the crown. It was like a ghost that haunted them.