Standing before the doors I shuddered. I could already feel the icy atmosphere out here.

‘I don’t want to go…But I’ve already missed my chance to escape.’

I nodded to the doorsmen to let me in and entered. It was a typical family dinner setup. Everyone sat in order from my father, the emperor, accordingly. The empress and crown prince at his sides, next was the eldest prince and Olivia on the side of their parents. It appeared the two young princes did not attend. 

‘Well, one is a newborn. I wonder where my other younger brother is…’

I took the seat next to my eldest brother, a sturdy man with long brown hair and the signature red eyes of the royal family.

Turning to see Olivia across from him, she looked glum that I hadn’t sat next to her.

It was obvious from the placement that the first empress’s children sat on this side. If I were to have sat next to Olivia I’m sure it would have caused a ruckus. I smiled at her apologetically.

She seemed to have gotten the message but couldn’t stop pouting. If I weren’t worried I’d be unable to stop myself from saying how cute she looked today to cheer her up. But…The empress was most definitely glaring at me.

‘I haven’t done anything to you!’ Trying to keep my composure I ignored the looks being drilled into me by most of my family.

A few moments later the servants began bringing out the food. I settled to just do my best to eat and ignore their looks. I couldn't let the food go to waste after all!

They brought out the soup first and I paled.

‘I don’t know anything about this kind of etiquette!’  

I knew how to dance, greet, speak-everything I could learn without books and items out in the woods. But it was very obvious that there wasn’t a single silverware set out there. Nor was Amelia able to show me the setup since we lacked paper.

‘Ugh…Maybe I should’ve just torn up the hard ground into soft dirt for her to write in and teach me with…’

I caught a small motion out of my sight and looked up to Olivia.

She had her hand discreetly placed by her spoons and was gently tapping on one. I held myself together.

‘Oh! Shes so cute! What a sweetheart. Thank you, Olivia!’ I sang in my head.

Subtly picking up the spoon she indicated, I felt everyone's eyes leave me as they focused on their meal.

‘If I embarrassed myself right out the gate things would be a disaster.’

The rest of the meal went fine, with Olivia indicating the right utensil to eat with, and me watching out that I kept my other manners in check. Now it was time for-

“What kind of tea and dessert would you like, Your Highness,” Multiple servants came forth and began asking for the ending meal desserts.

“I’d like chamomile and chocolate cake, thank you.”

Once the servants had everyone's orders they left and it was silent. 

“Kalisto.”

I practically jumped out of my skin, but kept calm on the outside.

“Yes, Your Majesty?” I turned with a gentle smile to my father.

‘Keep calm. Keep calm. Keep calm.’

“May I ask what you will be speaking to the king about at your meeting?”

I blinked at him. Did he think I’d just reveal my plans like that?

“Well, Father,” I began. “As I have received no formal education, I’d like to hear the financial and overall status of the nation I will soon be living in.” I sat up a little more. “As Martok is known for its-endeavors, I’d like to speak with the king and understand his intentions and actions going forward with our marriage.”

To scope and scout! I’m sure my father likes my answer as a calculating diplomat himself. 

My father had his hands held together in front of his face as he watched me.

“I see.”

With that the rest of the room was silent until the desserts came out.

As the slice was set down in front of me I had to keep myself from drooling. I took the first bite. Unbelievable!

‘This is the best!’ Even the cold atmosphere in the room could not ruin the absolute joy of this cake. It was rich and soft and had chocolate filling. Stew and bread were my primary diet before, so I was without a doubt in heaven. ‘Royalty really do get the best of the best!’ I was practically in tears.

Once everyone finished and the plates were cleared away my father dismissed us all.

‘That went surprisingly well.’

I hummed as I walked along the hall. Stopping for a moment, I looked around. It was most definitely not the way I came.