Chapter 207
I frown. So it’s a family thing. “But Selina was engaged to Arthur and they didn’t seem to have any issues with it as far as I know.”
“Yes,” Caleb admits with a nod, “but they liked Selina because she was perfectly bred and raised to be the ideal Luna. You, however…” Caleb gives me a meaningful look, and my stomach sinks. No wonder Caleb has been so adamant about improving my media training and etiquette
“You want to wait until I’m more ‘presentable‘,” I say somewhat bitterly.
Caleb quickly sits up. “I didn’t mean that. It’s just…” He signs. “Iris, you’re not prepared for this life–by no fault of yours, of course. But his parents will eat you alive, and if they find out you’re a Willford and you still don’t have the proper skills to impress the public as a Luna, then they pin it on our entire family. It’ll just be an excuse for them to create a feud. We have to plan your public debut very carefully.”
I absorb this information slowly. No matter how insulting it is, I know Caleb is right. I might have plenty to offer the world as an artist, but as the Luna of Ordan and a Willford… I still have a lot of work to do.
But then, suddenly, an idea clicks into place. “Well, I can’t keep this from Arthur any longer,” I say. “We have to tell him, at least.”
“Are you sure he won’t-”
“He won’t tell his parents, or anyone else, if I ask him not to.” I give him a stern look, then add, “But in the meantime, we should view this as an opportunity.”
“An opportunity for what?”
“A party.”
Caleb stares at me like I’ve just lost my mind. “A party?”
“Think about it,” I say with a shrug. “It’ll be a chance for me to showcase my hosting skills–put some of that etiquette to the test. And it won’t be public, just a small party, so it will be low–pressure. His parents won’t need to know we’re related yet. It’ll just be a chance to improve their view of me before the public debut.”
“That’s awfully… optimistic,” Caleb says carefully.
“It’s worth a try. Besides, like it or not, we’re all family now. We’re going to have to spend time together eventually. Consider it a… test run.”
Caleb sighs, but nods. “Alright. If you’re determined to do this, I’ll help. What do you need?”
“Just show up and be your usual charming self,” I say. “And maybe try to accept the fact that, whether you like it or not, I’m going to tell Arthur before the party.”
He presses his lips together, clearly not overjoyed by the idea. But to my relief, he nods.
And with that, we launch into our next etiquette lesson–this time with a new twist. In order to ensure that I’m fully prepared for the party, he teaches me how to host properly, how to make a toast and pour drinks, how to stand in such a way that my back doesn’t hurt so I can always be moving around the party, ever the gracious host, without losing stamina.
It’s exhausting, and the sort of party he’s preparing me for doesn’t feel like the “fun” sort that I’m to, but I’m determined. My future hinges on this. Miles‘ future hinges on this. All I want is for Miles to be accepted by both families, and the only way I can do that is to make them accept me first.
After Caleb leaves, I grab my nicest stationery and begin writing invitations. It’s been years since I’ve thrown a
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Chapter 207
proper party–not since before Miles was born. Even though I know it won’t be light and carefree, but rather a careful political move, I’m actually excited.
I carefully pen each invitation, making sure my handwriting is neat and legible:
“You are cordially invited…”
