Shortly, the tension in my father’s shoulders eased, but only slightly, as he let out a soft sigh. The look he gave me still carried the weight of his disappointment, but it was also tinged with reluctant acceptance.
“I’ll let this go for now,” he said, his voice clipped, “but there’s something else we need to discuss.”
I raised an eyebrow, bracing myself for what was coming. He never had that particular tone unless he was about to dictate something I wouldn’t like.
“There’s an event you need to attend,” he began, folding his hands behind his back and standing even straighter than before. “The Royal Etiquette Circle is meeting tomorrow afternoon. It’s time for you to join.”
“The Royal Etiquette Circle?” I repeated, skeptical. “What is that? Some glorified tea party?”
“In a manner of s
