ANNE:
"How about we start the negotiation?"
The Prince stopped chewing and looked at me.
"Is it true that you are a good archer?"
I blinked a lot.
"Emm... yes... but that has nothing to do with..."
"Wow! A noblewoman who knows how to use a bow. That's new."
"Lord Huescar," my uncle interjected, "can we begin the negotiation?"
The Prince chewed very hard.
"Lord Huescar?"
He hit the table hard. We all jumped.
"Damn," he growled, "you guys sure don't let me enjoy dinner."
I looked at my uncle and we both shrugged.
"Well," said the Prince, licking his fingers, "let's talk."
"My Prince," I began, "my husband's terrible death has changed things in this castle."
"Of course," he agreed, "you're a duchess now."
"Now I am a duchess."
"Now you give the orders."
