“I’ve made my course selections,” I inform him as I step inside and hold out the booklet and sheet of paper listing my selections.

“Ah, very good. Just set them there, please.” Richard nods toward one of the empty chairs across from his cluttered desk. I set them down where he’s suggested, and head back toward the door.

“Have a good night, Richard.”

“You as well, Your Highness.”

I leave the security wing and head back into the residence. Entering my bedroom, I walk over to the massive walk-in closet and begin flipping through the long row of hangers as I decide what to wear for dinner.

Eventually, I come across a gray, raw silk cocktail dress I know my mother will approve of. I head into the bathroom and freshen up before slipping on the dress and a pair of gray heels that match it perfectly.

I descend the central staircase toward the front foyer just as the Vanderbilts enter the residence through the front doors, escorted by one of the butlers.

Lionel Vanderbilt is a duke, who also happens to be one of my father’s oldest friends. They attended Bridgemont Academy together and were also classmates at Edgewood College for one year before my father was unexpectedly forced to take the throne. Lionel’s wife, Margaret, is a petite blonde on the boards of all the same organizations my mother oversees. Their son, Charles, is the same age as me, although I haven’t seen him in several years. Margaret is German, and Charles attends a prestigious boarding school her family founded there.

Lionel spots me first and bows, which catches Margaret’s attention. She looks up and curtsies.

The butler leads the Vanderbilts into one of the many sitting rooms that line the main entryway, and I enter the room behind them. My parents are already seated inside.

My mother has changed into a flowing pink organza dress, and she nods approvingly when she sees my choice of attire. The Vanderbilts bow and curtsy to my parents, and then take seats on one of the antique couches. I drop into the armchair next to my father’s, and he gives me a warm smile.

“Productive afternoon?” he asks with a wink.

“Very.”

He nods, then turns to talk with Lionel. One of the butlers brings me a glass of whiskey immediately, making me glad that my drink preference is well known by the staff. The Vanderbilts request their beverages, and I listen absentmindedly as they socialize with my parents while I take small sips of the aromatic liquid.

“Vivienne, are you excited about starting at Edgewood College?” Lionel asks, shifting the conversation to me. “Your father and I had quite the time there back in the day.” He chuckles.

I take my time swallowing the whiskey, unsure how to reply. Thankfully, my father jumps in. “Actually, Vivienne won’t be at Edgewood this fall. She’s decided to go on an aid trip before starting there. We’re very proud of her decision.”

I shoot him a grateful look.