“I would have been offended if you told some reporter you’re in love with me before you told me,” I reply.

She laughs. “Better than never saying it all.” Her voice holds a hint of regret.

“You don’t have anything to apologize for, Viv,” I tell her softly.

She smiles at me. “You know, it was easier to argue with you when you were being an inconsiderate asshole.”

I chuckle. “It was easier to argue with you when you were acting like an ice princess.”

Viv grins. “That’s what the staff used to call me.”

“Used to?” I tease. “Anne’s probably uttering those words at this very moment. Her assistant didn’t say a single word, she’s so terrified of you.”

“Anne is the one who suggested making you come all this way. She should at least treat you like you’re doing us a favor, not causing problems. And her assistant didn’t say anything because she was too busy staring at you.”

I shake my head.

“Come on, I want to show you the library,” Viv says, rising from her seat.

I follow suit. “What about all this?” I ask, gesturing to our dirty plates and the remaining food.

“Leave it,” Viv instructs. “I’m sure there’s staff waiting outside to clear it.”

“Seriously?” I ask, marveling. “I’m not sure how you survived Lincoln’s dining hall.”

“Honestly, it was a relief,” Viv admits. “No protocols or procedures.”

“Speaking of which, what the hell am I supposed to be doing?”

“What do you mean?” Viv asks, puzzled.

“Everyone we encounter is bowing and using titles and holding doors, and I have no idea how I’m supposed to act.”

Viv stifles a smile. “You’re asking me if you’re supposed to bow to me?”

“It’s not funny!” I reply. “But yes. And your parents.”

“You’re right, it’s not,” Viv sobers. “But no, you don’t.”

“Are you sure? Because I don’t mind. I mean, it would be a little weird, at least with you, but I don’t want anyone to think I’m disrespecting your family.”

“No one thinks that,” Viv assures me.

“Fine,” I reply. “I’ll trust you on the local customs. Just remember I shunned the time-honored American tradition of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving if you’re lying to me about this.”

Viv’s still laughing as she pulls the door open. As she predicted, several uniformed staff members stand in the hallway, along with Anne’s assistant Cara. She begins stammering when Viv and I enter the hallway.

“Uh—Princess—I mean, Your Highness—”

I give Viv a meaningful look.

She sighs. “What is it, Cara?”

“Anne would like to see you now,” Cara replies nervously.

“That wasn’t much of a break,” Viv states. She glances to me. “Are you okay to keep going?”

Cara starts speaking again before I can answer. “She specifically asked for just you, Your Highness. Not Mr. Dawson.”

Vivienne frowns slightly. “Fine,” she agrees. “I’ll stop by after I bring Jace to the library.”

“It’s fine, Viv,” I tell her, not wanting to incite further conflict. “I’ll find it on my own. I’ve got playbooks I should study anyway.”