Chapter 10: Gianna

Without a moment to spare Gianna hurried herself and Sophia down the hall to the smaller dining room frequently used by the royal family when they were not entertaining. At 12:00 on the dot, Gianna and Sophia stepped into the dining room.

“Ah, my dear cousins,” Keres greeted. “I am so glad that you could join me for lunch today.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Gianna said with a forced smile and small curtsey. Thankfully she saw Sophia follow her movement out of the corner of her eye. Sophia had been just as upset as Gianna when she learned what Gianna had overheard last night. It had taken a lot to get her to clam down enough to play an oblivious part for this surprise lunch.

Keres smiled in acknowledgement of their proper greeting. Waving them over he had one of the waiters pull out the two seats on his left hand side. “Join me. We have much to discuss.”

If only you knew how much we would like to discuss with you, Gianna thought as she smiled and took the seat closest to Keres. As