Amid the earlier interruption to her story, Juli’s frown turned into a sly smile as she listened to Olivia so brilliantly take the duke down a peg—all while appearing to praise his family. But the princess found herself slightly intimidated, to think that this woman not only knew who Duke Clovis was, but knew about his predecessors as well.<em>Not just frightfully clever, but with a memory that’s like a library to recall that so easily.</em>It was no wonder she had risen to such a high position, despite how foreign she must look to the Nydewians.<br/><br/>After her story was concluded, Juli was surprised—and yet not surprised—when Olivia took her hand, and even blushed. The former because what she had done was so out of place in this setting. And the latter because she had been yearning to make an affectionate gesture to Olivia, even flirt with her. Juli’s reaction mirrored the other woman’s—a brief look of surprise, the warmth at her cheeks telling her she was blushing, and then quickly remembering where she was and calming herself. Juli briefly squeezed Olivia’s hand to show how much she appreciated the gesture before releasing it.<em>She must feel as I do, to act this way.</em>Now the prospect of talking to Olivia alone after the banquet was even more exciting.<br/><br/>Juli was deeply moved when Olivia pledged herself to the cause of peace. “Thank you, Milady,” she whispered back, purposely using the wrong honorific to signal how highly she regarded Olivia. And despite how quiet she was, there was no missing the affection in her tone.