Chapter 7
Frankie
Our first press conference as a couple is held outside, in a park near the queen’s palace. Daniel’s set us up at a long table in front of rows and rows of flowers. A few hundred feet to the right is a famous fountain crowned with a giant statue of a pretzel. I always wondered about the pretzel. Thanks to Lady Ursaline, I now know why New Arcadia has so many pretzel statues.
Benedict takes point, thanking the press for coming. I sit up straight and channel Grace Kelly as he outlines the vigors of his career and state responsibilities, how he’s wished for a family but been too busy for social concerns, etc., etc. The speech is all very pretty and a bit self-deprecating, but Benedict pulls it off with gravitas.
“And so I’m pleased to announce my engagement to Francis Bea
