Amazonia - The Athenaeum

The blue wool jacket was held closed by silver buttons with her mother's royal crest embossed
on them, whereas those the guards wore signaled their positions as Bebo's personal guardians.
On each shoulder a thin silver bar for each year they had completed in warrior training gleamed,
and on the front was a symbol for every weapon they had mastered. The white shirts underneath
were pressed with a stiff starch and the shoes peeking out of the blue matching trousers were
black and shiny enough for the sisters to apply lipstick if they chose to use them as mirrors.
"How about if we pretend this morning never happened?" offered Bebo as she passed the sword
to Steph to free up her hands. "I am Bebo of Leon, miss, and I'm glad to make your
acquaintance." Bebo offered Annie her hand with a smile.
"Highness, this is my sister, Regina Paddio and I'm Annie."
Bebo shook hands with both of them and turned to retrieve the gift she'd brought. "Could we
walk with you? It looks like we're headed to the same place," said the princess.
"We'd love to," Reggie jumped in and took Bebo's arm. "This might not turn out to be a boring
evening after all."
"I'm glad one of us is confident then," joked Bebo. "Shall we, Lady Paddio?"
"We shall, highness." Reggie pulled the princess in before Annie could say anything. The
Amazon went willingly when she noticed for the second time that day the diamond ring on
Annie's left finger. It wasn't their custom to give rings for the purposes of betrothal promises, but
she still knew what one meant.
After being announced, Bebo gave Philip the sword Boden had sent him as a gift. When the
consort had accompanied Audrey to Washington to provide training and advice, she had met a
young man assigned to one of the under Secretaries and they had become friends. Philip
graciously accepted the gift and the meaning behind it. It was Bo's way of asking him to look
after her child. The only surprise of the evening came when they sat for dinner and Bebo noticed
who sat next to Annie and held her hand for most of the night.
Engaged to an asshole, and straight. The gods do have a sense of humor, thought Bebo as she sat
back in her chair and sipped her wine. If Emelda was right and this was her destiny it made her
tired just thinking about it. There were just certain things in a person's heart and mind that no
amount of charm and affection could change. Her luck would run better if it were Regina. At
least that blonde was willing to talk to her and looked a little miffed that she wasn't invited to sit
at the head table with her parents.
Bebo spent the evening talking with mostly Philip and Arthur. Every so often she would look
toward Annie and more than once found the young woman looking back at her. Her date was so
busy talking to his buddies he never took note of the more than one blush that had colored
Annie's cheeks.
As soon as the servants came to clear away the dessert dishes Bebo folded her napkin and placed