“Break a leg!” Pieter called out as Jan was led away.
But Jan didn’t share Pieter’s fear of public speaking, and he took to the stage with the grace and elegance he was known for. He started off by congratulating the award recipients before moving on to a speech about courage and bravery. Pieter was only half-listening, distracted by thoughts of Eva and what he would say to her.
His brother’s voice cut through his reverie. “I want to take some time to talk about the single bravest person I know. He’s here tonight, and he happens to be related to me. It’s my brother, Pieter de Winter.”
All eyes turned to Pieter as the applause started. He looked around like a startled rabbit, wishing for all the world that the fire alarm would go off, halting Jan’s speech.
“Now, as you know, Pieter and I were both born into the royal house of Laagestein. Our mother, the queen, instilled in us from a young age the importance of public service. Being a member of the royal family, she always told us, brings with it great responsibility. She told us that we must work hard every day to make sure that the people of Laagestein are protected, safe and — most of all — happy.”
He paused for effect, and the room burst into polite applause. Jan looked directly at Pieter, smiling. Pieter responded by drawing the flat of his hand across his neck, but Jan ignored him and carried on speaking.
“We know how important it is to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens of Laagestein, because we’ve heard about it every day since we were infants. My brother has taken his responsibility to a whole new level as a sergeant in the Laagestein military.”
Again, Jan paused for effect, and again the crowd responded by applauding.
“This is no flash-in-the-pan career for Pieter,” Jan said. “Serving in the military is not something he decided to do until something better comes along. He is fully committed to serving his country, at great personal risk, each and every day.”
This time when Jan paused, the applause was louder and lasted longer, as all eyes again turned towards Pieter.
“As you might imagine, it is not easy combining royal responsibilities with a military career. But Pieter has done it. He takes new recruits under his wing, providing excellent basic training. He is a born leader and the strongest man I know.”
The applause this time was accompanied by the distinct sound of whistles and cheers, which Pieter guessed were coming from the young people who were award recipients. He kept a stiff smile on his face, trying his best to look dignified and humble in the spotlight. He knew Jan meant well, but he vowed that once they were alone together, he’d give his brother a piece of his mind for humiliating him so thoroughly.
“Fighting for a military career when you are a prince in the royal house of Laagestein takes absolute courage and conviction. I am so proud of my brother and all he has achieved, and I didn’t want to leave here tonight without letting you all know why he is the person I most admire and respect in this world. To Pieter de Winter,” Jan said, raising a champagne flute in the air.
“To Pieter de Winter,” the crowd said, raising their glasses in a toast.
During the prolonged applause that followed, Pieter stood up at the table and waved at the crowd, bowing slightly at the waistin a mark of gratitude at being feted in such a way.Surprisefeted, was how he thought of it, made a spectacle by his brother who meant no harm, but who had made Pieter feel distinctly embarrassed.
Hours later, in the car on the way back to the palace, Jan pre-empted Pieter’s tirade by apologizing for embarrassing him but explaining that what he’d said needed to be heard.
“It’ll make the news and make it back to our parents,” he said. “They need to hear that you’re a hero for what you’re doing.”
“I amnota hero,” Pieter said, his jaw clenched.
“You really are, Pieter. And I meant every word of what I said. What you’ve done — making a stand and refusing to compromise your principles — makes me so proud of you.”
Pieter slumped a little in his seat. “I was mortified. I didn’t deserve all of the attention. It was the recipients’ night. They should have got all of the attention.”
“They did,” Jan said. “Their stories were all told, if you remember. And anyway, the organizers asked me to talk about the person I admire most in the world, and why.”
“They did?”
“Yes, they did. Even if you were still in Alaska, I would have said exactly what I said tonight. It was just an added bonus that you were here.”
“It didn’t feel like a bonus to me,” Pieter grumbled, then added, “But thank you. It means a lot that you would say those things about me.”
“It’s all true. I couldn’t be any prouder of you.” The brothers were quiet for a minute as the car wended its way through the streets that led to the palace. “Now, what did you want to talk to me about earlier?”
Pieter cleared his throat. “You know the woman I told you about, the one I worked with in Alaska?”
“The one you said is the most amazing woman in the world.”
“Exactly. Eva.” Just thinking about her brought a smile to his face.
“Eva. Have you been in touch with her since you got home?”
“Not a word. When I left Alaska, she wasn’t speaking to me, and I didn’t say goodbye.” He could feel the heat on his face from admitting that blunder.
