Maggie shook her head. Shrugged. "I don't know. She was very close-mouthed about the conversation. Only told me he'd phoned." Maggie had hoped for more time with her mother, but their schedules hadn’t been able to align.
Tirith looked down at the table, smoothed her finger over the bandana. "I didn't think they talked."
Neither did Maggie, though the little girl's hope inside her had never died.
And a tiny voice inside her wondered. If she stayed in Glorvaird, would Dad come back?
Or would he remain in America? Was the damage she'd done to her parents’ marriage permanent?
"It wasn't your fault," Tirith said.
"What?"
"Their separation."
Maggie had been away from her sister for so long, she’d forgotten how uncanny the twin connection could be.
"Of course it was my fault. Dad moved to the ranch for me."
Tirith leveled a look on her. "He didn't have to stay. He could've tried harder."
Maggie's chin went up. "Mother could have reached out. Gotten on a plane." She'd witnessed her father's hurt on their first missed wedding anniversary. He'd tried to hide it, but her sensitive thirteen-year-old heart had seen it anyway.
Tirith frowned. "It's too late now."
"It's never too late for love," Maggie murmured.
Tirith's sharp gaze rested on her again.
Maggie turned her attention away from Tirith and focused on the few personal things she’d brought from home. She plucked at the gown. "I suppose I should take this off." She was surprised Tirith's team of stylists hadn't already swarmed the room again. Maybe Tirith had asked them for a few minutes for the sisterly reunion.
Maggie stood.
Her stomach hurt.
"Or..."
She looked over her shoulder to Tirith, who was sending her a contemplative look.
"What if we both attend the gala tonight?"
Could they? But Maggie quickly dismissed the idea. "No one is supposed to know I'm in Glorvaird. The palace would need to make an official statement..."
Tirith shrugged. "It can be made tomorrow. It will cause a stir if we are both announced. Imagine the publicity for Luc and his brother's foundation."
For Luc.
Could Maggie really stand beside her sister? It was the one test she'd hadn't endured yet.
Tirith had been strong for so long, was still being strong, returning for Luc and the foundation when it was clear she was haunted by what had happened.
But if Maggie attended, could she still have her last night with Luc? It wouldn't be the same, not when he'd be at Tirith's side. As it had always been.
But maybe she could find a way to say goodbye.
Luc was standingin the middle of the ballroom talking with a high ranking parliament member when Princess Tirith and Princess Margaret were announced.
Around him, the assembled crowd quieted.
