“How mysterious.”
“Very. Naturally, with Prince Farcus missing and King Max’s health failing, Queen Johanna feels more certain than ever thather son, who’s been legally adopted by the king, should be next in line for the crown.”
“Despite what you said about bloodlines?”
“Yes, it’s possible that Parliament could vote to make an exception due to Georg’s legal adoption.”
“How old is Georg?” Adelaide asked.
“He’s a few years younger than I am. But he seems younger to me.”
She studied his expression. “Do you question his ability to rule?”
“I do not care to say.” Anton was hard to read, but Adelaide suspected he was holding something back. Perhaps for diplomacy’s sake. Regardless, the message was clear—Anton felt Prince Georg wouldn’t make a good ruler.
“May I ask your opinion of the queen? You insinuated she was a bit cool.” Adelaide knew she was fishing but felt she could trust this man. “What should I expect when I meet her?”
He rubbed his chin. “She is an extremely strong woman. Intelligent and well-spoken. She presents a very regal image and is popular with some.” Although his words mostly praised the queen, his eyes betrayed him.
Adelaide noted his apparent distaste for the queen, then asked another question. “And you say that she’s very eager for Georg to inherit the throne?”
Eyes downward, he nodded.
“So, I expect Queen Johanna will not welcome me with open arms.”
Anton looked amused. “To be honest, Queen Johanna doesn’t even know about you ... or your impending visit.”
“What?” Adelaide sat up straight. “Won’t that be awkward?”
“My uncle thought it best. I don’t want to suggest the queen is malevolent, but between you and me, she is a bit self-serving and”—he cleared his throat—“we believe she is capable of intricate schemes to her own benefit.”
“Really?”
“I hadn’t planned to disclose this much, but it seems only fair to give you warning.” He leaned forward. “Be on your guard with the queen.”
Adelaide tilted her head to one side. “Are you suggesting she’s dangerous?”
“Not in a physical sense, but she’s been known to make life difficult for people who oppose her.”
Adelaide felt somewhat challenged by the thought of having a good argument with Queen Johanna. “That could be amusing.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you think so. I have a feeling you’ll be a worthy opponent to the queen. I know you’re studying law. That could prove a valuable asset.”
“Maybe.” Adelaide couldn’t help but suppress a sleepy yawn. Despite her interest in this conversation, the combination of good food and a warm car ride was making her drowsy.
It did not escape Anton’s notice. “I didn’t mean to talk your ear off. I’m sure you’re worn-out from your flight.” Anton lifted the seat between them and pulled out a woolly plaid blanket. “Feel free to have some rest,” he said, handing it to her. “You’ll need your strength and wits about you when we arrive.”
“Thank you.” She snuggled down with the blanket and began to consider all the people and circumstances he’d just described to her as puzzle pieces. How would they fit, or not fit, into a fuller picture? But not having slept for more than twenty-four hours, her mind was not clear or clever at the moment. And so she leaned back and closed her eyes and silently asked the Lord to lead her through what came next.
CHAPTER
Four
It took Adelaide a moment to get her bearings when she opened her eyes a while later. Anton was still sitting beside her, his focus on his laptop. He didn’t notice she was awake, so she took a moment to study him carefully. He mentioned that she was a few years younger than he was, so what would that make him? Maybe midthirties? Possibly, but he seemed to possess something that she’d been accused of having more than a few times—an old soul. His face had a boyish quality, though the dark-framed glasses he’d donned while she napped made him seem older—or maybe just more studious? All in all, he was a very attractive man.
Despite all the information he’d dispensed upon her, she really knew very little about him personally. His mother was British, he’d gone to Cambridge, and his uncle was a prime minister. She knew he worked with his uncle but was unsure of his job title ... or if he was married. Of course, his personal life was irrelevant and none of her business, but just the same, she was curious.
“You’re awake.” He smiled, removing his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose. “And just in time.” He nodded towardthe window on his side. “You’ll be getting your first peek at the palace after we go around this next curve.”
