Her spirits dipped at the mention of her mother. She pulled her hand back as she looked down.
“Did I offend you?”
“This is the third anniversary of her mother’s tragic accident,” Anton quietly told his uncle.
“Ja, I am so sorry.” Albert put a comforting arm around her shoulders. “Losing a mother is difficult. More so if you are young. I am so very sorry.”
She met his gaze. “Thank you.”
“Hopefully we can distract you with more pleasant things,” Anton told her.
“Ja. I hear you are my new pupil,” Albert said.
Anton looked at her. “What is this?”
“The king has arranged it to help me understand Montovian law,” she explained. “I’m very eager to learn.”
“Is it something I can sit in on too?” Anton asked his uncle.
“I see no reason you cannot join us. We meet at ten o’clock. I’ll see you both in the king’s quarters following a short meeting with the royal council.” Albert checked his watch. “You’ll have to excuse me, Princess. I’m due there now.”
She nodded.
“And we’re due to take a tour of the palace,” Anton said.
For the next hour, he gave her the full tour—including the dark, musty dungeons, which were mostly used for storage. Finally they headed clear up to the highest turret, above the roofline, where they took their second cups of coffee and sat down to enjoy the amazing view of the surrounding countryside.
“You sure know your way around the palace,” she said as she gazed out over the mist-draped hills.
“I’ve been coming here with my uncle since I was a boy. When left to my own devices, I would slip away and explore to my heart’s content.”
“What a fun way to grow up.” She felt a surprising rush of envy.
“No complaints.” He peered curiously at her. “What was your childhood like?”
She had no desire to speak about her lackluster and somewhat underprivileged childhood. At least, underprivileged bypalace standards. Not because she was ashamed, but out of respect for her mother. Especially today. “My childhood was fine. Very different from this. But just fine.” She didn’t mean to sound snippy, but she noticed his eyes flicker with concern.
Without missing a beat, he wisely changed the topic. “I’m impressed by your interest in Montovian law.”
“Well, I am studying law in the States.” She tried to brighten her tone. “And I do love to learn. I’m honored the king and your uncle are willing to meet with me.”
He took a swig from his coffee mug. “I’m honored too. They both have a wealth of information. My degree was political science, but the best education is from real life.” His phone alarm dinged. “Time to go meet them.”
On their way to the king’s chambers, Adelaide noticed Prince Georg rounding a corner with a large box in his hands. She tried to continue unnoticed, but it was too late.
“There you are.” Prince Georg hurried to catch them. “My favorite princess. Good morning.”
She smiled politely despite the urge to run in the opposite direction. “Getting ready to help with decorations? That seems like a fun job.”
“It would be more fun if you helped.” He beamed at her.
“Sorry. We have a meeting.” She nodded to Anton.
“And we don’t want to be late.” Anton nudged her along.
“I will be in the main hall,” Georg called after them. “Come join me when your meeting is done, Princess Adelaide.”
“Later,” she called back as Anton escorted her down another hallway.
