His eyes lit up. “It is perfect, mein lieber. Your grandmother Adelaide would be proud.”
As they visited, she found she was doing most of the talking. It did seem his energy was less than yesterday, and she suspected he was trying hard to pretend it wasn’t. Maybe the queen had been right...
“Queen Johanna thought you were not well enough for a visit,” she told him. “I don’t want to wear you out.”
“Your visit breathes life into these old bones.”
Now, in the hope of keeping him quiet, Adelaide told him about the last section of the Montovian lawbook she’d been reading. She asked a few questions, making sure they could be easily answered with a word or two. She could see he was tired, but even more concerning was the tone of his skin. It seemed even more sallow today.
After an hour, the nurse came in with a tray laden with alight lunch and some medicines. “I think this is my cue to go,” she whispered. Standing up, she kissed him on the cheek again, then said “adieu.”
He reached for her hand. “First you must promise to join me for dinner.” He squeezed her fingers. “We will dine early so you can attend the festivities in the village.”
“Oh, yes, tonight is the tree-lighting ceremony, isn’t it?”
“Ja.” He stuck out his bottom lip. “I am sorry to miss it, but my doctor has forbade me.”
Hoping to distract him, she returned the conversation to the dinner plans. “You said anearlydinner. What time shall I come?”
“Fünf.” He held up a hand with fingers splayed and then switched to only two fingers. “For dinner only wir zwei.We two.Und we will eat in here.”
“Oh?” Getting his meaning, she nodded eagerly. Just the two of them for dinner at five in his private quarters. “I look forward to it.” As she left, her steps lightened at the thought of being spared from the rest of the royal family for one evening. Just the two of them. How lovely!
CHAPTER
Ten
Dining alone with her father was much more enjoyable than with the royal family. Although she knew the queen would not approve, Adelaide was glad her father had planned it like this. He seemed to enjoy the more informal meal too.
“Everything was excellent,” she proclaimed as a servant removed the last of the dishes.
The king set his napkin on the table. “I asked for all my favorite foods tonight.”
“And it was all delicious. I’ve never eaten goose before—and that apple dressing was fabulous.” She sipped her coffee. “What was that chocolate dessert called again?”
“Sacher torte.” He leaned back with a satisfied smile. “I am not sad to miss the tree-lighting celebration, mein lieber.”
“Why is that?”
“It will be cold ... my old bones want the warm hearth.”
“Then I’m glad you’re not going.” Yet she felt the stiffness in her smile. “I’ll try to get some photos to bring back for you.”
“Ja, ja, that will be good. But there is another reason I am not so sad, liebe Tochter.”
She felt warmed to hear him call herdear daughter. “What is that, Father?”
“You must take my place.”
“Take your place?”
“Ja. You will light the village tree tonight. Albert is informed of my plan. He will make your introduction.”
“Really?” She blinked. “How exciting.”
His eyes twinkled. “Ja, you will be well-received. It will be good.”
She wasn’t so sure she’d be well-received by all, primarily the queen, but not wanting to worry him, Adelaide kept her concerns to herself.
