“You must dress for the cold.”
“Yes.” She nodded. “Anton said that snow is forecasted.”
Her father called out to his ever-present assistant in fast German, asking him to fetch something. Adelaide couldn’t make out what he had requested, but Herr Schneider took off like a shot.
“You are my representation,” the king told her. “I cannot be present, but you will be like my...” His brow creased as if he were struggling for words. “My ambassador.”
Herr Schneider returned to the room with a large rectangular box.
“Ja, ja.” The king gestured for him to open it.
Herr Schneider did so, then peeled back layers of tissue paper to reveal a furry garment. The king instructed his aide to take out the dark brown coat and help Adelaide try it on.
Shocked by what she knew must be a very expensive coat made from real fur, and slightly worried about how some of her animal activist friends back home might react, she gingerly slipped her arms into it. The satin lining slid on easily, sumptuously. “Oh my.” She didn’t know what to say. “What is this made of?”
“Russian sable.”
Although she wasn’t sure what that meant, she suspected it was special by his tone.
“It belonged to my mother.” His eyes twinkled as he looked at her. “A gift from my father for their twenty-fifth anniversary.”
She stroked the soft fur. “It’s beautiful.”
“Beautiful like you, mein lieber Tochter. You must wear it with pride.”
Adelaide wasn’t sure about that, but holding her head high, she reminded herself that she would be representing the king tonight. “I will take good care of my grandmother’s beautiful coat,” she promised.
“It has been remade for you, Adelaide. It isyourcoat now.” He reached for a blue box that had been tucked beneath his chair. “And you must also wear this.” He handed her the velvet-covered box.
Almost afraid to breathe, she slowly opened it. “Oh, Father.” She blinked at the sparkling necklace, then snapped the box closed again. “That is far too grand for me.”
“Nonsense.” He waved a hand at her. “The diamond necklace belonged to your grandmother. Your namesake. It is fitting you wear it tonight. And at other Christmas celebrations. You are a princess, Adelaide. I want you to look like one.” His eyes looked misty. “It pleases me.”
“I will wear it for you, Father.”
“Danke schoen.” He pointed to the mantel clock. “You must prepare yourself for the tree lighting. Anton will be waiting.”
She kissed his cheek, thanking him again, and told herself she would return his lavish gifts before leaving for home. But for now, she would do what she could to make him proud and happy.
A driver dropped Adelaide and Anton off next to the village square, where crowds were already gathered around musiciansand food kiosks. A tall evergreen was situated in the center of the square. “What a beautiful setting,” Adelaide said. “The only thing missing is the snow.”
“I just heard the weather forecast has put snow a few more days out.”
“Well, it’s still lovely.” She smiled at a pair of cherub-like children waiting in line for a treat.
“And you are lovely too.” Anton held out his arm. “Like a real princess.”
More like a real Cinderella, she thought as she looped her arm through his. She’d already confessed to Anton how awkward she felt in furs and jewels. “I just hope I make the king proud,” she murmured as he led her toward a platform where Albert and several other dignified-looking citizens were seated.
“You’re to sit next to my uncle,” Anton explained.
“What about you?”
“I’ll be down here with the riffraff,” he joked, pointing to the end of the table.
“Willkommen, Princess Adelaide.” Albert stood to greet her. He shook her hand and pulled out a chair for her in the center of the long table. Then, taking his time, he politely introduced her to the others at the table, explaining who they were before he sat back down.
“Almost time.” As Albert checked his watch, Adelaide noticed Queen Johanna and Georg walking through the growing crowd. Both held their heads high as they smiled and nodded as various greetings were tossed their way. Clearly they were used to being treated like celebrities here and were comfortable in their element.
