By now everyone in the palace seemed to know Adelaide, but Anton still insisted upon seeing her inside after the tree-lighting festivities. As he told her good night, he reminded her of the other upcoming Christmas activities.
“King Max is determined to ride in tomorrow’s parade with you,” Anton informed her as they took the elevator up to her floor, “but my uncle is doubtful his physician will approve of him sitting in the open air for that long.”
“I guess I see his point, but it’s sad the king is missing out on all the fun.”
“Hopefully, he’ll save enough strength to attend celebrations here in the palace. As you’ve seen on the schedule, several events are on the roster.”
“Montovia really makes a big deal about Christmas.”
He studied her. “How do you feel about that?”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love it. Childhood Christmases were pretty lackluster and sparse. I remember thinking everyone else had a lot more fun than Mom and me.”
“Well, the first week of December is always busy here. It’ll quiet down some after Saint Nicholas Day.” He paused as theelevator doors opened. “By the way, your father would be proud of you tonight. You were wonderful, Adelaide. A true princess.” His smile gave her a happy rush and for a split second, she thought he might kiss her.
“Thanks.” She felt her cheeks flush as she exited the elevator.
“I’ll be here at ten in the morning.” He tipped his head, pushed the elevator button, and as the doors closed, flashed her another big smile. Despite the long evening and all the dancing, her feet felt light as feathers as she headed to her room.
“Excuse me.”
Adelaide pivoted in the hall. Queen Johanna emerged from the royal quarters, almost as if she’d been lurking in wait for her.
“Yes?” Adelaide paused, taking a closer look at the queen’s regal gown of burgundy moiré satin and her jeweled necklace and earrings. Very queenly.
“We need to talk.” The queen motioned to the room behind her.
Adelaide wasn’t so sure they did, but curiosity won out and she followed the queen into the royal living room. Although there was an inviting fire in the hearth, the queen didn’t invite her to sit. Instead, she pointed at Adelaide.
“Where did you get that coat?”
“From the king.”
She scowled. “And the diamonds? Also from the king?”
Adelaide locked eyes with her, nodding. “That’s right.”
“Gifts from the king?”
Adelaide considered this. Part of her wanted to admit she planned to return the coat and diamonds, but then she reconsidered. “They belonged to my grandmother, my namesake.” She stroked the soft fur. “My father had this coat refashioned for me. I’ve never felt anything so soft.”
The queen pursed her lips. “Queen Adelaide’s Russian sable. Very valuable. Too precious for a young girl. And the necklace—too valuable to dance in so carelessly. It could have been lost.”
“I made sure the latch was secure,” Adelaide said. “And Albert kept an eye on the sable for me. I’m sorry it worried you, but my father entrusted me with these things. And I am not a young girl.”
The queen narrowed her eyes. “I fear for the king. His mind is going. It makes him thoughtless and reckless. He is not responsible.”
“His mind is going?Where?” Adelaide challenged. “I’ve had long, detailed conversations with him, and he is sharp and clear and focused.”
“You do not know what goes on here.” The queen folded her arms across her front. “You are only a visitor. The sooner you leave us, the better for the king. For his sake, you should go now.”
“My father doesn’t want me to go.” Adelaide held her ground. “Why would you say that?”
“The king is not well. You stay longer and it will hurt him more. I know your plan to return to your country after Christmas. Why prolong this agony for the king? If you love him, you will go now.” She waved her hand dismissively. “It’s for the best.”
“I know my presence makes you uncomfortable,” Adelaide said slowly. “I’m sorry about that. But I came here for my father, and I will stay as long as he wants me to.” Of course, even as she said this, she wondered,What if he wants me here indefinitely?“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m tired from the long day. Gute nacht.”
Adelaide had never wanted to be treated like a celebrity, but after the Christmas parade and her ride in the beautiful gilt-trimmed carriage, pulled by a gorgeous pair of Percheron horses, she felt pretty special. Her favorite part had been wavingto the crowd and tossing candies to the kiddies. Hopefully she was a good representative for the king.
