“In a way.”
He led her to a table by the window, then pulled out her chair like a true gentleman. “Not growing up like royalty has its benefits.”
“Oh, trust me, I’ve seen Georg. I’m glad I wasn’t raised like that. I have no regrets.”
“I can see that. And I understand your desire to return toyour country and your old way of life.” He pursed his lips. “I realize it’s not fair for us to expect anything more from you than just an enjoyable visit. My uncle and I discussed this for quite some time last night.”
She didn’t know what to say, and since the barista was asking for their orders, she distracted herself with ordering a latte and a hazelnut croissant. But after the barista left, Adelaide tried to organize her thoughts. She wanted to explain her position to Anton.
“I’m aware that my father, and perhaps others too, would like me to remain in Montovia. I’m sure it seems only natural that I’d want to stay. Not every young woman is offered a palace, furs, jewels—it’s a little girl’s dream. But I realize there’s much more to this. Being the ruler of a small kingdom is no small task.”
“That’s true. But, as you know, Montovia is not a sole monarchy.”
“Yes, but even in a constitutional monarchy, the ruler plays a large role in leadership. Not to mention their royal veto power over Parliament as well as being the tiebreaker vote for issues where Parliament is divided.”
“Youhavebeen doing your homework.” His brows arched.
“That’s a big responsibility. Especially for a newcomer to the royal family and to Montovia.”
“Yet a newcomer with a certain educational background, intelligence, and sensibility could prove a great asset to the principality.” His smile was enticing.
She smiled back at him as their order was set on the table.
“Listen, Adelaide,” he spoke with intensity after the barista left, “I understand your reluctance, but I’d like you to understand our urgency. Why we hope you’ll at least consider our position.”
She nodded. “I’m listening.”
Now he described how Montovia was often split between the haves and have-nots. “As you know, I grew up in the Gruberprovince. Mining is the main industry, and although everyone in our province works very hard, when it comes to funding for things like schools, roads, public safety, and such, we are always scrabbling. The wealthier provinces can often be split on issues that affect us, but King Max has always been sympathetic to our causes. Because of his generous vote, we will get a new secondary school next year, and we hope to begin on a much-needed new fire station following that.”
“That sounds encouraging.” She sipped her latte.
“Yes, it does—right now. But if King Max is replaced by Georg, with the queen mother in his ear, we might lose those very necessary improvements.”
“Oh.” Adelaide nodded. She could easily imagine the queen taking a hard-nosed position like that. “So having a fair and compassionate ruler is important.”
“Vitally important.”
“But why me? What happened to my uncle? Do you think Prince Farcus has hidden because he’s worried about his throne responsibilities? What were his leanings?”
“Farcus is a good man. Perhaps not as well-suited to leadership as King Max, but we believed he would grow into it. And we believed he was ready to accept the crown.”
“Then where is he?” She set her coffee cup down with a clunk. “Why can’t he be located?”
“Believe me, we are working on it. All we now know is he actually did leave Scotland at the end of his fishing trip. Not on the flight he’d originally booked, but we were able to trace a ticket in his name from a few days later. But it’s been about six weeks now.”
“That’s a long time to be missing. Where was his flight headed?”
“Vienna. And we know he arrived there. That was about six weeks ago. After that, we assumed he had planned to travel home by train since he’s always enjoyed that, but that’s where the trail ends.”
“Have his cell phone and credit cards been traced?”
“Yes, of course. But nothing.”
Adelaide glanced at the young couple at a nearby table, their heads bent together in a romantic gesture, then she looked back at Anton. “Well, it seems mysterious that he would disappear in Vienna.”
“We have investigators there trying to figure it out. But still nothing. One investigator clings to the theory that Farcus never actually flew from Edinburgh to Vienna.”
“How is that?”
