“So it seems.”
“So you think the queen really intended to have my uncle killed?”
“That seems likely.”
A cold chill rushed through her. “Is it possible Farcus is already dead?”
Anton sighed. “That is my uncle’s fear. It would explain why the queen is being so tight-lipped.”
“What a royal mess.”
“You got that right.”
By that evening, Adelaide was back at the palace. Although Albert had suggested she occupy the royal quarters, she insisted on remaining in her old suite. She knew Johanna and Georg would remain in custody until either a confession or sufficient evidence was secured so there was no worry that they would return, but Adelaide felt more comfortable in the smaller bedroom. After all, as she reminded Albert and Anton, she was still grieving her father. She needed time alone ... to think.
Albert had read King Max’s letter to her, after the three of them had a somber dinner in the royal dining room. Although it was touching to hear her father’s confidence in her ability to lead Montovia, she was not convinced. It all seemed so bizarre and incomprehensible. She really wanted to talk to someone. Someone from her old life. Someone who knew her. She hadn’t communicated with Maya for several days now and even then, only by text exchanges. She decided it was high time for a phone call. She calculated the time difference, then picked up her phone. It was afternoon for Maya, so she called.
Before Adelaide had a chance to speak, Maya started firing off questions about Anton. “I know you have feelings for the guy,” she insisted. “So, tell me what’s happening? How is he?”
“Anton is fine, Maya. But my father”—she paused to gather her composure—“the king, is dead.”
Maya gasped. “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. Are you doing okay?”
The sympathy tugged at Adelaide’s heart, but she kept her voice even. “Yes. I’m okay. I mean, it’s been hard. I barely got to know him, Maya. But he was a wonderful man. He would’ve been a good father. He loved me and I loved him.”
“Then you should be thankful you went to visit him before it was too late. Will you stay on until Christmas now that he’s gone?”
Now she spilled the story of her father’s desire for her to rule Montovia. “Just saying those words out loud sounds so crazy. So ... surreal.”
“Wow!”
Disappointed in Maya’s less-than-helpful response, Adelaide then told her about the queen’s diabolical plan involving her missing uncle. “Prince Farcus would’ve been heir to the throne.”
“No kidding! This sounds like a Masterpiece Theater movie.”
“Come on, Maya. This is my life. And I really need to figure things out.”
“So what do you want, Addie?”
She rubbed her hand over her eyes. “Want?”
“Yeah. What is your heart telling you? You talk about what they want from you, but what do you want?”
“Peace on earth?”
“Seriously. Your father wanted you to be queen. Is that what you want?”
“No, of course not. I’ve never wanted to be queen of anything. Especially not a whole country. Even if it is a small one.”
“Then come home.”
Adelaide considered this. Home? Where was home, really? With old Mrs. Crabtree and her cats?
“Okay, so you’re not ready to come home yet. Tell me, where does Anton fit in? I was certain you had a serious crush on him.”
Adelaide considered her words. Was she ready to admit to anyone, even her best friend, she had strong feelings for him? “Well, Anton has been pretty amazing.”
“Aha, so you are crushing?”
