“I can see that. And I like her. But you have been my friend and confidante. I hate to lose that.”
He stood straighter. “I understand. But it’s unavoidable. My uncle has made it clear that I am to step back. Already there has been talk that I am overly involved with you. Besides that, I suspect I have neglected my own province responsibilities. Plus, with the Christmas holidays upon us”—he cleared his throat—“I need to spend more time with my family.”
His excuses had fallen flat on her ears until he mentioned his family. For some reason, that filled her with an unexpected and overwhelming loneliness. Where was her family? How would she spend her Christmas? She remembered the cheery holiday warmth at the Baumanns’ home. Would they consider hosting her during the holidays? Probably not. Now that she was about to become queen, everything changed. The lonely life of a monarch—it was beginning.
“Well, then, I thank you, Herr Balazs,” she said politely. “For all you have done since I arrived here. I will always appreciate your kindness and your help.” She held her head high, hoping he wouldn’t notice the glistening of tears in her eyes. “Gute nacht.” And then she closed the door.
The funeral for King Maximillian V was held in the cathedral and was well attended, with standing room only. Respectably dressed in a charcoal gray dress with a single string of pearls, Adelaide took her place in the front row with Lina on one side and Albert on the other. By now the exile of the queen and her son was fairly common knowledge in the kingdom. Rumors, not far from the truth, were circulating. And other than a few outspoken individuals, no one seemed overly concerned about the recent royal changes. Like Anton had told her, people moved on quickly.
Adelaide listened intently to the service. Although it was long, the words said were touching, and the tears shed seemed genuine. King Max had been a devoted ruler. He’d been well loved and would be dearly missed. Adelaide had big shoes to fill.
She knew the palace’s press releases about the new queen had gone out the night before. According to Albert, who joined her for a quiet luncheon and was now acting as her official advisor, there had been a few opponents, protesting Adelaide’s right to wear the crown.
“It’s not unexpected,” Albert explained.
“Is it because my parents weren’t married?”
He waved a hand. “The protestors may use that as an excuse, but it isn’t the first time this has happened in Montovia.”
She tilted her head to the side in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Your great-grandfather was born under similar circumstances, and he ruled without objection.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“There’s no need to worry. We are dealing with it.”
“How?” she persisted.
“As you know, we published the king’s final letter. Also, we’ve released quotes from our lawbooks, stating succession rules, which are supported by Parliament. And we’ve reminded people about your great-grandfather.”
“You think that’s enough.”
He nodded firmly. “As King Max’s daughter, you are the legitimate heir, Adelaide.”
The wordlegitimaterang false in her ears, but she kept her thoughts to herself. “What about my father’s adoption of Prince Georg?”
“Georg doesn’t have the bloodlines that you have.”
“That’s true. But Johanna and Georg still have some citizen support. I suspect those are the ones who will cause trouble.”
“We are prepared to fully expose Johanna’s indiscretions if necessary. We prefer that she make a full public confession, but if she refuses, we will share a press release explaining why she and her son have no claim to the throne.”
“So, she’s still giving you the silent treatment?”
“She is a stubborn, prideful, and selfish woman.”
Adelaide just nodded. This was not news to her.
“So, are you ready for the coronation this afternoon?” he asked brightly.
“I’ll admit that my head is spinning some.”
“We regret that so much is thrust upon you so suddenly, but it is how things are done here. Do you have all you need for the ceremony? Are you fully prepared?”
“Lina has been an excellent coach. She has chosen my gowns and instructed me on every step, but I know she still wants to go over it with me again.”
“Lina is a treasure.”
