But Maya looked determined, still eying Lina. “Is it that you don’t like Prince Farcus? Or is he too old for you?”
“Well, he is five years older.” Lina fiddled with the latch on her evening bag. “But that’s not much.”
“And you seem like you’d make a good queen,” Maya continued.
“Maya,” Adelaide put an edge into her voice. “Stop needling Lina.”
“It’s all right.” Lina smiled at Maya. “To be honest, I used to admire the prince ... from a distance.”
“Aha!” Maya pointed to Adelaide. “See, I was onto something, and you didn’t even know it.”
Thankfully, they reached the cathedral, and all talk of Lina and Farcus was set aside. Still, Adelaide couldn’t help but wonder if Maya really had been onto something. She also wondered if she, as a member of the royal family, might be able to give this theory a few gentle nudges. Her uncle could do far worse than Lina. And yet, she reminded herself, a marriage for love was far better than one of convenience.
Before and during the coronation, Adelaide made sure to keep Lina nearby. Partly because she really needed her help and partly as a way to bring her to her uncle’s attention. The coronation ceremony went off just as smoothly and was very similar to the one two weeks ago. Except that it was Adelaide who was allowed to crown her uncle King Farcus.
Though she would probably never admit it, the ceremony was bittersweet. She was glad to be free of the royal responsibilities and the loneliness, but a part of her had hoped to use the crown to really serve the people of Montovia and to make her father proud. Her extremely short reign had come to an abrupt end.
As she stood on the sidelines, listening to the choir singing before King Farcus made his first speech, she looked up to where sun was streaming through the stained glass window and imagined her father smiling down on her. It was almost as if she could really feel him—like his hand was on her shoulder with the comforting assurance that she’d pleased him.God’s plan in God’s time.Two weeks had been exactly right.
Adelaide felt like she was floating as she and Maya went down to the ballroom for the Christmas Eve party and coronation celebration. She had never felt so free and unburdenedsince arriving at Montovia. It was as if all the heaviness had been lifted, and she was able to simply enjoy herself. Tonight she wore an emerald green satin gown. This, too, had been selected by Lina, whose fashion sense was so flawless, Adelaide wondered if she’d be able to dress without her. The stylish gown, Maya had pointed out, matched Adelaide’s eyes almost perfectly. Adelaide also wore the diamond necklace, which King Farcus had told her belonged to her. As well as the fur coat.
“Those were gifts from your father. Youmustkeep them!” her uncle had finally proclaimed as they went over final loose ends together. King Farcus still wanted to know her plans for the future. He’d encouraged her to remain in Montovia and make it her home, but as she told him and everyone—including Maya, who asked hourly—she wasn’t sure where her home was anymore.
“You look beautiful,” she told Maya as they went down the palace stairs to the first floor.
“Thanks to Lina.” Maya ran a hand down her burgundy lace skirt. “That woman is amazing. A fashionista with a brain.”
“Speaking of Lina, you remember the plan for when we enter the ballroom?” Adelaide asked under her breath.
“Yeah. I’ll go sit by Albert and his wife while you and your uncle cut the rug.”
Adelaide frowned. “Cut the rug?”
“That’s what my grandpa calls dancing.”
Adelaide smiled as they entered the ballroom. Filled with formally attired guests, the room smelled of enticing food, and quiet music played from the orchestra ensemble. The celebration was ready to begin. As planned, King Farcus, who was seated at the royal table, would stand to welcome Princess Adelaide to the party. The ensemble would play the national anthem with King Farcus saluting the flag and Princess Adelaide a few feet behind him. Then the ensemble would start to play“The Royal Waltz,” and Adelaide would dance with the king. This had been Lina’s idea, and Albert had heartily agreed. Just one more way to reassure everyone that this had been a peaceful and congenial transfer of power.
After their dance ended, King Farcus and Princess Adelaide were expected to choose new partners, and the dance floor would be open to all. At Adelaide’s suggestion, her uncle would invite Lina to dance. Secretly, Adelaide hoped to spy Anton and ask him to join her. However, as she and Farcus twirled about the floor, she discreetly surveyed the guests but didn’t see Anton anywhere. Her heart sank. Was he even here?
The waltz ended, Farcus bowed, and the princess curtsied as the crowd cheered. While the musicians played a brief interlude, the two royals set off to find their next partners. Lina, as instructed, was waiting nearby, looking glamorous in a silvery blue gown. She took the king’s hand with a smile on her face. Adelaide, feeling a bit lost, gave up on Anton and decided to ask Albert instead. She was halfway to him when she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she felt her face light up at the sight of Anton. Looking incredibly handsome in his formal attire, he smiled as he took a deep bow.
“May I have this dance?” he asked, extending his hand to her.
Adelaide didn’t miss the amused twitters of some of the onlookers—as if they were privy to this little joke. Ignoring them, she smiled. “Of course.”
The ensemble started to play “The Blue Danube,” and Anton took her into his arms. Suddenly they were waltzing and happily whirling around the ballroom as other couples, the royal counselors, and Parliament members joined them. Not for the first time since coming to Montovia, Adelaide was grateful for the classical dancing lessons her mother had forced her to take as a preadolescent. And for a brief happy moment, she imagined her beautiful mother and handsome father, both whole andwell, energetically waltzing together in heaven right now. The image was so sweet that her smile grew even bigger.
After the number ended, Anton led her from the dance floor. “I’m sorry I was late,” he said as they strolled along the sidelines.
“I’m just glad you made it.” She kept her arm looped in his as he led them out into the main hall, stopping to admire the enormous Christmas tree with its colorful lights and decorations.
“I got distracted by my sister at her restaurant.”
“How is Elsa?”
“She’s fine. I was helping her to prepare for a little Christmas Eve party she is hosting at her restaurant. She wants me to invite you.”
“Tonight? Another party?”
