“Where is Rotslavia?” Meredith asked Katerina.
“It’s not far from Austria. It’s a tiny principality bordered by Slovakia and the Czech Republic.”
“I’ve never heard of it,” Meredith confessed.
Mishka’s brow creased. “Never?”
“We are small. Not even as big as Liechtenstein, although some have compared our countries. But Liechtenstein has more Germanic influence, whereas we are more Slavic with some Russian influence.”
“What language does your country use?”
“A form of Slavic.”
“But you both speak perfect English.”
“Our father is British. But we also speak German, French, and Russian.”
“Fascinating.” Meredith studied both children. “And because you are firstborn, Katerina, you are heir to the throne. Not your brother?”
“That’s correct. The line of succession is not gender related.” She frowned at her brother. “Thankfully.”
“But if anything happens to Kat, I’m next,” he bragged.
Katerina’s eyes narrowed. “For that reason, I keep a close watch on my backside.”
Meredith couldn’t help but laugh. She looked from Kat to Mishka and shook her head. “I must admit that you two don’t seem like siblings. Not in looks or actions.”
“Good.” Katerina seemed pleased.
“You resemble your father,” Meredith said. Kat’s coloring definitely looked like the man Meredith had briefly met at the Ritz in Vienna this afternoon. Red wavy hair, ruddy complexion, muscular build.
“I look like Mama,” Mishka supplied. “Everyone says so.”
Kat glared at him. “Shut up, brat.”
“Katerina.” Meredith couldn’t keep the scolding from her tone. “Perhaps I should call youPrincessKaterina. Butregardless of title, that’s not a polite thing to say to anyone. Especially your brother. I assume he is a prince?”
“I am Prince George Mikal Badura Malikov Novosad the First,” he proclaimed. “The first!”
“Hopefully the last,” Kat retorted.
“Princess Katerina.” Meredith let the reprimand stay in her tone. “Please.”
“You don’t have to call herprincesshere,” Mishka said. “We get to be just regular kids in Austria.”
“But when we’re in Rotslavia, we are to be called by our titles,” Kat told her. “Not that you will be there with us. Papa only wants you to help while we are in Austria.”
Meredith had so many questions now. “Why are you in Austria? May I ask?”
“Because it’s safe here,” Kat said.
“Safe? Is your homeland unsafe?”
“Sometimes. But we like it here in Austria.” Kat sipped her milk.
“And Papa wanted us to come here. For a holiday,” Mishka offered. “We would go to our island house, but the princess isafraidto fly.”
“I am not,” she retorted.
