He let out a tired sounding sigh. “Sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming.”
“Is that what you meant by your interest in fulfilling my commitment? You feel like that with your role in the kingdom?”
“Exactly.” He sighed again. “To be honest, numerous times I’ve wanted to grab my children and take them to some faraway place where they could just be ordinary, with no royal responsibilities to be groomed for and grow into.” A shadow passed over him.
“Would you ever really do that?”
He pondered this as he twirled his seafood fork between his fingers. “I’ve never told anyone these things before.” He looked into her eyes. “But I think I can trust you. I’ve felt you had my children’s best interest at heart.”
“You can trust me. I care deeply about Kat and Mishka.”
“I appreciate that. And the truth is…if I thought they were in any real danger, I would definitely get them to a safer place.” His mouth twisted to one side. “But the problem is Kat. She is surprisingly loyal to her grandmother and loves her country. She may put on a rebellious act at times, but underneath all that, it’s as if she was wired for royalty.”
“I’ve noticed that too.”
“Her mother was like that. I didn’t fully understand it at first. Or maybe I just didn’t want to.” He slowly shook his head. “I suppose I didn’t appreciate it.”
“Standing on the outside, looking in, it seems rather complicated to me.”
“So, I am fulfilling my commitment. I will raise the children the best I can, but it’s as if they are royal property.”
“That must be a tough balancing act for you. Being a father and being part of a royal family.”
“You’ve gotten a glimpse of it, Meredith. But being here in Austria is not like being in Rotslavia. Life becomes much more regimented there. The truth of the matter is that, like my daughter, I too care about the country. Maybe it’s because of my children, but the older I get the more I hope I can help to sustain it, keep the citizens safe, protect an old way of life.”
“It’s not a bad purpose in life,” she conceded.
The more they talked, the more she understood the complexity of his situation and the more she cared about him. Spencer, on one hand, was just a regular man who loved his kids and would’ve enjoyed taking them sailing and coaching their cricket teams, but on the other hand, he had unrealistic royal responsibilities. Her heart went out to him.
By the time they were enjoying a delicious dessert of crème brûlée and espresso, Meredith felt that she and Spencer were old friends. And something more. A warmth had taken up residence in her chest whenever she looked over at him, which she knew was ridiculous. He would be taking the children home by midday tomorrow, and she would be on an afternoon train headed for Salzburg.
20
When they got to the hotel suite, all was quiet and tidied up in the living room. Even the gas fireplace was burning, and someone had set a tray with a bottle of brandy and two glasses on the coffee table next to the sofa. Meredith was curious about that, but seeing Spencer pacing nervously, she sensed something else troubled him.
“Are you worried about the children?” she said quietly.
He gave an apologetic nod toward their end of the suite, so she offered to check on them. She found both in their beds and, although Mishka seemed to be soundly sleeping, Meredith could tell Kat was faking, but she went out to report their safety just the same. Spencer looked relieved as he sat down on the sofa.
“Care for a nightcap?” He held up the brandy bottle with a crooked smile. “Someone seems to have left this out for us.”
She shrugged. “Why not?” As she sat on the sofa, she appreciated any excuse to extend this magical evening. With her apprehension about saying goodbyes tomorrow, she wondered if she’d even be able to sleep much anyway. A nightcap might help.
“Do you think Geoff set this out?” she asked as he handed her a glass with coppery liquid.
“It’s not really his style.” Spencer sniffed his glass.
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but I don’t think Kat was actually asleep. She doesn’t usually go to sleep this early, but it’s not like her to pretend.”
“Kat’s been acting rather mysterious lately.” He took a sip then smiled. “I wonder if she may be behind all this.”
“Behind what?” Meredith was curious if his take aligned with her own growing suspicions.
“It’s odd. Almost as if the children have joined forces to get us together. The Ferris wheel, a few random things today, and dinner with just the two of us tonight… It’s just, well, rather interesting.”
“But why are they doing that?” She studied him closely, trying to gauge his reaction to what seemed a clear case of juvenile matchmaking.
Spencer frowned then fixed his eyes on her. “It’s no secret the children are quite reluctant to part ways with you, Meredith. It’s possible they are trying to set some kind of trap to keep you around a bit longer.”
