“That’s a brilliant idea. Will you help me ask Grandmama?”
Meredith cringed. She hadn’t crossed paths with the queen since the dinner party. “I don’t think that’s necessary. You can ask her yourself, Kat.”
“She’ll treat me like a child. That’s what she does when she doesn’t want me to have my way.”
“Why wouldn’t she want you to invite your friend?”
“Probably because she’s not from the right kind of family.” Kat stuck out her lower lip.
“Then why not ask your father?”
“He’s gone. He had to accompany Astrid and her family to Switzerland.”
“Oh?” She wanted to ask why, but it was none of her business. Besides, why should the nanny care? “Well, can’t you wait until your father returns?”
“Grandmama is already sending invitations.” She turned away from the mirror. “Please, Meri, you’re not afraid to stand up to her. Can’t you do that for me?”
Meredith smiled. “Sure, why not?” The worst that could happen was the queen could have her thrown out of the country. And that might be a blessing in disguise.
Kat hugged Meredith. “Thank you. If Kalina can come, the ball may actually be fun.”
“Will you need a gown for it?” Meredith watched as Kat applied a bit of mascara to her pale lashes. Ever since the dinner party night, the queen had not mentioned Kat’s minimal use of the makeup products. The skin care regime was already improving her complexion. In due time, Kat might really turn out to be a beauty. Not that looks were so important. After all, Kat had deeper and more lasting qualities to develop first.
Kat was already on her phone, texting Kalina. “Yes. I need a formal grown-up sort of gown. If Kalina can come to the ball, you can take both of us shopping together. Maybe we can go to Vienna to look.”
Meredith wasn’t too sure about that. Given Spencer’s earlier concern about security, Vienna seemed unlikely. As far as she could tell, no one was overly worried here in Rotslavia, but she had noticed plenty of guards posted about.
“Come to breakfast with us,” Kat pleaded. “It’ll just be Mishka and me and Grandmama since the rest are all gone now.”
“Does your grandmother expect you?” Meredith thought how pleasant a quiet breakfast with just her and the children would be.
“She said we’re to take all meals with her while Papa is gone.” Kat frowned. “It almost seems like she’s trying to keep us away from you, Meri.”
“She may have her reasons. I think it’s wise to prepare ourselves for the day she sends me on my way, Kat.”
“She can’t do that. Papa hired you. Not her.”
“She’s queen.”
Kat scowled.
Mishka poked his head in. “Meri, I need your help. It’s Nanny Bosko’s day off, and I can’t find my shoes.”
“I’m coming,” she told him.
Before long, they were all ready to go down to breakfast with the queen, but Meredith wondered just how welcome she would be. Still, she held her head high and would take whatever was dealt to her. But the queen received her well, and breakfast was surprisingly civil until the children were excused and Meredith was asked to remain.
“Meri has something to ask you about, Grandmama,” Kat said before leaving.
The queen nodded, and it was just the two of them. “What is it you want to ask of me, Miss Cardwell?”
“Princess Katerina told me of the birthday ball you are planning. She would like to invite her friend Kalina.”
She frowned. “Who is this Kalina? Do I know her?”
“She’s a classmate of the princess. They have become good friends. In fact, she is the only close friend of the princess. I’m sure you must agree that good social relationships are fundamental to a person’s maturity.”
“Tell the princess to send me this girl’s information, and if it seems fitting, she will be invited.”
