“The princess will be disappointed if Kalina can’t come. It would be unfortunate to have the guest of honor unhappy to attend her own party, don’t you think?”
“I think you have no difficulty speaking your mind, Miss Cardwell.”
“It’s something I learned from my father at a young age.”
“I see.” The queen cleared her throat. “I have something else I wish to speak to you about.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t think it’s proper for you, a young single woman, to be living so near Prince Spencer and the children. After all, Nanny Bosko is on hand for Prince George, and the princess is not so much in need of a nanny. If you wish to continue being governess to Princess Katerina until she returns to her school, I would prefer you to move to other quarters.”
The queen locked eyes with her. “Are you aware of the impending engagement of Prince Spencer to Lady Astrid?”
“Lady Astrid’s brother mentioned the possibility.” Meredith’s heart pounded.
“Then you can understand the need for you to move to other more appropriate quarters.” The queen softened. “It’s not that your help with the children is unappreciated.”
“I understand. I’ve been hoping to use my last days here to help the children adjust to the fact that I’ll be leaving.”
Her brows arched. “You are planning to leave?”
“It seems inevitable. I mentioned as much to the princess today.”
“Very good. I’m glad we have an understanding.” The queen stood, which was Meredith’s cue to respectfully do likewise. “Good day.”
As Meredith returned to the royal family’s quarters to gather the last of her things, she noticed a pair of servants coming out with her bags, but when she tried to ask, they shook their heads, saying in their native language they didn’t understand—a phrase she’d grown accustomed to—and continued on their way.
“Meri!” Mishka exclaimed as soon as she came into the living room. “Why are you leaving?”
She knelt and hugged him. “I’m not really leaving. I’m just moving to another room. Your grandmamma thinks it’s better.”
“In the castle?”
“Yes.” She stroked his hair. “No worries.”
“They took all your stuff,” Kat told her with a creased brow. “Except for your purse and a few things. But I don’t see why you have to move. We’re not too crowded here.”
“It’s for the best, Kat. Don’t worry about it.”
“You’re supposed to call this number.” Kat held out a slip of paper. “To find out where you’re staying.”
Meredith called and was informed someone was coming to take her to her new quarters. She hoped she wasn’t going down to the dungeon.
When the uniformed guard came to escort her to her new digs, the children insisted on accompanying her, one on each side like sentries. Although she wasn’t really worried, it was reassuring to know the children were watching out for her. Instead of going down the stairs, they went up…and up. Was she going to be locked in some high tower? She chuckled to herself. That was silly. “I bet there’s a good view up here,” she said absently.
“A few of the servants live up here,” Kat said in a low tone.
“Why is Grandmama sending Meri up this high?” Mishka asked his sister.
The guard paused by a wooden door, unlocking it and opening it wide to expose a small cell-like room with a high window where dust motes were floating in the sunlight. Meredith glanced around, taking in the single bed and a small wooden dresser. Her luggage, hand-me-downs from the former princess, looked strangely out of place in here.
“This is wrong,” Kat proclaimed.
“Meri can’t stay here,” Mishka agreed.
“I’m going to speak to Grandmama,” Kat declared.
“No, no, please, don’t. It’ll be fine,” Meredith assured them in a slightly shaky tone.
