Of course he did.Because Viktor was nothing if not strategically ruthless.
"When?"
"He's requesting ten o'clock.I can put him off if you'd prefer."
"No.Schedule it."If Viktor wanted to play games, I'd show him exactly how that would work out."And Roberto?Make sure Princess Bettina is informed.This meeting concerns her."
"Understood, sir."
I spent the next forty minutes reviewing the authorization form for the annulment documents and signing my name to something that would likely haunt me for the rest of my life.Then I headed to the formal receiving room where Viktor had undoubtedly arranged this little ambush.
Betty arrived looking confused and wary.She'd changed into a simple dress, nothing formal, probably because she hadn't known this was a diplomatic meeting.
"What's going on?"she asked.
"Viktor brought Princess Anastasia for a visit.Diplomatic courtesy."
Her face went carefully blank."The Russian princess."
"The one from the photos, yes."
"Why?"
"Because Viktor is trying to destabilize you.Show you what a 'proper' princess looks like.Make you feel inadequate."I caught her hand."Don't let him."
She pulled away."I can handle Viktor."
"I know you can.But this isn't about handling him.This is about him being manipulative and cruel."
"I'm aware."Her voice had gone cold."Let's just get this over with."
Viktor entered with Princess Anastasia on his arm, and I had to admit the staging was effective.Anastasia was stunning, tall, blonde, elegant in a way that came from generations of royal breeding and training.She wore a simple but obviously expensive dress that probably cost more than most people's cars, and she moved with the unconscious grace of someone who'd never had to think about my posture.
Everything Betty wasn't.Everything Viktor wanted me to see.
"Your Highness."Viktor bowed."Thank you for agreeing to meet on such short notice.May I present Her Imperial Highness, Princess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Belarus."
Anastasia smiled and executed a perfect curtsy."Your Highness, it's an honor.And you must be Princess Bettina."She turned to Betty with what seemed like genuine warmth."I've been so eager to meet you.The stories about your arrival have been fascinating."
Betty managed a smile that didn't reach her eyes."Your Imperial Highness.Welcome to Solmarina."
We settled into the formal chairs arranged for polite conversation, and I could feel Betty's tension radiating from across the small table.
"I hope you don't mind the intrusion," Anastasia said."Lord Viktor mentioned you were here in the palace, and I couldn't resist the opportunity.I've been wanting to visit Solmarina for ages."
"What brings you to the Mediterranean?"I asked, keeping my voice neutral.
"Oh, several things.There's a racing event in Monaco next week, I have three horses competing.And I've been meaning to tour the region's equestrian facilities.Lord Viktor was kind enough to arrange introductions."She turned to Viktor with a grateful smile that seemed entirely genuine.
Of course she had horses.Of course Viktor had arranged this.
"You race horses?"Betty's voice was carefully controlled.
"I breed them, actually.Thoroughbreds, primarily, though I've been expanding into Lusitanos recently."Anastasia's entire face lit up."Do you ride, Princess Bettina?"
"I'm learning."
"How wonderful!There's nothing quite like horses, is there?The connection, the trust, the partnership."She turned to me."Lord Viktor mentioned you have an impressive stable here.Lusitanos and Andalusians, if I'm not mistaken?"
