Scottie scanned the row of uniformed security, finding Michael, composed and regal.Without changing his expression, he stepped out to join her, falling in a few paces behind.He was here.Near.Her welcomed shadow.Something in Lauchtenland that felt uniquely hers.
Guests gathered to sing as the orchestra played the national anthem, “One Nation for Thee.”Then the Kongelig Herrer—the Royal Gentlemen—shaped the crowd into orderly lines.
“We’re always the A line,” Kate said, taking Scottie’s arm as they crossed the lawn.Their Kongelig Herrer read from a discreet note over the queen’s shoulder.
“This is Mr.and Mrs.Cornwall.He’s the new director of the youth centre.She was recently Teacher of the Year.”
The couple bowed and curtsied, speaking quickly in Dalholm shorthand.
“Yer Majesty, Lady Royal.Honored.Please.Thanks.”
“As are we,” Kate said.“Thank you for your work with Dalholm’s youth.Tell me, Mrs.Cornwall, how did you get into teaching?”
They spoke briefly, then moved on—everything proper, polite.Halfway down the line, Scottie spotted Mrs.Johansdotter in a yellow dress with a fascinator perched on stiff curls.Beside her stood a portly gentleman tugging his waistcoat and fanning his face with his top hat.
“Excuse me.”Scottie stepped from the queen’s conversation and approached.“I’m so glad you could come, Mrs.Johansdotter.”She offered her hand.“How are you and your daughter?”
Mrs.Johansdotter stepped back.“We came.See queen, miss.”
“Of course—yes, she’s eager to meet you.”The line compressed, guests edging closer.Scottie subtly reached for Michael.“I’m so sorry about that night on the quay.I shouldn’t have gone out alone.”
The woman made a stern face as if holding in her“You got that right”reply.“Me, daughter.Fine.”
“Nightmares,” the husband added.“Screams.”
Michael leaned in.“Ask how she likes the party.”
Right.“Have you tried the cakes in the dessert tent?”
“Long line.”Mr.Johansdotter cast a look of longing in that direction then straightened.“No—here for Her Maj.”
The crowd parted as the queen and the Royal Gentlemen stopped before them.
“Mr.and Mrs.Johansdotter,” Kate said.“Welcome to Hadsby.How are you finding things today?”
Mr.Johansdotter bowed repeatedly, awe softening his expression.Mrs.Johansdotter curtsied more than once.Kate expertly directed their short conversation before moving on.That’s when Mrs.Johansdotter caught Scottie’s hand.
“Didn’t want…to say it,” she whispered.“Made me.”
“Who made you?”
“Thems.TV.Paid money.Needed.”
“To say I caused the mob—and that’s why you were pushed?”
She nodded, eyes wide.“Sorry, Yer Lady.”
“It’s okay.Thank you for telling me.”Scottie glanced toward her mother, now greeting another couple.Mr.Johansdotter had already slipped toward the cake tent.“I shouldn’t have been down there alone.”
“Still.”Agnus Johansdotter squeezed her arm.“You—themsdon’t like.Want gone.”She leaned back, wary.“Careful, Yer Lady.”
“Who wants me gone?”The RECO people?A handful of loud citizens?
“Thems,” she repeated.“All I know.”
“Thank you, Mrs.Johansdotter.Very much.”
“No, Yer Lady.Thank you.Me life—you saved.”Her eyes glistened.“Me daughter.”She hugged Scottie quickly then backed away as one of the Royal Gentlemen approached.
