“Good move,” Anton whispered to her. “Your humility will win over the people.”
“It just seemed the right thing to do.” She smiled at a group of citizens who were intently watching her. “Unfortunately, I’m afraid I’m not winning over the queen,” she said quietly, returning a happy wave to some grinning children. She wasn’t used to this much attention but was trying to take it in stride.
“The queen reminds me of that old saying,” he whispered. “If looks could kill, you’d be in trouble. But don’t mind her.”
They continued to smile, praising the mulled wine and gingerbread as they sampled and happily returned greetings to well-wishers in the crowd.
Before long, Adelaide was dancing again, eventually getting so warm that even the queen’s icy stares didn’t chill her. She shed the beautiful but heavy fur coat and danced with Anton and the villagers. She couldn’t remember when she’d ever had so much fun.
CHAPTER
Eleven
By now everyone in the palace seemed to know Adelaide, but Anton still insisted upon seeing her inside after the tree-lighting festivities. As he told her good night, he reminded her of the other upcoming Christmas activities.
“King Max is determined to ride in tomorrow’s parade with you,” Anton informed her as they took the elevator up to her floor, “but my uncle is doubtful his physician will approve of him sitting in the open air for that long.”
“I guess I see his point, but it’s sad the king is missing out on all the fun.”
“Hopefully, he’ll save enough strength to attend celebrations here in the palace. As you’ve seen on the schedule, several events are on the roster.”
“Montovia really makes a big deal about Christmas.”
He studied her. “How do you feel about that?”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love it. Childhood Christmases were pretty lackluster and sparse. I remember thinking everyone else had a lot more fun than Mom and me.”
“Well, the first week of December is always busy here. It’ll quiet down some after Saint Nicholas Day.” He paused as the elevator doors opened. “By the way, your father would be proud of you tonight. You were wonderful, Adelaide. A true princess.” His smile gave her a happy rush and for a split second, she thought he might kiss her.
“Thanks.” She felt her cheeks flush as she exited the elevator.
“I’ll be here at ten in the morning.” He tipped his head, pushed the elevator button, and as the doors closed, flashed her another big smile. Despite the long evening and all the dancing, her feet felt light as feathers as she headed to her room.
“Excuse me.”
Adelaide pivoted in the hall. Queen Johanna emerged from the royal quarters, almost as if she’d been lurking in wait for her.
“Yes?” Adelaide paused, taking a closer look at the queen’s regal gown of burgundy moiré satin and her jeweled necklace and earrings. Very queenly.
“We need to talk.” The queen motioned to the room behind her.
Adelaide wasn’t so sure they did, but curiosity won out and she followed the queen into the royal living room. Although there was an inviting fire in the hearth, the queen didn’t invite her to sit. Instead, she pointed at Adelaide.
“Where did you get that coat?”
“From the king.”
She scowled. “And the diamonds? Also from the king?”
Adelaide locked eyes with her, nodding. “That’s right.”
“Gifts from the king?”
Adelaide considered this. Part of her wanted to admit she planned to return the coat and diamonds, but then she reconsidered. “They belonged to my grandmother, my namesake.” She stroked the soft fur. “My father had this coat refashioned for me. I’ve never felt anything so soft.”
The queen pursed her lips. “Queen Adelaide’s Russian sable. Very valuable. Too precious for a young girl. And the necklace—too valuable to dance in so carelessly. It could have been lost.”
“I made sure the latch was secure,” Adelaide said. “And Albert kept an eye on the sable for me. I’m sorry it worried you, but my father entrusted me with these things. And I am not a young girl.”
The queen narrowed her eyes. “I fear for the king. His mind is going. It makes him thoughtless and reckless. He is not responsible.”
“His mind is going? Where?” Adelaide challenged. “I’ve had long, detailed conversations with him, and he is sharp and clear and focused.”
“You do not know what goes on here.” The queen folded her arms across her front. “You are only a visitor. The sooner you leave us, the better for the king. For his sake, you should go now.”
“My father doesn’t want me to go.” Adelaide held her ground. “Why would you say that?”
“The king is not well. You stay longer and it will hurt him more. I know your plan to return to your country after Christmas. Why prolong this agony for the king? If you love him, you will go now.” She waved her hand dismissively. “It’s for the best.”
“I know my presence makes you uncomfortable,” Adelaide said slowly. “I’m sorry about that. But I came here for my father, and I will stay as long as he wants me to.” Of course, even as she said this, she wondered, What if he wants me here indefinitely? “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m tired from the long day. Gute nacht.”
Adelaide had never wanted to be treated like a celebrity, but after the Christmas parade and her ride in the beautiful gilt-trimmed carriage, pulled by a gorgeous pair of Percheron horses, she felt pretty special. Her favorite part had been waving to the crowd and tossing candies to the kiddies. Hopefully she was a good representative for the king.
Not far behind her in the parade, Queen Johanna and Prince Georg had ridden in the back of a classic Mercedes-Benz convertible. According to Anton, the king always rode unaccompanied in the royal carriage, with family following. Although Queen Johanna had expected the honor of the carriage ride in his absence, the king had insisted it be Princess Adelaide. Of course, Adelaide knew this would drive the wedge between her and the queen only that much deeper.
“It’s no wonder she hates me,” Adelaide told Anton as he drove her back to the palace after the parade. “If I weren’t here, she and Georg would have all the fanfare to themselves.”
“True, but what about the people? They seem to really enjoy your presence. And it pleases the king.”
“I know, but I’m still concerned.” She shared the queen’s warning from last night—how Adelaide’s lingering presence might make it harder for the king.
Anton frowned. “Naturally, the queen wants you gone. Any reason is a good reason in her mind. But you can’t let her frighten you away.”
“She doesn’t frighten me. Not really. I mean, I can stand up to her. I just worry that I’m giving my father false hopes that I will remain here . . . well, indefinitely.”
Anton’s brow furrowed, but he said nothing.
“That was never my plan,” she continued. “I tried to make it clear from the start that this is only a visit. Albert encouraged me to come meet my father. I planned to stay through Christmas and then go home and finish my law degree.”