“Papa said it was late.”

  “Yes, I noticed that. But I thought you would want time with your father.” She smoothed his hair. “You get into your pajamas and, if you want, I’ll come tuck you in.”

  “You always tuck me in,” he declared. “That’s what you do.”

  “Yes, of course. But I didn’t know if your father would want to do that. You know, since he just got here.”

  He shook his head. “Papa never tucks me in.”

  “Well, that’s probably because your nanny always does it.” She could tell he was trying not to yawn. “You better get ready for bed, Mishka, before you fall asleep on your feet. Don’t forget to brush your teeth. I’ll be right in.”

  As he plodded off to his room, she decided to check on Kat. After just a couple of light taps on her door, Kat said, “Come in.” She was sitting on her bed, looking at something on her phone.

  “I just wanted to say goodnight,” Meredith told her from the doorway.

  “You can come in if you want.”

  Surprised at this unexpected hospitality, she walked inside, closing the door behind her. “Did you have a good visit with your father?”

  “I guess.”

  “Something interesting on your phone?”

  “Kalina sent me some photos she took on the boat today.”

  “That was nice of her.”

  “Yeah, I suppose she’s not so bad after all.”

  “It was nice of you to give her a second chance.” Meredith sat in the chair by the window. “I was so impressed that you did. To be honest, I was ready to dropkick the girl myself.” She grinned. “But I guess that just goes to show that you never know what someone’s like until you really get to know them.”

  “Kalina has two older sisters that pick on her.” Kat set her phone aside.

  “Ah-ha, that explains a lot. Kids who’ve been bullied tend to become bullies.”

  “But she’s really not a bully underneath it all. She said she always regrets it after doing something mean.” Kat had an almost thoughtful expression. “I get that.”

  “Like when you’re mean to Mishka?”

  “Yeah, it never feels good afterward.”

  “I kind of thought so. It’s a sign of growing up to admit that.”

  “I’m sure I’ll still be mean sometimes.” Kat’s eyes twinkled with mischievousness. “When he gets on my last nerve.”

  Meredith laughed at the honesty. “That’s just normal sibling behavior.”

  “I guess.”

  “Well, speaking of Mishka, I should go tuck him in.” Meredith stood.

  “Thanks for today.”

  “You’re welcome. I enjoyed it too. Thanks.”

  “I’m sorry Papa got upset at you.”

  “It’s okay. I think he was just worried about his kids.” She opened the door.

  “I think he was sorry…after you left.”

  “We’ll smooth it out.” She smiled. “Don’t worry. Goodnight, Kat. Sleep well.”

  Kat told her goodnight, and Meredith slipped out, hoping she wouldn’t run into Spencer, but the hallway was vacant. She hurried into Mishka’s room, where he was already in bed.

  “I brushed my teeth.” He bared his lips to show her. “Even the ones in back.”

  “Good for you.” She sat on the side of the bed like she always did, waiting for him to recite the prayer that had become their bedtime routine and the personalized blessing requests.

  “Very nice,” she told him once he finished the prayer. She stroked his silky hair.

  “Meri?” His voice sounded extra small.

  “Yes?”

  “You won’t leave us now, will you?”

  “Well, I don’t have any plans to leave anytime soon.”

  “I mean, you won’t go back to America, will you? Because Papa was so angry…you won’t just leave, will you?”

  “No, I won’t. Your father was just worried. Grownups can sound angry when they’re worried, but usually they’re not.” She knew she wasn’t completely answering his question, but she hated to trouble him right before bed. Perhaps she could start preparing him for her eventual departure…tomorrow. For now, she smiled and kissed his forehead like she usually did before bed. “Goodnight, Mishka. Sweet dreams, sweet boy.” She stood.

  “Meri?”

  “Yes?”

  “I love you.”

  She smiled. “I love you too, Mishka.” She kissed his forehead again. “Sleep well.”

  And then she turned off the light and left, a tinge of guilt running through her. Was it wrong to say she loved him? Would it give him the hope that she would stick around for a long time? But it was true, she did love him. As she went to her suite, she knew it was time to start developing a plan to make her departure less painful for him. Perhaps they could agree to be pen pals. That might make the transition easier. But right now, she was tired. She would have to think about that tomorrow.

  The next morning, Meredith awoke to the sounds of birds chirping outside. She’d left her window open all night, and the sound of their cheerful song, combined with the sunshine and beautiful landscape, left her refreshed and recharged for another delightful day with the children. Until she remembered…Master Spencer was here. And just like that, it was as if gray clouds had rolled in, and all her expectations for a good day evaporated right before her eyes.

  She went about her morning routine, but when it was time to dress, she questioned her usual apparel of casual sporty clothes, which were good for playing tennis and soccer with the children but perhaps not what a respectable governess would wear. Still, she wasn’t sure she cared. Why should she pretend to be something she wasn’t? If the master didn’t like the way she cared for his kids, what difference did it make how she was dressed? Besides that, Kat and Mishka would probably wonder if she showed up at breakfast looking like a proper governess. Determined to let the chips fall where they may, she donned her jeans and T-shirt, put her hair in a not-too-neat ponytail, slipped on a pair of tennis shoes, and went downstairs.

  To her relief, she was the first one to the dining room. The table was set with four places, and the coffee pot and sweet rolls were on the table. She filled her own coffee cup then slipped into the kitchen.

  “May I come in?” she said quietly.

  “Yes, of course.” Mrs. Warner smiled as she put a lid on pan. “How was your river trip?”

  “Delightful.” Meredith smiled. “Well, until we got home.”

  Mrs. Warner shook her head. “I’m afraid Master Spencer was a bit upset.”

  “I didn’t realize it would be a problem. Or that he’d show up.”

  “You and me both.”

  “Do you know how long he’ll be here?”

  “I haven’t a clue.” She turned down the gas on the stove. “He gave me no warning he was coming. Just showed up out of the blue. I suppose he wanted to surprise the children. And then they weren’t here. I heard him giving you hecky pecky over it last evening.”

  “Is he always this worried about their welfare? I mean, he spoke of some security concerns. Is there any reason to be on hyper alert?”

  “I wouldn’t know about that. But it’s not the usual. Other governesses have taken the children on outings without the master getting all up in arms. I’ll admit I was taken a bit aback by all his ranting yesterday when he got here.” She paused, tilting her head as if to listen. “Speak of the devil. I hear him coming. Better not catch you in here gossiping with me.”

  Meredith grinned. “I’m not worried. Thanks for filling me in some.”

  “Out to face the lion.” She chuckled. “But he’s a toothless one.”

  Pasting a confident smile on her face, Meredith returned to the dining room. “Good morning, sir.” She set down her coffee cup. “I hope you slept well.”

  “You don’t have to call me ‘sir,’” he said in a slightly terse tone.

  “Well, what should I call you? Prince Spencer? Master? Your Highness?” Okay, she sounded snarky, but she didn’t really care. If he was going to sack her, she might as well get in her licks. After all, what kind of father hires a nanny he’s barely met then leaves her alone with his kids for more than two weeks?

  “Call me Spencer.” He picked up the coffee pot.

  “Okay.” She nodded, feeling guilty for her attitude.

  “And I’d like to apologize, before the children come down, for my behavior last night. That wasn’t very kind.”

  “It was a little off-putting.”

  “I’m sorry.” He looked at her with sad eyes, and her cheeky resolve dissolved.

  “It’s okay. I realize you were worried. But if you don’t mind me asking, I’m curious if there is some kind of security risk I’m unaware of? Something I need to know for the welfare of the children.”

  “I would like to talk to you about something…but not right now. I hear the children coming down.” He filled his coffee cup then sat down.

  “Yes, all right.” She smiled stiffly. “Are we good then?”

  “Yes. Good.”

  She turned to see Kat and Mishka coming into the dining room. She called out a cheerful greeting, and Mishka came over to give her a hug. Kat mumbled a reply then took her seat. “It’s a beautiful day out there,” Meredith said to no one in particular as she refilled her coffee cup. “Perfect weather for…well, for anything.” She glanced at Spencer, but his eyes were fixed on his phone. “Does anyone have any special plans?”

  No one responded as Mrs. Warner set platters of eggs and sausage on the table, replacing the coffee decanter with a fresh one.

  “I want to work on my backhand with you this morning,” Kat told Meredith as Mrs. Warner left. “Kalina thinks she can beat me, but I warned her only in her dreams.” Kat smirked.

  “Who is Kalina?” Spencer looked up from his phone.

  Kat explained about seeing her classmate on the boat but spared him the negative details.

  “That’s right, you were on the river boat trip.” Spencer nodded to Mishka with a creased brow. “How did you do with that, George? I know you’re not particularly fond of water.”

  “It was great, Papa. I was brilliant.” He beamed at his father. “Meri has been teaching me to swim. I’m not afraid of water anymore.”

  Spencer’s brows arched. “You can swim?”

  “He’s not quite doing a full stroke with breathing, but he can do a pretty mean dog paddle.” Meredith sent Mishka a grin and a wink. “And he treads water and floats on his back and stomach. He’s safe in the water.”

  “That’s impressive.” Spencer sipped his coffee with a thoughtful expression then turned to Kat. “And you’re working on your tennis game?”

  “Meri is coaching me in tennis and football,” she told him. “She’s quite good.”

  “Maybe you’d like to play a match with me,” Spencer told her.

  Kat looked surprised. “You have time to play?”

  “I can make time.”

  “You’re on.” She grinned. “But I’ll warn you, I’m getting pretty good.”

  “She’ll give you a run for your money,” Meredith told him. “Mishka has been learning tennis and football too. He’s made wonderful progress.”

  Spencer’s expression seemed to be appreciation mixed with suspicion, but his phone beeped, and his attention was diverted again. Meredith glanced at Kat, wondering if she was now questioning Meredith’s rule for no phones at the table, but Kat seemed focused on consuming a sausage link.

  By the time they were finished with breakfast, Spencer and Kat were agreeing to meet on the tennis court at ten. Mishka asked Meredith to play some football with him. “I need the practice,” he said in a tone that suggested he wanted to appear older in front of his father. Meredith smiled at him before complimenting him on his recent progress and assuring him they would meet there at ten as well. She could tell by this brief interaction that the children’s time with their dad hadn’t been exactly abundant. Memories of her own dad came to mind, and she shot up a silent prayer for him and his buddies on their long trek on the beautiful Pacific Crest Trail.

  16

  For most of the day, Meredith had felt slightly off kilter. Sure, Spencer was there. But at the same time, he wasn’t. He played a tennis match with Kat, where she really did give him a run for his money, but she eventually lost to him then stormed off to the house discouraged. He came over to where Meredith and Mishka were still kicking the soccer ball, looked on for a few minutes without a word, then vanished. Meredith had hoped he’d gone in to talk to Kat, but that wasn’t the case. Plus, he remained AWOL throughout lunchtime.

  For all they knew, he’d returned to Rotslavia. Or flown to the moon. Meredith wasn’t sure she cared. Later in the afternoon, when the kids were in the pool with Meredith and Mishka was eager to show off his swimming skills to his father, she noticed Spencer up near the house, looking on—although he seemed more interested in his phone. For “being there,” he sure wasn’t. And it aggravated Meredith.

  As usual, she suggested the children take their quiet time before dinner. Feeling exasperated at their detached parent, she went to her own suite and pondered their disinterested father. He was an enigma. On one hand, Spencer had proven himself capable of humility that morning when he’d apologized to her, and in that moment, he’d been likable. In another world, or universe, she might have even felt an attraction to him, given his handsomeness. But on the other hand, he was mysterious…and frustrating. For someone who’d seemed so concerned and overly protective of his kids, he sure remained uninvolved.

  The lyrics to a tune her dad used to love, “Cat’s in the Cradle,” played through her head, and she was tempted to sing it aloud to him but figured he wouldn’t get it.

  Instead of beating her head against the wall, like she felt like she’d been doing, she took a relaxing bath. As she toweled dry after her restful soak, for all she knew, he was about to give her the boot. Other than feeling bad for the children, she told herself she didn’t care. As far as she was concerned, Prince Spencer Hawthorne was a royal pain!

  As she looked at the contents of the wardrobe, it occurred to her that these were the clothes of his deceased wife. Would he even notice? Probably not. Did she care? Not much. She pulled out a periwinkle silk dress that she’d wanted to try but which had seemed a bit too special for their usual evening meal. Just the same, she decided tonight might be a good time to wear it. If Prince Spencer noticed, it might wake him up. Because in a way, he seemed asleep…out of touch…disconnected.

  It was still an hour before dinner, but tired of being stuck in her suite, she decided to stroll the grounds and enjoy the late afternoon sunshine. She could hear the children in their rooms and assumed they too would be getting ready for dinner—and probably hoping their father would be more involved than she expected he would.

  The air outside was refreshing, and she decided to just drink it in. For all she knew, Prince Spencer might have her on her way tomorrow. And really, it might be for the best. A few days or longer without a nanny might force him to get involved with his children. That would be something. She paused by the pond, gazing out over the water. At least she’d enjoyed an interesting working vacation in the Alpine region of Austria. Not everyone could say that.

  “Hello there.”

  She turned to see Spencer, dressed neatly in a blue and white striped shirt and gray pants coming her way. His hair, as usual, looked a little mussed, but for some reason that was charming. Not that she wanted to be charmed. She did not!

  “Hello, Prince Spencer,” she said in a formal tone, instantly regretting the snarky edge to it. But how was she supposed to know how to greet royalty?

  “I thought we dispensed with titles.” He made a cautious looking smile, nodding toward the nearby bench. “Care to sit?”

  Hesitant, she moved slowly to the bench. “Okay.”

  He waited until she sat before sitting on the other end. “I thought perhaps we could talk.”

  “That might be good.” She crossed her arms in front of her and waited.

  “You asked why I was concerned about security.” He studied her closely.

  “I understand you care about your children’s safety. And just so you know, I care too. Believe me, I wouldn’t do anything to place them into harm’s way.”

  “I’m sure that’s true. But I have other reasons to be concerned. I didn’t want to mention this to the children just yet, but we have good reason to be on guard right now.”

  “Really?” She uncrossed her arms and leaned forward. “Can you elaborate?”

  “Without going into specifics, I can say that our country is tiny and not terribly wealthy. There are larger countries that prey upon small countries in strategic locations. Recently, Rotslavia has experienced a few terrorist threats aimed at the royal family.”

  “Do you think the children are in danger?”

  “I hope not. But, as you know, Katerina is in line for the throne. If anything were to happen to the queen, well, as incongruous as it may seem at her age, Princess Katerina would inherit the crown. She would be the ruler of Rotslavia.”

  “I have to admit I can barely wrap my head around the idea of Kat being queen. I mean, at her age.”

  He almost smiled. “To be honest, I feel the same way.”

  “Do you think Queen Katerina is in any real danger?”

  “She is well protected.” His face grew serious. “But she is alarmed over her grandchildren’s welfare. Worried that they may be unsafe here in Austria.”

  Meredith glanced around the property. “Are they?”

  “Not that I know of. But as you can see, this property isn’t terribly secure.” He motioned toward the woods. “Although the family owns some of the wooded acreage, it is easily accessible. Not the most secure location.” He pointed toward the road. “I don’t know if you noticed it or not, but we are being patrolled by a couple of black SUVs.”

  She felt alarmed now. “Terrorists? Enemies of Rotslavia?”

  He smiled. “No, they are royal security guards. The queen sent them here to keep watch. I’m sure they’re doing a good job. But my point is we can’t allow the children to remain here throughout their summer holiday as planned. They must return to the palace.”