“I see.” She deflated. Her suspicions about being let go appeared to be right.

  “The good news, for the children, is that their previous governess, Mrs. Bosko, has returned. She was the children’s nanny when they were younger, and they dearly loved her. But a couple years ago, when her husband became ill, she left our service to care for him. The children missed her greatly, and we’ve been through a number of nannies and governesses ever since.”

  “I see,” she said again, wishing he’d just get it over with and fire her.

  “I need to break this news to the children. Possibly tonight.”

  “I’m glad the children’s former nanny can care for them,” she said. “That should please them.”

  “I’m not so sure.” He frowned. “They seem happy here. Katerina has been enjoying your coaching abilities. And George is quite taken with you.”

  “We’ve certainly enjoyed each other.”

  “The children are getting along better than ever. I must say I’m impressed.”

  “They really are lovely children,” she told him. “But, if you don’t mind me saying, I think they’ve been neglected.”

  “Neglected?” His brow knit together. “Don’t they have everything they need?”

  “Material things, of course. But parental attention? Not so much.”

  “I can hardly help that their mother is gone…and I have work that’s expected of me. Just because I’m part of a royal family does not mean I sit on my hands. The queen relies greatly upon me.”

  “Yes, but if Princess Katerina is expected to rule someday, it would be worthwhile to invest more of your time in her. And besides her royalty responsibilities, I strongly believe she needs her father’s love and encouragement. She’s at an age where she feels quite insecure. But you have the ability to foster self-assurance in her. She’s in need of confidence.”

  “I always think of Katerina as being quite strong willed and self-assured.”

  “I’m sure she wants you to think that, but underneath is a scared little girl.”

  He rubbed his chin as if processing this.

  “And Mishka, even though he’s not the crown prince, could use a father’s influence too. He’s a sensitive, intelligent boy, but he’s got some big insecurities.”

  “I find that hard to believe. George is so smart and quite good-looking. What could he have to be insecure about?”

  “Did you know he has a great fear of losing people? He lost his mother, and now I hear how he lost his favorite nanny.” She considered mentioning how worried Mishka had been over losing her but decided that might be too much information. “With you away so much, it probably feels like he’s losing you too.”

  Spencer pursed his lips, but said nothing, so she took it as her green light to continue.

  “And I’m going to warn you that it may frighten him to discover that there is terrorist danger for the royal family. If he were my son, I would try to shield him from that kind of information.”

  “But the children need to be aware of a heightened need for security.”

  “Maybe so, I would go about it carefully with Mishka.” She sighed. “And if you must tell them about all this, I recommend you wait until morning. Mishka has trouble sleeping if something is troubling him. And I’m afraid this news will trouble him.”

  “I’ll take this under consideration.” He rubbed his chin again. “Perhaps you could help him to understand what’s going on. You seem to have a natural connection with George. It may be easier for him to hear this news from you.”

  “You could be right, but I’m not sure it’s fair to saddle me with the chore of sharing your difficult news.” She grimaced to imagine Mishka’s reaction. “But you say the children were really fond of Mrs. Bosko?”

  “Very much so.”

  “That may be your silver lining here. I’ll tell you what. You can dispense your news to them. Hopefully tomorrow. And I will be on hand to offer encouragement. Perhaps they’ll both be happy to return to Rotslavia, back to their beloved nanny.” She forced a smile. “And perhaps this will be your opportunity to be a more present parent in their lives.” She pointed toward the house. “There’s Mishka now. Perhaps he’s looking for his father.”

  Spencer glanced at his watch as he stood. “And it’s nearly dinnertime.” He extended his hand to help her up. She took it, surprised by both the warmth and the gesture. “I do appreciate your help, Meredith. As you have guessed, I’m not very good at parenting. I suspect it’s been too easy to push it off on others.”

  “It’s not too late to learn.” She smiled nervously, realizing he was still holding her hand. And in that moment, she could see traits of his children in his expression. He too was insecure and slightly fearful. At least he was in good company. Hopefully, he’d use his vulnerability to connect with his children.

  17

  To Meredith’s relief, the dinner hour passed without Spencer breathing a word about the children’s holiday coming to an abrupt end. In fact, it was a surprisingly pleasant meal. Spencer genuinely tried to connect with his children. He only looked at his phone once and, perhaps due to the schoolteacher look she gave him, he then silenced it and stowed it in his shirt pocket.

  After dinner, Mishka begged for a movie night. It was his turn to pick the film, so he opted for The Lion King. Kat pretended to be vexed, but by the time Meredith came back from the kitchen with popcorn, Kat had stuck around. And whether it was sincere or not, Spencer was telling his children how much he’d loved this movie as a child.

  As usual, Mishka snuggled up to Meredith on the couch. But when the scene came when Mufasa was killed, Mishka moved to sit next to his dad. Despite herself, Meredith was teary-eyed when she and Spencer exchanged looks.

  The next morning, Meredith rose early again. She dressed and went downstairs before the children awoke so she could enjoy a little stroll. She suspected this might be her last day here, and after praying about everything—and giving it all to God—she was fine with leaving. She’d done her best for the children, and hopefully this little royal family would grow closer when they returned to Rotslavia.

  “Good morning.”

  Meredith turned to see Spencer coming her way. She waved and returned the greeting. Today he wore khaki shorts, a white polo shirt, and a ball cap. Not exactly traveling clothes.

  “I’m glad I caught you before the children woke up,” he said. “I’d hoped we could make some sort of game plan.”

  “Game plan?”

  “I considered your suggestions. And I believe you’re right—it’s not necessary to upset Mishka with the possibility of danger. I won’t mention it to him. Although I do plan to discuss the situation with Katerina. She’s old enough to understand. And besides that, I’ve decided to give them both some additional time to adjust to the idea of returning to Rotslavia.”

  “I’m so glad to hear that.”

  “I’ll tell them about the altered holiday plans this morning. But we won’t leave until Monday. That’ll give them a couple more days to be here. I’d like the extra time myself.” His smile looked genuine. “To practice being a dad.”

  She returned his smile. Hearing her phone jingle, she pointed out it was breakfast time. As they walked up to the house together, Mishka’s voice carried their way from outside the dining room. She yelled back, waving toward him, and he came running.

  “Oh, Meri!” He threw his arms around her waist. “I had a bad dream.”

  “Really?” She smoothed his hair.

  “I went to your room, but you weren’t there. I thought you left us. Just like in my dream.”

  “I’m still here, Mishka. I was just out for a walk.”

  “With Papa?” His eyes lit up.

  “Yes,” Spencer said. “With Papa. And I was about to challenge Meredith to a football match. Boys against girls.” He patted Mishka’s back. “Think you and I can show the ladies a thing or two?”

  “Yes.” Mishka nodded eagerly. “Boys against girls. We’ll win for sure, Papa.”

  “Breakfast first.” Spencer’s eyes twinkled, and Meredith suppressed the urge to chuckle. Little did Spencer know, they would be hard pressed to beat the ladies.

  When the football match ended, Meredith had to remind Kat not to gloat. “The only thing worse than a sore loser is a smug winner,” she whispered to her.

  “Okay.” Kat turned to look back where Spencer and Mishka were slowly coming up the hill behind them. “Nice match, fellas,” she called out. “Better luck next time.”

  Meredith giggled, playfully punching Kat in the arm. “Is that the best you can do?”

  “Hey, they’re the ones who were gloating at the beginning,” Kat replied. “You know what they say, Meri. If you can’t take it, don’t dish it out.”

  Meredith shook her head. “I hope you learn a bit more humility before you reign in Rotslavia.”

  Kat glanced over her shoulder then grabbed Meredith by the arm, tugging her ahead faster. “I want to talk to you in private,” she said quietly. “Okay?”

  “Let’s take some drinks up to my room.” Meredith was curious about why Kat was being so secretive but waited until they were behind closed doors to ask.

  “Did Papa tell you about the terrorist threats?” Kat asked.

  “Yes, sort of. He didn’t go into great detail, but I’m aware of it. I’m also aware that he doesn’t want to worry Mishka.”

  Kat took a long swig of soda. “Well, did you know I may not be able to return to my school?”

  Meredith considered this. “I can understand about potential security concerns. But he never mentioned it.”

  “Before I became friends with Kalina, I wouldn’t have cared, but now I’m looking forward to having such a good friend in school.”

  “I understand that.” It saddened Meredith that Kat had made this progress but might not get to live it out.

  “I told Papa I still want to go to school there, but I don’t think he heard me. But he may listen to you.”

  “Oh, I don’t know.”

  “Grandmama wants me back at the palace. That’s two against one. If you were on my side, it may help.”

  “I am on your side, but honestly, I doubt it will make any difference.”

  “I can tell Papa respects you.”

  Meredith wanted to question this but didn’t.

  “If you could just tell him, you know, as a teacher, that you think I need to be in school…well, it may do the trick. Okay?” Kat looked so hopeful, Meredith knew she couldn’t disappoint her.

  “I’ll do my best, but I’d be surprised if it changed anything.”

  To Meredith’s surprise, Kat hugged her. “Thank you.”

  Meredith hugged her back. “We better get down to lunch.”

  As they went down, Kat asked Meredith to save that conversation until Meredith was alone with her dad. “And please don’t tell him I asked you to do this, okay?”

  Meredith agreed as they went into the dining room to join Spencer and Mishka. As if trying to make points, Kat attempted to act more gracious about the whooping they’d given the boys on the football field. “Mishka’s skills have really improved,” she told her father. “If he keeps it up, you guys may whip us next time.”

  “Why don’t we play boys against girls with a tennis match?” Mishka suggested eagerly. “Can we do that, Papa?”

  “I don’t see why not.” And so they soon agreed to meet on the courts at two.

  Thanks to Spencer’s superior tennis skills and Meredith’s distraction over trying to come up with a way to convince him to rethink Kat’s education plans, the boys proved to be more competitive at the next match. After they won, Mishka suggested they cool off at the pool. “You have to come too, Papa,” he insisted. “So I can show you my swimming.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” Spencer promised.

  Meredith knew that Spencer was being extra cooperative because he felt guilty about taking the children back to the palace sooner than planned, but it was fun seeing him playing with his kids in the pool and acting like a real dad. Kat and Mishka seemed to be eating it up. After swimming a few laps, Meredith decided to enjoy not being so much in demand by sitting in the sun on the deck. Besides, she thought, the children should start getting used to it. In a couple days, they would all be saying goodbye.

  Eventually they tired of the water, but Kat, in a rather uncharacteristic fashion, started helping Mishka towel off and began ushering him toward the house. She gave Meredith a look that suggested now might be the time to talk about her schooling plans. Feeling fairly certain she’d be rejected straight away, Meredith asked Spencer if she could have a word with him just as the children were out of earshot.

  “Sure.” With an oversized pool towel over his shoulders, he came over to sit on the lounge chair next to her. “What’s up?”

  “Kat told me you talked to her,” Meredith began. “And she’s worried that she may not be able to continue her schooling and she’s—”

  “I thought Kat hated that school,” he interrupted.

  “She may have before. But now that she has a friend, her attitude has changed.”

  “Are we talking about the Kalina girl?”

  “I think she may be Kat’s first real friend. It’s important for her development.” She launched into teacher mode, explaining the values of socialization and how the habits formed in childhood would carry through adulthood. “If Kat’s going to rule a country someday, it would be wise to allow her to learn these skills now.”

  Spencer pursed his lips and leaned back, closing his eyes. Hopefully not closing his mind, but she continued just the same.

  “I realize you’re worried about security, but it’s not like she’s in a public school with kids and staff coming and going. I’m no expert on it, but aren’t private boarding schools relatively safe? Other parents must be just as concerned about safety as you.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.” He sat up straight now, eyes opened. “And I may even agree with you on the socialization points. But you don’t know Kat’s grandmother. She is a force to be dealt with.”

  “Not to mention the queen.” Meredith sighed.

  “But I’ll try to present this side of things to her,” he said. “For Kat’s sake.” He stood, smiling down on her. “And for yours.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled back.

  Once again, he extended a hand. It was probably just a polite gesture, but as he pulled her up, she found herself uncomfortably near him, and yet he continued to hold on. “It’s touching how close you’ve gotten to the children. How much you care for them.” He released her hand, and she stepped back, catching her balance and her breath as a flushed heat warmed her face. She hoped he thought it was from the sun.

  “I do care for them,” she said quietly. “It’s barely been three weeks, and I am surprised how much I care for them.”

  “For that reason, it’s hard to let you go,” he said. “But I’m sure you must be eager to be on your way. I know this wasn’t how you anticipated spending your summer, stuck with a couple of slightly spoiled kids. You should be traveling about, seeing Europe like you’d planned.” He pointed a finger up. “That reminds me, Mrs. Warner told me you received something from the US Consulate. I’m guessing it’s your passport replacement.”

  “Oh, yes, I’d heard it was coming.”

  “And I will pay you for this past week, plus three week’s severance,” he said. “So you should have enough to allow you some time to explore and relax before flying home to the States. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Warner plan to remain in the villa a few days after the children and I depart, just to put the house in order. Mrs. Warner said you’re more than welcome to stay and enjoy some down time here.” He waved a hand. “I’m sure there are worse places to land. I often wish I could stay longer.” His smile seemed sad. “Just our way of showing our appreciation.”

  “That’s so generous.” She fumbled for her bag, trying to locate a pair of sunglasses and hoping to conceal the tears welling in her eyes. He was handing her the walking papers, and although she wasn’t surprised, she was drowning in overwhelming sadness. She wanted to be alone and have a good cry—something she rarely did. What was wrong with her?

  By morning, Meredith knew she needed to go as quickly as possible. She appreciated the invitation to remain here, but the sooner she left, the sooner she might return to some kind of normal. Not that she knew what that felt like anymore. With this in mind, she went down to breakfast with a firm resolve. After speaking to Mrs. Warner about transportation back to Vienna, she would attempt to choke down a cup of coffee and perhaps a bite of toast, but then she would gently explain her plans to the children, hug them both, and with her little bag of meager belongings, leave the villa.

  Before she could make her announcement, Spencer was telling the children his plans. “I have good news,” he began brightly. “Nanny Bosko has returned to the palace. She is free to help us again. Unfortunately, her husband has passed, but I think Mrs. Bosko is eager for something to fill her days, and I’m sure she cannot wait to see you two.”

  “Nanny Bosko?” Mishka’s eyes lit up.

  “I don’t need a nanny,” Kat grumbled.

  “Well, governess then. Anyway, she will be there waiting for us.” He cleared his throat. “And that brings me to the rest of my news. Grandmama wants us to come home as soon as possible. We will leave in a couple of days.”

  “Leave?” Kat demanded. “Our holiday isn’t even over with.”

  “Our time here is over.” Spencer’s tone was firm.

  “But we were having such fun,” Mishka complained. “I’m getting good at football and tennis and swimming. I can’t do that at home.”

  “There are ways.” Spencer reminded him of sports centers in Rotslavia.

  “But I don’t want to go back. Not yet,” Mishka protested.

  “Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do,” Spencer said in a firmer tone. “This is one of those times. Your grandmother says it’s time to go home. That means we will go home.”