By the time they were enjoying a delicious dessert of crème brûlée and espresso, Meredith felt that she and Spencer were old friends. And something more. A warmth had taken up residence in her chest whenever she looked over at him, which she knew was ridiculous. He would be taking the children home by midday tomorrow, and she would be on an afternoon train headed for Salzburg.

  20

  When they got to the hotel suite, all was quiet and tidied up in the living room. Even the gas fireplace was burning, and someone had set a tray with a bottle of brandy and two glasses on the coffee table next to the sofa. Meredith was curious about that, but seeing Spencer pacing nervously, she sensed something else troubled him.

  “Are you worried about the children?” she said quietly.

  He gave an apologetic nod toward their end of the suite, so she offered to check on them. She found both in their beds and, although Mishka seemed to be soundly sleeping, Meredith could tell Kat was faking, but she went out to report their safety just the same. Spencer looked relieved as he sat down on the sofa.

  “Care for a nightcap?” He held up the brandy bottle with a crooked smile. “Someone seems to have left this out for us.”

  She shrugged. “Why not?” As she sat on the sofa, she appreciated any excuse to extend this magical evening. With her apprehension about saying goodbyes tomorrow, she wondered if she’d even be able to sleep much anyway. A nightcap might help.

  “Do you think Geoff set this out?” she asked as he handed her a glass with coppery liquid.

  “It’s not really his style.” Spencer sniffed his glass.

  “I wasn’t going to say anything, but I don’t think Kat was actually asleep. She doesn’t usually go to sleep this early, but it’s not like her to pretend.”

  “Kat’s been acting rather mysterious lately.” He took a sip then smiled. “I wonder if she may be behind all this.”

  “Behind what?” Meredith was curious if his take aligned with her own growing suspicions.

  “It’s odd. Almost as if the children have joined forces to get us together. The Ferris wheel, a few random things today, and dinner with just the two of us tonight… It’s just, well, rather interesting.”

  “But why are they doing that?” She studied him closely, trying to gauge his reaction to what seemed a clear case of juvenile matchmaking.

  Spencer frowned then fixed his eyes on her. “It’s no secret the children are quite reluctant to part ways with you, Meredith. It’s possible they are trying to set some kind of trap to keep you around a bit longer.”

  “What kind of trap would that be?” She knew she sounded coy, but she was trying to figure this man out. He was smart enough to discern their set up. He didn’t seem the type to play along intentionally, unless he wanted to.

  He finished his brandy and stood. “I suppose we’ll have to wait and find out tomorrow. Who knows what goes on in the minds of my children?” He made a stiff sounding laugh. “It’s late. I should say goodnight.”

  “Yes.” She set down her barely touched glass. “Thank you for a memorable evening.” She smiled nervously. “I felt like I was playing a part in the movie. I’m sure I will always remember it.” Then she turned and hurried to her room where Kat was still pretending to sleep.

  With no intention of calling Kat’s bluff, Meredith slipped into the bathroom where she quickly got ready for bed. She stretched her arm behind her to unzip her dress, and as she hung it on its hanger, she wondered if the magic of the evening would vanish at the stroke of midnight.

  But that was still a ways off, and she didn’t plan to stand around and watch.

  When morning came, Spencer was occupied with something in his office, and Geoff had ordered room service for Meredith and the children. “Master Hawthorne has decided it’s best for us to leave for Rotslavia sooner than planned. He wants the children to be ready to leave directly after breakfast.”

  Kat and Mishka exchanged glances but didn’t argue. Meredith tried to make pleasant small talk as they ate. After they finished, she sent the children to pack their bags, and after they left, Geoff presented a packet to Meredith.

  “Everything you’ll need for the remainder of your travels.” He explained about the month-long Eurail pass, open ended one-way plane ticket, and a few other perks he’d gotten from the concierge downstairs. Meredith tried to appear genuinely grateful as she thanked him, but at the same time she was blinking back tears.

  By the time she went to pack her bags, Kat was finishing up. Judging by Kat’s determined expression, she still had some kind of trick up her sleeve, but Meredith couldn’t imagine what. Feeling sad and frustrated, she packed her bags. Really, she should be glad. She was all set for the trip she’d always dreamed of. A month of exploring Europe. What could be better? It was ridiculous to think there was any other way from this strangely unfolding story to end for her. After all, she wasn’t living in a fairy tale. With her bags packed and travel clothes on, she braced herself for saying goodbye. She decided that if they weren’t already on their way out, she would be the first to say goodbye. That might make it easier for them.

  But only Kat and Mishka were in the living room, sitting on the couch with somewhat forlorn expressions. For their sake, she forced a bright smile.

  “Well, I don’t even know what to say to you two. I have truly enjoyed your company the past month. I’m going to miss you both. I hope you’ll stay in touch. You have my phone number, Kat. Feel free to call or text me whenever you like. And Mishka, you have that little card I gave you with my address in the States. I won’t be there right away, but I hope we can be pen-pals when I do get there. It’ll be good writing practice, and I’ll enjoy hearing how you’re doing.” She held her arms open. “How about hugs?”

  Mishka ran straight into her arms. “You can’t leave us, Meri. That’s not how this is supposed to happen.” He sobbed within her embrace. “I love you.”

  “Oh, Mishka.” She stroked his hair. “I love you too. But it’s time to say goodbye.”

  “No,” Kat declared. “We want you to go home with us, Meri.”

  “But you have your old nanny—I mean governess,” she corrected. “And it’s time for me to go my own way.”

  “Do you want to leave us?” Mishka asked with tearful eyes.

  “Not exactly. But sometimes we have to do things we don’t like.”

  “You don’t have to go,” Kat insisted. “Make Papa understand.”

  “Make Papa understand what?” Spencer came into the room. “What’s going on here?”

  “We want to take Meri home with us,” Mishka told him.

  “Yes, Papa,” Kat stood up to him. “We have decided that Nanny Bosko is too old to take really good care of us. She can’t be there all the time. We need Meri to be there too. We insist you must bring her back to Rotslavia.” She took her royal stance now, locking eyes with her father.

  “This feels like a royal revolt,” he joked.

  “We have the right to make our opinions known,” Kat sternly replied. “Don’t forget, I am Princess Katerina, and I do have royal rights…including the right to be respected.”

  “That’s true enough. But don’t forget your grandmother is queen. She gets the final say on something like this.”

  “Grandmama wants us to be happy,” Mishka declared. “She always says that to me. And Meri makes me happy.”

  “He’s right. Grandmama does want us to be happy. And we will not be happy unless you bring Meri home with us.”

  “What about Meri—uh, Meredith? Doesn’t she have a say? What if she refuses? Then what am I to do? Kidnap her?” He helplessly held up his hands.

  “Meri loves us,” Mishka argued. “She wants to be with us.”

  “I thought Meredith was eager to tour western Europe.”

  “Why don’t you ask her?” Kat demanded. “She has a right to speak too.”

  All attention turned to Meredith, and she didn’t know what to say. “I’m honored that you, uh, want me—”

  “Please, say yes, Meri.” Mishka grabbed her hand, looking up with intent dark eyes. “Please, come home with us. Keep being our nanny. Please!”

  “Governess,” Kat corrected. “Nanny Bosko can be the nanny. Meri will be our governess.”

  Spencer blinked. “You seem to have this all figured out, Princess Katerina.”

  “I’ve given it some thought.” Kat turned to Meredith. “Will you do it, Meri? Come home with us?”

  Meredith looked into Kat’s eyes, seeing the longing there…and maybe something more. Was it hope? She knew Kat had been lonely. Perhaps she saw Meredith more as a friend than a governess. Perhaps it didn’t matter. She placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder.

  “If your father and grandmother agree this is a good idea, I’m happy to go home with you.” She exchanged a desperate glance with Spencer. “Even if just for a season.”

  His expression was a mixture of relief and concern. “Yes, perhaps that’s a sensible plan. For a season. See how it goes. See what Grandmama says.”

  The children both hugged and thanked him, and Meredith was speechless. Had she really just agreed to this? What on earth was she getting herself into? But she remembered her father’s encouragement to take risks and be adventurous. Well, this certainly felt adventurous. Spencer was already instructing Geoff to get a visitor’s visa for her as well as a few other instructions she couldn’t understand. And then, just like that, they were on their way—to Rotslavia!

  21

  They’d been traveling for almost three hours and had just crossed the border into Rotslavia, which looked similar to eastern Austria with its mountainous terrain, when Kat asked her father if he’d informed the queen of their plans.

  “She knows what time we’ll arrive,” he said without looking up from his iPad.

  “Does she know about Meri?” Mishka asked.

  He cleared his throat and looked up. “Not yet.”

  “Oh?” Kat frowned. “Did you plan to inform her?”

  “I’m leaving that to you, Princess.” Spencer winked at his daughter. “After all, this is your plan. Yours and your brother’s.”

  “Fine. I’ll go directly to her when we arrive.”

  “Fine.” He looked back down at his iPad.

  “How far is it?” Meredith asked.

  “About ten more minutes until we reach the village,” Spencer reported.

  “The village?”

  “The palace is surrounded by the village of Rotgrad, established in 1503,” Kat explained. “Population 2,188, give or take. It’s the largest town in Rotslavia.” She pointed out the side window. “These agricultural properties are located outside of the village but provide food for Rotgrad shops as well as the palace.”

  “Charming.”

  “We strive for national self-sufficiency. Our goal is not to be dependent on neighboring countries. Particularly for oil, gas, or diesel. We have been transitioning to electric vehicles for the past decade.” Kat continued to spout information almost as if reading from a reference book. Meredith appreciated it. She knew so little about this tiny nation.

  “I’m impressed with how well you know your country,” Meredith said after she paused. “But I assume that’s necessary if you are to lead Rotslavia someday.”

  “Now I have questions for you, Meri.” Kat looked intently at her. “I know you were a teacher. Can you please tell me more about your education, your experience, and why you are qualified to be our governess?”

  Meredith blinked. “Yes, of course.”

  “I will need this information for Grandmama.” Kat’s brow creased. “Because I know she will ask. And then, if she is convinced to consider this, she will want to speak directly to you.” She grimaced. “And you should be prepared.”

  Spencer chuckled. “For the Spanish Inquisition.”

  Meredith felt her mouth getting dry, but she did her best to present her résumé, possibly making it sound more illustrious than it was but nothing untrue. Still, she wondered if it would be enough. What kind of woman was this queen? What was Meredith letting herself in for? And if it all fell apart, how hard was it to get out of this country? At least she still had the plane ticket, train pass, and travel funds. That was reassuring.

  The limousine slowed down as it came to the village, and eager to see more, she turned to peer out the window, pleased to see that it looked like an old-fashioned Alpine village with quaint little shops and cobblestone streets. “It’s absolutely charming,” she murmured. “It looks delightful and sweet.”

  “Looks can be deceiving,” Spencer said quietly.

  “Papa!” Kat scolded. “Don’t speak ill of my homeland.”

  “Sorry.” He grinned. “You know I love this place.”

  “Then what did you mean?” Meredith asked him.

  “It’s just that…well, locals don’t always welcome newcomers. We are not exactly a tourist-friendly country—mostly because we get so few tourists and don’t encourage it. And sometimes those that do come to visit are opportunistic, looking to capitalize on our sweet charm only to line their own pockets.”

  “The queen frowns on that,” Kat told her. “So we must be careful of outsiders.”

  “And I am an outsider?” Meredith asked rhetorically.

  “Not like that,” Kat said.

  “You are our friend, Meri.” Mishka reached for her hand. “You’re not an outsider. And you’ll be our nanny, so—”

  “Governess,” Kat interrupted. “Mrs. Bosko will be our nanny. Rather, she’ll be your nanny, Mishka. I do not need a nanny.”

  “The plans of mice and men,” Spencer muttered, “and princesses.”

  “There’s the castle.” Mishka pointed out his side window, and Meredith looked to see a rather imposing gray structure made of stone. “It was first built in 1488, but part of it burnt down in 1534. The west side was rebuilt, and the wall was added.”

  “It’s had numerous revisions and additions since it was built,” Kat told her as they waited in front of a tall metal gate where two security guards peered closely then smiled and permitted them entry. “We live on the east side.” Kat pointed. “See the high windows on that corner? That is my room, and Mishka’s is next to it.”

  “It’s a sturdy looking structure. Beautiful yet austere.” Meredith felt a wave of nerves wash over her as she locked eyes with one of the stone lions flanking the driveway. She was in over her head here, and she knew it.

  Suddenly, Kat was speaking to her father in their Slavic language, emphatically waving her hands as if she were trying to convince him of something. Finally, he just held up his hands.

  “Kat wants to move into Mama’s old rooms,” Mishka quietly translated for her. “She thinks it’s her right, since she is princess and heir to the throne.”

  “I shall move to Mama’s suite,” Kat explained to Meredith. “You shall occupy my old rooms.”

  “If your grandmother agrees,” Spencer pointed out as the car stopped and doors began to open.

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I want to show Meri the castle,” Mishka said with bright eyes.

  “Yes, you do that,” Spencer told him. “While Kat and I speak to the queen.” He exchanged looks with Meredith now, as if to say anything could happen. She had no doubts it could. What if the queen hated Kat’s idea? Would Meredith be shipped right out of here? If so, perhaps that would be for the best.

  With Mishka taking her by the hand, Meredith was given the full tour of the castle—or at least the tour of his favorite places, including the library and the ballroom where he confessed to having roller-skated a few times, and the big kitchen where he was greeted by the chef and given buttery cookies with nuts and powdered sugar.

  They went up and down stairs, and Mishka passed by some rooms with closed doors, saying they were just for meetings and things. Finally they made their way up to the section that housed his family. He opened the double doors to take them into a small foyer that led into what looked like an attractive American living room with thick cream-colored wall-to-wall carpet, comfortable furnishings, and a large-screen TV.

  “I feel like we’re not in the castle anymore.” Meredith picked up a large green throw pillow, fluffing it and then setting it back on the sectional.

  “Mama had this section made special. Just for us when we were little. Before she…went away.”

  “It’s a pleasant room.” Meredith looked at the snowcapped mountains, framed in the tall high window. “It’s obvious your mother must’ve loved you very much.”

  He brightened then agreed with her before showing her the family’s kitchen and dining room. Not extravagant but quite nice. “Do you eat here a lot?”

  “Breakfast and lunches. When Grandmama doesn’t make us go to her dining room. But we get to have dinner here if Grandmama has fancy guests and no children are allowed.”

  “Who cooks?”

  “Mrs. Warner.”

  “Oh, yes.” Meredith had nearly forgotten that the Warners stayed with the family wherever they went.

  “But they won’t be here for a while.” He frowned. “So we’ll probably eat with Grandmama.”

  “Right.” She ran a hand over a granite countertop. “This looks like a fun kitchen to cook in.”

  “You could cook here,” he said eagerly. “Until Mrs. Warner comes anyway.”

  “I’d be happy to,” she told him. “If it’s okay with the queen.”

  “Want to see my room?” he asked.

  “Of course.” She smiled as he took her hand again, allowing him to lead her down a hallway and into a room with blue walls and a large table with rocks and shells and animal skeletons and resource books. “Very studious looking.”

  He picked up some kind of skull. “This was from a badger.” He began to explain about the jaw and teeth and feigned fear.

  “Scary stuff,” she teased as she strolled about the room, seeing he had his own bathroom and, instead of a wardrobe, a closet. How modern. She felt a new respect for Princess Anastasia. The woman clearly was trying to create something for her children that she wanted them to feel comfortable in. It was rather endearing. “Your home is lovely, Mishka. I like it a lot. I bet you’re happy to be back here.”