Nick still looked dangerous, but with a sheen of class. He wore a sober suit and tie, the coat taut across his broad shoulders. His hair was a darker blond now, the short, military cut having gotten rid of the suns highlights. But that didnt stop Amelia from wanting to run her fingers through it, something shed had to resist since meeting him. She could have ill afforded to fall in love with him a year ago, even less so now.
He was clean-shaven, and his tan had mellowed to a burnished gold. His hands looked strong as ever. She could still see them gripped around his old M16 as he ushered the refugee caravan across a dangerous bridge. But his nails were now clean and clipped neatly.
The children looked adorable, too, in spanking-new clothes, faces scrubbed, hair combed. She hardly recognized them as the same terrified, ragamuffin orphans she and Nick had rescued.
Josie, entirely too somber for a seven-year-old, sat in a wingback chair with her hands folded in her lap, casting cautious glances at Amelia. She was mistrustful of everyone but Nick and Jakob. But the terror of a year ago had left her eyes.
She did not instinctively seek Amelias comforting embrace as shed done before. Amelia realized Nick was rightshe had disappointed Josie, who had trusted her in Palemeir. Josie showed no outward signs of hostility, but she might never again trust Ameliaa sobering thought.
Jakob, on the other hand, was a little monkey. After thoroughly investigating everything in the waiting room, including some priceless prehistoric artifacts pulled from Korosol caves, hed crawled into Amelias lap. A year ago hed spoken only a few words, but now he chattered like a magpie. He did not remember his birth parentsnor much of anything about his previous life. He did seem to remember Amelia, though, which warmed her heart. She loved children and had always planned to adopt some orphans when she was ready to settle down. The world was just full of children who needed love.
Her status as future queen changed all that. She would not be allowed to adopt, and would in fact be expected to bear a child herselfafter she married some stuffy aristocrat. The thought of a loveless marriage for the good of the country repulsed her.
So you really dont know the king? Nick asked.
I saw him once in my life before this current visit, when I was a small child. I barely remember it. Its a sore point with my motherthe fact that Easton didnt do something to help her sort things out after my father died, at a time when she needed him most. But I guess he had his own grief to deal with. She paused. Hes grieving now, too. Its been little more than a year since Uncle Byrum died in that terrible jeep explosion.
Nick grimaced. A terrible thing for Korosol, given what Byrums death means in terms of succession. I cant think of a man less fit to rule than your cousin.
Nick was referring to Byrums son, Prince Markus, the apparent heir to the throne since his fathers death, though Amelia knew better. For whatever reason, King Easton did not favor Markus. Since an ancient charter allowed the Korosol king to choose his own successor, Easton intended to do just that.
It would be something of a scandal when he announced that Prince Markus would not succeed him on the throne. Neither would Easton appoint his youngest son, James, a thrice-married Wyoming wildcatter who had proved himself most unsuitable for the throne, not to mention unwilling.
Amelia sighed. In thinking about the country, though, its easy to lose sight of the human aspect. The king has lost two of his three sons now. Thats the saddest thing, I think, to lose a child.
Nicks face hardened almost imperceptibly. Had she said something wrong? Shed been rattling on, probably because of nerves. Maybe he just didnt like prattling women.
The double doors on the far end of the room whispered open, halting all conversation. Eleanor Standish, Nicks younger sister, appeared. Though Amelia didnt know the kings secretary well, because Ellie had been in America only a few weeks, the two women got along well. Ellie had pitched in to help with CeCes spur-of-the-moment wedding, proving herself efficient and flexible, not to mention sensitive to CeCes feelings. Everyone who met her, liked her. However, her frumpy clothes and thick glasses made her look more like a schoolmarm than a trusted member of the royal inner circle.
She certainly didnt remind Amelia of Nick in any way, and Amelia had been shocked a couple of weeks ago when shed learned the two were siblings. Sometimes it amazed her how truly small Korosol was.
Eleanor and Nick embraced warmly, and the children both ran up with kisses and hugs in abundance for their aunt Ellie. Amelia felt a moment of jealousy that Josie hadnt shown her similar affection.
Ellie studied Nick for a moment. Nicky. You look veryvery civilized.
Nick raised one eyebrow in question. I dont think Im being complimented.
Of course you are, Ellie argued. Ive never seen you in a suit, thats all.
Youve seen me in a dress uniform, Nick pointed out. Thats not much different.
A dress uniform? So Nick had been in the official Korosol military, then. That surprised Amelia. Ellie had said something about her parents disapproving of her brother. Amelia had this impression that Nick had always been a drifter, offering his unique skills to whoever could afford his price. But she supposed he would have had to acquire those skills somewhere.
Nick lowered his voice. So, hows the wind blowing?
With the king? Ellie thought for a moment. Hard to say. He wasnt pleased with the quality of his sweet roll this morning. But if anything can cheer him up, these two can. His Majesty loves children. Hell see you now. I should warn you he has another engagement in fifteen minutes, so youll have to talk fast.
Fifteen minutes. Could they convince the king in such a short time how important it was to keep these children with Nick? How could Easton possibly understand the conditions in Palemeir, the unbelievable risks Nick had taken to honor his promise to Josie and Jakobs mother?
EASTON CARRADIGNE, king of Korosol, threw a handful of pills into his mouth and washed them down with a swallow of bitter coffee just as the door opened to his temporary office and Eleanor entered. She gave him a little curtsy, which she did every time she saw him no matter how many times he told her such an archaic practice was unnecessary. Secretly, though, he enjoyed the gesture of respect.
Her Highness, Princess Amelia, Eleanor announced. And Nicholas Standish. Oh, and Josie and Jakob Standish, too.
Easton couldnt believe it. Theyd brought the children with them? Did they think he was some doddering, softhearted old man who could be swayed by a couple of moppets?
Well, okay, they were sort of cute, especially the little girl, who moved with such grace and quiet. The little boy, hardly more than a toddler, entered the room like a small hurricane.
Dont touch that, Easton and Eleanor said together when Jakob tried to peer into the top of a sixteenth-century vase. Nicholas immediately corralled the boy before any harm could be done, and the four of them stood before Easton, waiting for him to acknowledge them. He should have come out from behind his desk to shake their hands, maybe give the little ones some candy, and kiss his granddaughter, the future queen, on the cheek. But he was more tired than usual today. All this business with Amelias secret, illegal marriage bandied about in the press had worn him out. Especially coming on the heels of CeCes very public scandal. He hoped Amelias predicament could be resolved as quickly as CeCes was.
You can be seated, Easton said as he took his own chaira huge, thronelike thing. Ellie had chosen it for him, and he heartily approved. He relished the pomp and circumstance surrounding his station, even more so these days. Funny how one took so many things for granted until one was about to lose them.
Nicholas and Amelia sat in the wingback chairs that faced Eastons desk. The little boy crawled into Nicholass lap, while Eleanor fetched a small slipper chair for the girlwhat was her name? Hed already forgotten. Was memory loss one of his expected symptoms? Or was he just getting old? Some would say that at age seventy-eight hed already been old for some time.
Eleanor withdrew, and Nicholas launched right into his statement, which sounded very well rehearsed.
Your Majesty, I believe my sister, Eleanor, briefed you on the situation here. Princess Amelia and I took on the responsibility of these two children from Palemeir at the request of their dying mother. We married so that I could adopt the children and take them out of Palemeir, where they would be safe.
What about all the other children? Easton wanted to know. Dont get me wrong, I applaud your compassion. Taking on the responsibility for war orphans shows extraordinary generosity. But why these two? You must encounter orphans all the time in your line of work.
These two were particularly at risk because their father was an American, Amelia explained. As you know, anti-American sentiments run strong in Palemeir right now. Besides, Nick was with their mother when she died, and he promised to take care of them. He just didnt realize that would mean adopting thembut he is a man of his word.
Easton noticed Nicholas and Amelia exchange a glance. Nicholas ought to be grateful a member of the royal family was pleading his case. But he didnt look particularly grateful. In fact, Easton felt a distinct tension between these two.
Im not here to debate Mr. Standishs character, Easton said. I only want to know the answer to one question. Ive asked it before, of Amelia, but she was decidedly unforthcoming. Perhaps you can shed some light on the matter, Nicholas. The Ministry of Family charges that your marriage was a sham from the beginning, that you never intended to live together as husband and wife. Is this the case?
Amelia looked everywhere but at the king. She seemed to find the wallpaper border fascinating. Nicholas was a bit more direct.
Sham isnt the right word, he objected. I wont pretend that it was a love match. But I thought MelanieAmeliawas as committed to the children as I was, and I assumed she would be returning to Korosol with me.
Melanie?
The identity I used when working for the ICF, Amelia said.
Of course, of course. Hed only recently learned of his granddaughters alarming activities. Her philanthropic tendencies were to be applauded, but trotting off to war zones was completely unacceptable. He had put a stop to that, posthaste.
At the time, Nicholas continued, I thought of the marriage as a temporary solution to a critical problem. Of course, I didnt realize then that my new wife was Princess Amelia. She chose not to reveal that fact to me.
For security reasons, Amelia added.
You didnt tell your own husband who you were? Easton asked, amazed. He was learning a lot about his granddaughters on this trip to America, a great deal of it not very pleasant.
He wasnt really my husband.
So the marriage was a sham.
Amelia answered slowly, carefully choosing each word. I believe Nicholas and I had somewhat different expectations concerning the marriage. In retrospect, I see that I should have handled things differently.
To say the least, Easton murmured, giving Amelia a hard look. He hoped she would show better judgment when she was queen.
But its not fair for Nick to be penalized for my oversight. Im sure the Ministry of Family is just doing its job, but if their primary concern is for the children, they shouldnt jerk them away from the stable and loving home theyve been in for the past year.
And how, exactly, do you know so much about this stable and loving home? Easton asked. Have you been there? Did you observe it firsthand? Easton knew very well the answer to that question. Neither Amelia nor her sisters had set foot in Korosol in more than twenty years, despite his many invitations. His daughter-in-law, Lady Charlotte, had forbidden it, and because they were American citizens, he had no authority to enforce demands. She somehow held him responsible for the hardships she endured running her familys shipping business after his son Drakes untimely death almost twenty years ago. Fortunately, his current visit had done much to soften Charlottes attitude toward him.
I can tell that the children have been happy with Nicholas because of what I see now, Amelia answered. A year ago these children were malnourished and practically dressed in rags, not to mention terrified. As you can see now, theyre both clean, healthy and well dressed. And they adore Nicholas.
Easton could see the little boy worshiped his adoptive father. He had crawled into Nicholass lap and was playing peekaboo using Nicholass tie. The fact that Nicholas didnt participate in the game didnt faze the boy.
The girl, though, worried him. You, ma petite, he said, pointing to the older child, whose name he still couldnt recall. How do you like living with Mr. Standish?
Uncle Nick is wonderful, she replied solemnly. He brought us to live in a pretty house in a nice village. We have all the food we want, and I have a pet lamb that Nick says we never have to eat, and we have as many blankets on the bed as we need. He takes me to school every day and hes teaching me French.
Indeed. Easton was charmed despite himself. The delicate little girl reminded him of his sister Magdalene when shed been that age, God rest her soul. And what about the Princess Amelia? Easton asked. What do you think of her?
The child looked taken aback by the question, but Easton was merely trying to get the child away from her rehearsed speech.
Princess Amelia is very pretty, the little girl said. I didnt know she was a princess till Uncle Nick read about her in the newspaper.
Really? Easton asked. What happened then?
He got real mad, the girl said matter-of-factly. He said some words. I think they might have been bad words, but they were in French so I didnt understand them. And he threw a couple of things. She looked over at Nicholas and, seeing his expression of dismay, quickly added, Oh, but Uncle Nick hardly ever says bad words. And he mostly threw things that didnt break, and he didnt throw them at anyone.
Easton chuckled at the childs sober sincerity, then quickly sobered himself. This situation put him into quite a sticky wicket, though it wasnt the stability of Nicks home or the quality of his guardianship that concerned him. Eleanor had told Easton everything he needed to know about her brothers dependability.
What is it you want from me? he asked Nicholas point-blank.
Intervention, Nicholas answered quickly, decisively. Youre the king. One phone call from you and the dragon-lady social workers from the Ministry of Family will drop their case against me and leave me in peace.
Dragon ladies, Jakob repeated, then giggled.