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“Oh, no,” she replies.
I scroll down to see a photo of her dressed in a brightly printed 70s dress that sweeps the floor, her fair hair more relaxed and flowing down her back.
“You were a total fox! Look at this.” I turn the phone around for both my grandmama and Alice to see.
“So beautiful,” Alice declares.
“That was an evening at the King Edvard Hall where we saw the Malveauxian Royal Orchestra perform. I remember it because I had just learned that I was pregnant with your mother.”
“Mom?” I turn back to the image, but of course there’s no visible sign. Grandmama’s dress is slim-fitting, skimming over her hips. “That’s crazy.”
“It was a happy evening,” she replies, a sad smile on her face.
I look into her eyes. “I miss her so much right now, which sounds nuts because she’s been gone a long time. I guess it’s being here where she grew up. I’ve been thinking about her a lot.”
“I’m sure you have,” Grandmama replies tenderly. “I have, too.”
We share a look and for the first time, I wonder whether she’s finding a living, breathing reminder of her daughter difficult.
“Alice, can you give us a sec?” I ask, taking the opportunity to get her alone to ask her something that’s been on my mind.
She does a little curtsy and leaves the room.
“What is it, dear?” Grandmama asks.
“Can I ask you a question and you answer it honestly?”
“Of course you can.” She pats the seat next to her and I sink down into the soft cushion.
“Okay.” I toy with my fingers before I launch into it. “Here's the thing. Someone mentioned that I'm only here as a backup in case Nicolas goes through with his abdication. Is that true?”
My grandmama takes a beat, placing one ankle over the other and folding her hands in her lap. “Your uncle has made it clear that he wishes to abdicate. However, he hasn't yet signed the official paperwork. He’s taken a leave of absence.”
“With all due respect, that's not telling me a whole lot, Grandmama. Give it to me straight: am I the backup princess?”
“I would never call you a backup, my dear Maddie. Not in a million years.”
My pulse quickens. “But that's what I am?”
“In all likelihood, Nicolas will abdicate the throne, making you your grandpapa’s heir.”
Sounds like a backup to me. Dang Alexander for being right!
I pull my lips into a line and nod my head. “Got it.”
“But Maddie, please understand the position we're in. With Nicolas telling us his desires we needed to act before Edgar turned, demanding his rightful position. As Josephine’s daughter, like it or not, you are the next in line for the throne. Nicolas told us he was almost certain to sign before he left for his yacht, which is why we sent Vladimir to get you.”
I don't think she realizes she's now painted a picture of me as the undisputed backup princess here.
“I get it. It's fine, Grandmama. Really.”
Her features crease into a relieved smile. “We are so very happy to have you here, regardless of what Nicolas decides.”
I offer her a smile. Truth be told, I'm beginning to enjoy my life here as a princess. Potentially not being the heir to the throne does definitely take the pressure off.
So why do I suddenly feel like a rug’s being pulled out from under me?
Grandmama clearly wants a change of subject when she asks, “Do you feel ready for today’s luncheon?”
