Page 7 of Falling for the Queen Mother

The look disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. She went on. “Bring me up to speed on the plans?"

It only took a couple of minutes for him to do so.

She made a couple of notes, but didn't say anything as he spoke.

Nate concluded with, "I think that's everything."

"Excellent. In the morning, someone will meet you and take you to the archives and back out, at least for the time being." Queen Mother Alaina frowned and tapped her electronic pencil against the device itself. "That won't do. I think it would be preferable for you stay in guest quarters here at the palace.”

The offer surprised him, and he blinked several times. "I appreciate the offer, ma'am, but I think I would prefer staying at the resort. I hope I don't seem rude or unappreciative. Emilia is still there and I would prefer not to leave her alone."

"I understand your concern and am grateful for it. However, Ms. Hardin has already moved to the palace with her child. When I spoke with her earlier today, I realized I have need of her expertise. She can work for me, take care of Alice, and earn an income to help her settle in and get her new life started here in Southern Santiero."

Nathaniel found himself blinking again, several times. "That's wonderful." He had no idea what kind capacity Emilia would be serving the queen. In fact, he suspected the position may have been created just for her rather than her filling a currently vacant need.

"Now, if you would prefer to pack your own things, you may do so or I can have someone go to the resort and do it for you."

"I would prefer to do it myself, ma'am."

"Very well." She stood.

He followed suit. "I will bring my things with me when I come back in the morning."

"That's not necessary. In fact, my son would like to meet with you later this evening. He has a full day, but wants to talk with you as soon as possible. Given that, it would likely be best if you stayed here tonight." She clasped her hands in front of her. "Would you still prefer to pack up your own things or would you like me to send someone?"

Turning that quickly over in his mind, Nathaniel decided to accept the gracious offer. "Thank you, ma'am. Your kindness is appreciated."

She tipped her head slightly in acknowledgment then walked toward the door he'd entered through. "Come with me, please. I'll be happy to show you to your quarters."

Though he felt uncertain of how he felt about the Queen Mother guiding him to his new place, Nathaniel did the only thing he could do.

He followed her.

Alaina found herself walking in front of the Nathaniel this time. Earlier in the day, he'd walked beside her, but this time something had changed.

What could it be?

Nothing came to mind.

Rather than dwell on it, she decided to continue her tour from earlier in the day, identifying items of interest as they passed them on their way to the guest quarters. He made a few noises of agreement or even exclamation, but didn't actually say anything to her as they walked.

As they neared the entrance to his quarters, Nathaniel suddenly stopped.

Alaina turned to see his mind clearly working on... something. "What is it?"

The wheels continued to turn for a moment, then he looked around. "Is there somewhere we can speak privately?"

One of her eyebrows lifted slightly before she could stop it. An empty hallway wasn't private enough? Or did he suspect the walls had ears?

With a single nod, Alaina turned and walked the few steps to his quarters. "This is where you'll be staying indefinitely," she told him. "You are welcome to remain as long as necessary." It wouldn't be the first time someone took that a little too literally, but she couldn't believe he would do that.

Once the door closed behind them, she turned to see him staring at one of the portraits in the sitting room.

"What is it?" she asked again.

He didn't turn around. "What is there that says we're looking for something in the archives? How can we be certain it's not one of the pieces on display?"

That thought had never occurred to her. Apparently, it had never occurred to anyone in Dellisole or Eastern Novigradia either or it he would have mentioned it to her much sooner.