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“My whole life. My mother worked here before I did, and her mother and grandmother before her. We are the longest serving family in the castle.”
“You’re practically royalty y
ourself,” said Esme.
“The only throne I’ve sat on is a porcelain one.” The older woman laughed. She looked to be of middle eastern descent. Somewhere between Spain and the tip of Africa, but to Esme’s ears, she rolled her R’s like a French woman.
Esme stopped again when they passed a statue of a warrior with his sword drawn in preparation to face whatever monster might come his way. Just then, a low moan sounded from the walls. Logically, Esme knew it was likely pipes, but to her imagination, it sounded like a dragon preparing to attack.
“Careful, dear,” said Mrs. Dolevitt. “There are a lot of repairs going on in preparation for the gala, so please excuse the mess and the noise.”
As if on cue, the groaning noise sounded through the walls, practically vibrating the floor. Though she knew there were truly no such things as dragons, Esme’s imagination was already running away with her. What if there was a beast in the belly of the dungeons? Or a griffin on the roof. Would Leo come down from his throne and rescue her? Would she even see him again this weekend in this massive place with all these people?
“I’m so sorry, my dears, but we weren’t expecting you. Typical of Prince Alexander. I’m afraid we’re quite full. All fifty royal guest bedrooms are taken.”
“There’re over fifty rooms in the castle?” said Jan.
“There are over five hundred rooms. Ten state rooms, forty offices, seventy bathrooms, one hundred staff bedrooms. And there are two ballrooms.”
“You never have to leave,” Esme sighed.
“In the early centuries, the queens of Cordoba never did,” said Mrs. Dolevitt. “Women are treasured in this country, protected.”
“What was the last queen like?” asked Esme.
“Queen Isabel was a good woman. Smart. Very beautiful. And kind. She took her duties seriously. She had many charitable endeavors. She and the king tried for many years to have children before being blessed with the princess. The queen’s greatest sorrow was not giving the kingdom an heir before she passed away.”
“Were they in love? King Leo and Queen Isabel?”
Mrs. Dolevitt frowned as though she hadn’t understood the question. “It doesn’t work like that with royalty. Their marriage was arranged when they were children. They got on well. I never saw them argue. King Leo consulted her often on decisions, very modern of him. He grieved when she passed. But it’s time he remarries.”
“I suppose that will be arranged?” Esme asked.
“King Leo will do his own choosing this time.”
Finally, they reached their destination. Mrs. Dolevitt turned the lock on an ancient looking door. “This is the old nursery. It hasn’t been used since King Leo and Prince Alex were little ones.”
Though it may not have been in use for years, a ruckus sounded from the adjoining room.
“Sorry,” said Mrs. Dolevitt. “Some of the royal guests are using the other room as a day care.”
“Are the children unattended?” Esme asked going over to the adjoining door. Before Mrs. Dolevitt could answer, Esme had already pulled the door open. It wasn’t exactly chaos on the other side. Just disorganized confusion.
Candies and chips were set up on a table. Juice boxes were lined up like soldiers, a few boxes had spilled onto the floor. The kids were running around and squealing as though they’d been let loose for the first time in their lives.
“There are no nannies or governesses on the property,” said Mrs. Dolevitt. “Princess Penelope has only tutors. The child is quite happy to spend much of her days sitting in her father’s office while he works. She’s never needed much looking after. She prefers to learn all day.”
Esme spied Penelope sitting in a corner with a book as the chaos ensued around her. Jan turned back into the room. Kids weren’t the baker’s forte. But Esme was in her element. Esme took a step into the nursery.
There were five children gathered in the room including Penelope. They were a United Color of Benetton ad with skin hues that circled the globe. Esme supposed that was because this country was so diverse.
“Did you hear that?” Esme said loud enough over the din of noise. All young eyes looked up at her. Penelope put down her book. “I think a dragon is trying to enter the castle.”
“There’s no such thing as dragons,” said a little boy with jet black hair and eyes just as dark.
As if on cue the clanging sound of pipes rattled the room. The children gasped and looked about.
Esme pursed her lips and shrugged. “If you say so.” She turned to go back into her room. The clanking sounded again.
