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“Okay . . .” I felt a little relieved, but wondered what she was going to say.
I steadied my nerves before we entered the dining hall, but much to my pleasant surprise, Queen Annabelle was not seated at the head of the long table.
Had I gotten lucky?
Was it possible she was going to skip dinner?
Only time would tell if I got that lucky.
I let out a sigh of relief and quietly slid into the seat next to Oliver.
He leaned in close and whispered, “Still no sign of it?”
I bit my lip and leaned in to whisper back, “No—I can’t find it anywhere. I even asked Marco. Adriana said she’d help me look again after dinner.”
Oliver’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You told my sister?”
I gave a small nod and smiled at her as she placed a napkin on her lap.
“I’m impressed,” Oliver said. “Looks like you’re getting the hang of this royal inner circle business.” He wiggled his nose. “Gardenia, right? Your perfume?”
“No,” I said. “Not even close.”
My muscles tensed as Queen Annabelle entered the dining room and took a seat at the head of the table.
A few seconds later, she glanced in my direction.
“Miss Fullerton,” the queen said. “Before I forget, did you remember to bring the tiara with you?”
I picked up my napkin and slowly wiped my mouth, even though I had eaten nothing yet, delaying a few precious seconds as I waited for Adriana to jump in and hopefully take over like she had mentioned.
“I have the tiara, Mother,” she lied.
“Why do you have it?” Prince Theodore asked suspiciously.
I bristled at his tone, wondering why he even cared, then took a slow look at everyone at the table. The queen was obviously irritated. Add to that Adriana had just lied through her teeth, and even Theodore’s behavior was out of character. Then there was Oliver, who acted like he didn’t give a fig if the darn tiara was ever found. What the heck was going on with this family?
“Why does it matter if I have it?” Adriana deflected Prince Theodore’s questions. “I also have one of Veronica’s scarves, as well as a sterling silver bracelet. Would you like to know why I have those as well?” She was practically picking a fight with her brother, it seemed.
Luckily, Theodore did not press any further on the subject.
“We don’t need to take an inventory of your belongings.” Queen Annabelle’s expression softened. “After dinner, please ensure the tiara is placed in the royal vault.”
“Of course, Mother,” Adriana agreed easily.
I could hardly believe that she had lied like that for me.
The panic in my chest loosened slightly.
Adriana had saved me, and the tiara debacle seemed temporarily forgotten as servants began placing plates of food on the table. The aroma of the sumptuous feast filled the air, a culinary masterpiece that would’ve been the highlight of any event: lobster bisque, filet mignon, turnip greens, and truffle-infused risotto.
I shot Adriana a grateful look, then we ate. I could totally see us as good friends, if she weren’t a princess.
As for the food at the palace, it was amazing. Every meal, every time. It surprised me I had yet to meet any of the kitchen staff, including the chef.
“Please give my compliments to the chef,” I said to one of the dining room staff. “This food is heavenly.”
The employee bowed politely and said, “Of course, Miss Fullerton.”
