by Kyle Baxter
“That could work,” his mother said and pushed a lock of hair off her forehead. “And Frederick looks so good in a suit.”
Freddie kept his mouth shut. Joel was going to Paris, then Rome, and maybe . . .
Karl walked over to the king’s desk and picked up the paper to look at the photo. “That’s all well and good, but Frederick needs to have someone on his arm at the party tonight.”
“How about Duchess Julia von Torven? They looked good together at the press conference and in the photos from his arrival party,” the king mused.
“That is an excellent idea,” Denis said. “They do indeed look good together.”
And his mother volunteered, “I’m very fond of her.”
The king paced in front of his desk. “How do we know her? I can’t recall.”
Freddie froze. “She was Alois’s girlfriend,” he shot back. How could Vater forget that? Maybe he just didn’t care. Frederick looked down at the carpet. He did not like them asking this of Julia. It wasn’t fair.
A queasy feeling twisted his stomach. I need to talk to Joel and explain this. His jaw tensed as he worried about how this situation—a fake date—would look to Joel. He had warned him that his life was complicated but did not anticipate this. I’ve been away for too long. I forgot what it was like. Freddie felt a headache coming on.
“Ah, yes. Perfect.” Father clapped his hands together. “She knows what is expected of her. Will you contact her, my dear?” he asked his wife.
“She’s already coming, Father,” Karl volunteered and walked back to the couch. He sounded sad; he clearly didn’t like this turn of events either.
“Even better. You don’t have to date her, of course, but do make sure she’s seen on your arm, Frederick. The media will do the rest.” His father picked up his newspaper and went back to his desk. After settling into his chair, he looked up at Frederick. “One last thing. How are you communicating with this boy?”
“He’s not a . . . I have an unregistered cell phone, Father.” Freddie felt like a delinquent child being disciplined.
“That’s done. Hand it over to security,” the king ordered. “You’re dismissed. Go see your tutors in the sunroom. It’s time you learned modern politics.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Make Me Feel
Joel climbed out of the car and pulled off his scarf. The weather seemed to be warming. He wondered if the unseasonable cold snap was really over. Good thing he and Caty were skiing on the glacier tomorrow. There was no worry about whether the weather there would hold. There was even summer skiing in those higher climes.
Turning, he gave a wave to Frederick as the limousine drove off. After taking Mariah’s arm, they walked up the steps to the entrance, a large dark wooden double door inlaid with glass panes and round transom on top. He saw no signage. No one would know what this place was if they didn’t already know. There was also no information on his maps app, and it was very up to date, even in Etreustein. Two security guards in black flanked the door. They opened it as they approached.
He shared a glance with Mariah. She was as wide-eyed and curious as he was. They were meeting Freddie’s sister, a princess. A real princess! Why that impressed him so much, he didn’t know. He knew Freddie, and he was a prince. But I knew him before I learned he was royalty—and that is STILL weird. But this was different. Somehow. Plus, she was Freddie’s sister, and Joel wanted her to like them.
Inside, they found a small room with a desk at the far end and a security guard. Behind it lay another door, this one with a key-card access point. Mariah looked up at him and he shrugged. What were they supposed to do?
He was about to text Freddie when a petite blonde woman in a gray blazer and skirt came out of the secured door. Her strawberry-blonde hair was pulled into a business bun. She held out a hand. “Willkommen, I am Astrid.”
Immediately he recognized her from yesterday’s press conference, and he bowed a little, then shook her hand. “Hello, I’m Joel McIntyre. This is my sister Mariah Hernandez. Uhm . . . thank you, Your Royal Highness . . . ?”
“Stop that,” she said. “I may be a princess, but I do not stand on formality outside of royal events and certainly not here.” The woman took Mariah’s hand and shook it. “It is so nice to meet you both. Shall we get started?” She waved to the man behind her, and another security guard appeared from a side door. He took their coats and then disappeared just as quickly.
They followed Astrid through the secure door and into a large open gallery. It was a blend of modern and Baroque style with a three-story vaulted ceiling. The top was solid, but the angled sides were frosted glass. Wrought-iron supports either helped hold it up or were just an aesthetic; Joel wasn’t sure.
At the far end of the room lay a large marble staircase that split off at the perpendicular into two more staircases going up to the second floor. Above them, galleries were supported with archways flanked by pillars. Joel could just see paintings on the walls in the rooms above. All along the floor on the way to the stairs were display cases with marble busts, jewelry, and artifacts of all kinds.
Joel stared, gobsmacked. It was gorgeous. “This is amazing.”
Mariah stared open-mouthed at one bust in particular: the mad Bavarian King Ludwig II, builder of Neuschwanstein castle, the Swan King, his hair wild even in bronze.
“I may need to sit down,” Mariah mumbled.
“Me too.” Joel felt giggles bubbling up. They both loved museums, but this was a treat. There was just so much to take in.
Astrid took them on a brief tour, showing off things she thought they’d especially like: the collection’s “crown jewels,” as it were. There were Greek statues and Roman copies of Greek statues as well as paintings. He noted work by Velázquez and Goya as well as da Vinci.
“We also have many items liberated from the Germans after World War Two.” To illustrate the point, she took them upstairs and showed them a portrait of the royal family before the war: the king and queen with two young boys similar in age and an older girl.
“The war split our family,” Astrid said. “This brother, Crown Prince Heinrich, he sided with the Nazis. He had no particular love of Hitler, but given their march through Europe, he feared it the most expedient course.”
“Peace in our time.” Joel quoted the British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.
“Quite. The younger brother there”—she pointed to the tow-headed boy—“Wilhelm von Homburg, he married a lovely Jewish woman, Ayda. They fled to England. When the Third Reich fell, Crown Prince Heinrich fell with it. He was killed when the country was repatriated. Luckily for us, it was the Allies that did that or else all this”—she waved a hand around at the museum—“might have been lost to the Soviets.”
She led them to another photo. “This is a picture of Wilhelm and Ayda at the castle years after he took the crown. See all their children?”
Joel squinted to look at the photo of the mustachioed man. “He looks like Freddie—uh, Prince Frederick.”
“Yes, yes he does,” Astrid agreed. There was a hint of pride in her voice. “You can call him Freddie if you like. I think it’s adorable.”
“What happened to the girl?” Mariah moved back to the older portrait.
“Och, how silly of me.” Astrid walked over to her. “That is Renate. She fled to France and fought in the Resistance. Sadly, she died helping take back Etreustein, but she was a spitfire, yes? She would have made a good queen if that was allowed.”
“It’s too bad this place isn’t open to the public,” Mariah said. “Why is that?”
“This is mainly storage. We cycle the collection in and out of various museums all over the world.” Astrid walked back toward the front and they followed. “Now let’s go to my office for coffee and cakes, shall we?”
“So you as a princess work here . . . ?” Mariah followed close behind the woman.
“Oh, no, I don’t work here, but all of the royal family have jobs. Karl and Father are busin
essmen. Mother is involved with children’s charities. Freddie was a soldier, and I’m a liaison with the World Economic Forum.”
“I thought maybe this was your job . . .” Mariah murmured, a little crestfallen. Running a museum would be her dream job.
“No, we have a full-time curator, but I keep a workroom here,” Astrid said.
“You keep your offices in a museum?” Mariah asked.
Joel was delighted to see his sister’s interest piqued. She was plainly fascinated with the older woman.
“As you say, I am the princess.” Astrid leaned slightly backward, struck a pose, and demonstrated a perfect royal wave. “I can have my verdammte office anywhere I want it.” With a laugh, she took Mariah’s hand and led them to her large, homey office. Coffee and cakes waited for them.
She poured them both coffee. “Now, how do you know Fredrick?”
“Chance meeting in London. We haven’t known each other long, to be honest,” Joel said.
She nodded; she clearly knew this. Was she testing him? “He’s very taken with you. He says you work with a charity in New York.”
Mariah looked up at Joel in surprise, her mouth opening and closing.
“Not quite. A friend of mine is involved in a charity upstate. They help at-risk kids, primarily focused on the LGBTQ community. I’m interested in it, that’s all. Freddie’s exaggerating, probably for some mischievous end.”
“I doubt that. He never exaggerates—very Prussian.” Astrid took a sip of her coffee and gave a half-smile. “There must be some other reason.”
A small girl in a state-of-the-art wheelchair burst into the room. “Mama,” she said excitedly. “Stimmt es, dass wir heute Abend auf der Burg feiern?”
“Yes, Inga, we are going to a party at the castle tonight if you’re up to it.” Astrid was answering and translating for them at the same time. The young girl scrutinized them and caught on immediately.
Her eyes widened and she gave them a wave. “Oh, Americans, Willkommen.” Rolling her chair in, she addressed them in accented English. “Where are you from?”
“I’m from Houston, Texas,” Mariah said. Inga’s eyes went wide at the word “Texas.” It was like magic, he was sure.
“I live in New York City,” Joel volunteered. He saw the young girl’s eyes light up again.
“We’re moving there next year,” Inga told him. “Maybe we’ll see you there.”
“Our ambassador to the UN is retiring and I’ll be taking his place,” Astrid explained. “It would be nice to see you there.”
“I’d love that,” Joel admitted and gave the young girl a wink. Not only was he meeting Freddie’s family, but they were making tentative plans. This was turning out to be more than just a vacation affair. This was something. Excitement bubbled in his stomach. He turned to his sister. “Maybe you can come up for a visit then too.”
“That would be great.” Mariah beamed.
“Maybe we can tour the Met together.” Astrid clapped her hands.
Inga groaned, clearly not sharing her mother’s love of antiquities. “Will Frederick be at the party tonight, Mama?”
“Yes, dear, but he will be busy,” Astrid said firmly. “This is for visiting business people. You know how these events can be.”
“Well, if Frederick is there, then I am definitely going.” She spun her chair expertly around and zoomed for the door. “Inga is out, peace!”
“She got that from Frederick?” Joel’s mouth quirked up. He remembered him saying that in the stairwell days ago. Freddie also mentioned she was his favorite, and Joel saw why. She was lively and bold.
“She adores her uncle so much.” Astrid watched her go.
“So does Joel, apparently.” Mariah shared a knowing glance with the princess.
“Mariah LaRosa Hernández!” Joel nudged her, making her fall over with a snort. But his reprobation had no teeth in it. He did adore Frederick. Astrid’s eyes sparkled as she watched them. I hope she likes us. He was suddenly desperate for her approval. Freddie thought the world of her.
“Inga is my youngest.” Astrid took a sip of her java. “Her older brothers are away at school at the moment.”
After coffee, Mariah and Joel spent an hour exploring the collection on their own. Astrid had phone calls to make. After another hour, they decided they’d overstayed their welcome and were getting ready to leave when Astrid came out of the museum.
“I left you all alone. I’m so sorry. I meant to show you more.” She helped Mariah with her coat.
Mariah took her hands and squeezed them. “You’re a princess. You were working.”
“Yes, no rest for the wicked, even on the weekend.”
“Is everything okay?” Joel noticed worry on her face.
“Oh yes, just talking with one of the leaders of the opposition party.” Astrid helped Joel button up his jacket, like a good mother would do.
Mariah’s eyes brightened. “Oh, you’re in politics too?”
“Of course, all the family is. I’m afraid that’s why Frederick didn’t make an appearance. He wanted to, but he’s getting caught up to speed, for his duties. He did send a message though.”
Joel brightened at that, but his face fell when Astrid continued. “He anticipates being very busy at the party tonight and doubts he will have much time to spend with you. He’ll reach out later if he can.”
Why didn’t Freddie just text him? Joel’s chest tightened. Was Freddie pulling back after last night? Was this the no homo moment he feared before? But that didn’t seem likely after all the time they’d spent together.
Astrid watched all that play on his face, and taking his arm, she said, “Events like this party are very much work for the family. Deals and treaties are made and brokered at them. Frederick has been out of practice for a very long time, and they are shepherding him through. He’s busy, that’s all. I assure you, this is no slight.”
Joel saw truth and concern in her face, and he accepted her explanation. “We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day.” Joel put his scarf around his neck. “We hope we didn’t put you out too much.”
“Not at all. It was a delight. I love showing people around here.” Astrid led them to the exit. “I just wish we had more time. I understand you’re leaving the day after tomorrow?”
“Yes, we’re going to France.” Mariah pulled her knit cap down and tucked her long, dark hair in it.
Astrid took her hand again. “If you like, you two can come back tomorrow and roam to your heart’s content. I can’t give you a tour but—”
“Joel’s going skiing with my sister Caterina again tomorrow,” Mariah said with a moan.
“Well, come by yourself then. I can have a car pick you up.” Astrid walked outside with them. “You are more than welcome.”
Mariah looked at Joel expectantly. He nodded. “I’m sure that will be fine with our parents.” He gave her a little bow. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Her forehead puckered. “It’s Astrid, Joel. Just Astrid, please. I’ll see you both tonight.”
“Oh, one last thing,” Mariah asked. “What is that small flower on all the heraldry?”
“Mariah,” he hissed. “She needs to get back to work.” He thought they asked enough of her, taken up enough of her time.
“Es macht nichts.” Astrid smiled warmly. “That’s the edelweiss. It’s a small flower. It grows in the Alps.”
“I knew it!” Mariah punched the air.
It seemed as if the small flower didn’t have as strong a meaning for her as for Freddie. Maybe, it was something Alois had shared only with Freddie. A token of affection he gave a baby brother who was shuttled off to school. Joel walked to the waiting car and waved goodbye to the princess. “Guten Abend!”
Chapter Twenty-Four
I Feel Pretty/Unpretty
The party that night was a bigger affair than Joel thought it would be. He assumed it would be the same size as the previous cocktail reception, but judging by the line waiting to
get in, the attendance was almost double.
The reception line started outside in the bailey warmed by standing heaters and led into the Great Hall. It buzzed with excitement. The royal family was rarely all in one place. Outside of the presser, the now-former crown prince hadn’t been seen in weeks, and now he was here, though sadly he needed to rely on a cane.
“Are you okay?” Mariah side-eyed him as he fidgeted in the reception line.
“Fine. I’m fine,” Joel stammered.
“He got a haircut,” Caty hissed. “And he went and bought a new suit.”
“I just wanted—”
“Another new suit,” Caty cut him off. Her smirk infuriated him.
Mariah gave him the once-over. “You wanted to look pretty for him? You really like this man.”
“Maybe.” He blushed, a little embarrassed by how excited he was. He’s just a guy, he lied to himself. Freddie was more than just a guy. Aside from his pedigree, he was a guy Joel really liked. A man that gave him butterflies in his stomach.
There’s no way this was just a vacation affair. Joel knew he was falling for Freddie. A future might be impossible for them, but at the moment, he didn’t care. He was sunk.
They made it into the hallway leading to the Great Hall and got their first eyes on the royal family.
“Oh, they’re just wearing regular clothes and not robes and crowns,” Mom whispered, disappointment coloring her voice. She’d bought a new red cocktail dress and went to the salon just for the event. Her blonde hair was swept up in a modern bouffant with a matching red headband to emphasize the height. Joel thought she looked amazing.
So did Freddie. He wore deep blue again. It was quickly becoming his signature color. The royal family greeted everyone in a very businesslike and perfunctory manner, though some guests gushed and tried to engage them. Those were quickly moved along by aides. Small talk would come later in the Great Hall.