“I’m aware of that.” He frowned. “I also know the king tried to find her for years. For the record, he never knew she was with child. And with the somewhat common name of Susan Smith, and not knowing where she lived in the States, well, it proved a challenge. If you hadn’t been listed on that DNA network, we never would’ve known about you. Did you join the registry in hopes of discovering your father?”
“I did it last summer in a moment of weakness. I was lonely for some sort of family connection. My mother had no interest in the registry. I suspect she wanted to protect our anonymity. She was a proud woman, and I think being rejected by Max, or his family, well, I’m sure it broke her heart.” This was something that Adelaide was still processing, but it made sense, like missing puzzle pieces slipping into place.
“And yet she named you Adelaide Katelyn.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Why do you say that?”
“Didn’t you know King Maximillian’s mother was Adelaide Katelin?”
“Really?” She blinked a few times. “I had no idea.”
“Your middle names are spelt a bit differently. Yours has a Y where hers has an I.”
“Interesting.” Although she felt tired from lack of sleep, this conversation kept nudging her wakefulness.
“According to my uncle, the former queen liked your mother. She approved the marriage. It was her husband, Maximillian IV, who forbade the union of your parents.”
“I see.” Adelaide felt indignation for her mother. Such rejection would hurt.
“It was also Maximillian IV who pressured his son to eventually marry a different woman about eighteen years ago.”
“Is that Queen Johanna? I don’t recall her full name.”
“Queen Johanna Maria Egger Bohm Konig. She was widowed by Prime Minister Georg Bohm about twenty years ago. King Maximillian, with no heir, decided Johanna and her fifteen-year-old son were a good fit for a ready-made royal family. She was an attractive and well-respected woman, but not one particularly known for her warmth.”
“I see.”
“Queen Johanna never bore royal offspring and consequently nurtures aspirations for her own son to inherit the throne.”
Adelaide didn’t know how to respond to that, so she decided to change the subject. “Tell me more about the king. Has he been a good ruler?”
“Very good. He’s only been on the throne for sixteen years, but the country has flourished under the wise reign of King Max.”
“Is that what he goes by? King Max?”
“Yes, he encouraged the name shortly after he was crowned, and the people love it. He’s a natural leader.”
“But that has changed now that he’s grown ill?”
Anton shook his head. “Even in his illness, his country always comes first.”
“And what about Queen Johanna? I know you mentioned her son, but why wouldn’t she take over leadership when King Max is gone?”
“I’m sure she would like that, and we’ve had queens on the throne before, but according to law, the ruler should be a direct descendant of the royal family.”
“I see.”
“The king has a brother, more than ten years his junior, who would have been next in line.”
“Would have?”
“Yes. Prince Farcus has been missing for about six weeks.” Sadness reflected in his eyes. “King Max is very distraught over it.”
“What happened to him?”
“Prince Farcus went to Scotland on a fishing trip and never came back.”
“Do you think it was an accident?”
His expression suggested uncertainty. “The rumor that he drowned has circulated.”
“But you don’t think so?”
Anton shrugged. “I have my doubts.”
“Does Prince Farcus have a wife? Perhaps a domestic situation he wished to escape?”
“No. He is unmarried and childless.”
Adelaide considered this. “Perhaps his disappearance is his way of saying he doesn’t wish for the responsibility of the throne. He has no interest in ruling Montovia?”
“Some believe that, but I know your uncle fairly well. He is a free spirit and sometimes questions the practicality of monarchy in the modern age. But cowardice does not fit his character. He is a good man. We’ve sent inquiries and investigators to Scotland to search for him, but with no results, no leads, nothing.”
“How mysterious.”
“Very. Naturally, with Prince Farcus missing and King Max’s health failing, Queen Johanna feels more certain than ever that her son, who’s been legally adopted by the king, should be next in line for the crown.”
“Despite what you said about bloodlines?”
“Yes, it’s possible that Parliament could vote to make an exception due to Georg’s legal adoption.”
“How old is Georg?” Adelaide asked.
“He’s a few years younger than I am. But he seems younger to me.”
She studied his expression. “Do you question his ability to rule?”
“I do not care to say.” Anton was hard to read, but Adelaide suspected he was holding something back. Perhaps for diplomacy’s sake. Regardless, the message was clear—Anton felt Prince Georg wouldn’t make a good ruler.
“May I ask your opinion of the queen? You insinuated she was a bit cool.” Adelaide knew she was fishing but felt she could trust this man. “What should I expect when I meet her?”
He rubbed his chin. “She is an extremely strong woman. Intelligent and well-spoken. She presents a very regal image and is popular with some.” Although his words mostly praised the queen, his eyes betrayed him.
Adelaide noted his apparent distaste for the queen, then asked another question. “And you say that she’s very eager for Georg to inherit the throne?”
Eyes downward, he nodded.
“So, I expect Queen Johanna will not welcome me with open arms.”
Anton looked amused. “To be honest, Queen Johanna doesn’t even know about you . . . or your impending visit.”
“What?” Adelaide sat up straight. “Won’t that be awkward?”
“My uncle thought it best. I don’t want to suggest the queen is malevolent, but between you and me, she is a bit self-serving and”—he cleared his throat—“we believe she is capable of intricate schemes to her own benefit.”
“Really?”
“I hadn’t planned to disclose this much, but it seems only fair to give you warning.” He leaned forward. “Be on your guard with the queen.”
Adelaide tilted her head to one side. “Are you suggesting she’s dangerous?”
“Not in a physical sense, but she’s been known to make life difficult for people who oppose her.”
Adelaide felt somewhat challenged by the thought of having a good argument with Queen Johanna. “That could be amusing.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you think so. I have a feeling you’ll be a worthy opponent to the queen. I know you’re studying law. That could prove a valuable asset.”
“Maybe.” Adelaide couldn’t help but suppress a sleepy yawn. Despite her interest in this conversation, the combination of good food and a warm car ride was making her drowsy.