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We stop in front of the Grand Duchess. Andela and Eva curtsey as I bow. We wait in silence for our monarch to greet us.
She gives Andela a long, critical once-over, her gaze sliding up from the hem of her full skirt over the modest bodice and to her face. She stares for a long moment at the bright, beautiful waves piled on her head. Finally, she speaks. “Andela. That’s a lovely gown.”
Andela’s face falls for a fraction of a second, then goes blank. The Grand Duchess’s expression shifts to subtly satisfied, and she turns to me. “Teodor. Impeccable as always. At least in your choice of apparel.” Her gaze flicks over Eva, ticking from her neckline to the slit in her skirt, then moves on. “Hans, how delightful to see you again.”
My body goes rigid at the insult. She completely ignored Eva!
The proper response would be to move on. The Grand Duchess has greeted me and Andela—it’s her prerogative as the monarch to ignore anyone she chooses. But for once in my life, I don’t care what’s proper. This woman has just insulted the love of my life, and I’m not going to let her get away with it. My recent revelation—that I don’t need Freiberg—buoys my confidence.
I clear my throat. “Your Royal Highness, I’d like to present my good friend, Ms Eva Hertzsprung.” I shift my elbow a little, making Eva take a tiny step forward. Andela gasps softly.
My aunt turns, her eyes cold in her serene face. I’m not sure why she chose to cut Eva, but she’s angry that I didn’t let her get away with it. Instead of the jolt of fear I expect, her anger makes me jubilant. “Eva is visiting from Rotheberg and is a vital member of the Feltz company.” I try to keep my tone calmly conversational, but a thin edge runs through my innocuous words.
“How delightful.” The Grand Duchess flicks a quick look at Eva, then back at me, and on to Andela. “You seem to have made quite an impression on my family, Miss Hertzsprung. Enjoy the ball.”
I open my mouth to say something—I’m not sure what—but Andela jerks me away. I stumble toward Eduard, a few steps beyond his mother, Eva clinging to my arm. As protocol dictates, we stop in front of the Hereditary Grand Duke.
Eduard smirks. “What did you do to piss her off, Eva?” he asks in English. The phrase sounds rehearsed—as if he’s been memorizing American idioms.
Eva looks at the Grand Duchess, now chatting with Hans and Lina, then shakes her head. “I don’t know.” A hand steals to her hair. “I guess I’m a bad influence on Andi?” Her lips press together, then she shakes my arm. “I guess she did tell you not to bring me.”
Eduard goes pale, and his eyes widen. I smile to myself. My girl isn’t afraid of anyone.
Andi darts a quick look at the Grand Duchess, then shakes her head at Eva. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think she’d blame you. My hair is not your fault, Eva.”
“She doesn’t much like Americans.” Eddie shrugs. “You’re too independent and don’t respect tradition. It makes you easy to blame.”
Eva rolls her eyes. “Thanks. That makes me feel so much better.”
Before Eddie can respond, Andela drags us away again.
Chapter Thirty
EVA
Leaving Eduard standing next to his mother, the five of us retreat to the next room. This one is a long dining room with dozens of small round tables and a huge buffet along the internal wall. Tall glass doors line the opposite wall, providing a view of a long terrace. Snowflakes flutter down, glittering in the spotlights illuminating the space. An inch or two has accumulated since we arrived on the palace grounds, and the untouched white stretches into the darkness beyond the stone balustrade. The palace is every bit as amazing as I remember from the tour—and more intimidating when I’m a guest rather than a tourist.
Our official introduction felt strained. My German is getting much better, but I think I might have missed some of the nuances of the brief conversation. The Grand Duchess was obviously annoyed, and it’s my fault. Teo did say I wasn’t supposed to be invited. And I suppose Andi wouldn’t have dyed her hair if she hadn’t seen mine first. But that’s no reason for either of them to go all anti-American.
We take our time checking out the buffet. Hans and Lina fill their plates, but my stomach rebels at the idea of food. Teo puts a hand on my arm. “Are you all right? She was insufferably rude.”
“Why is she mad at me? I kind of got the impression she didn’t approve of Andi before.” I wrinkle my nose at her. “No offense.”
Andi waves this off. “None taken. You’re right.”
Teo lifts a shoulder. “She’s worried you’ll distract Eddie.”
“From what?”
“She’s got a potential bride lined up for him—they’re here to meet officially. He’s not convinced she’s the one, I guess.”
“She’s mad at me because her son doesn’t like the girl she picked for him?” I cross my arms. “Blame the woman. Toxic.”
He smiles. “She’s a product of the patriarchy.”
I can’t tell if he’s teasing or agreeing with me, but he’s right whether he knows it or not. “Sad. You’d expect a female leader to support feminism.”
He lifts his hands, palms up. “What can you do? At least I’m more evolved.”
