“I have an unfortunate habit of speaking before thinking.” I squeezed her finger gently before letting go. “I’m sorry for implying that you would let someone hurt Marty.”

She snorted but didn’t move away from me. Her delicate features belied the strength in her eyes. This was a woman to be reckoned with, someone who could move mountains by sheer will. She belonged on a stage, bathed in the spotlight.

She was everything I should avoid, but it seemed like she kept ending up in my path.

“What are we going to do with him?” I broke eye contact and nodded my head toward her father. His snore was growing louder.

“Leave him.” She wrapped her arms around her waist and moved a step backward.

“What are you going to do?”

“Go about planning the funeral and ignore him.” She shrugged. “There isn’t much else to do.”

“What about rehab?” I looked at the man and couldn’t help the frown that pulled at my mouth. Someone who put himself above his family was disgusting. It went against everything that Lilaria stood for. I’d grown up learning that family always came first. Always.

“You have to want it to work for it to actually make a difference.” She shook her head. “And he doesn’t want it to work. He doesn’t care.”

“You’re saying that he wants to be a drunk who beats his daughter?” I couldn’t wrap my mind around something like that.

“I’m saying he doesn’t care.” She glared at me. “Are you going to keep on about this? I’m sorry you had to see it, but thankful that you kept him from doing any real damage. But it’s not your problem to worry about.”

“I promised that I would come help you.” My chin lifted. “And I keep my promises.”

“That’s really sweet but I didn’t ask for your help—”

“Yes, you did.” I shook my head. “You asked me to participate in the funeral, and that’s something I take very seriously. I don’t just agree to things. Besides, it looks like you might need a little help.”

“I can manage—”

The chime of the doorbell had her freezing in place, and a wild panic filled her eyes as she heard the thundering sound of footsteps down the steps.

“I’ll get it!” Marty’s little voice carried down the short hallway.

“That’s probably the assistant from the palace.” Meredith chewed on her fingernail and looked at her father before turning to me. “Out. Out!”

She shooed me out of the room and quietly closed the door behind us. “Not a word. Do you understand? I don’t want Marty to know. I don’t want anyone to know.”

“You can’t just sweep this under the rug, Meredith.” I looked down into her bright eyes and frowned. Again. “That man needs to be dealt with.”

“I am dealing with him. I’ve been dealing with him for my entire life,” she hissed between clenched teeth.

My ire churned as I thought of her dealing with that poor excuse of a father. Leaning down so that the people at the door would not hear me, I lowered my voice and breathed against her ear.

“I will not leave you to deal with him alone anymore. I will not stand by while you and Marty are in danger. I may be reluctant to claim my title but I am a prince of this country and the protection of its people is my duty.” I pulled back to look in her eyes. “I will do everything in my power to keep you and Marty safe. Do you understand?”

Her eyes widened in shock as she stared up at me. As footsteps neared the bend in the hallway she took a step backward and bumped into the wall. With a quick nod in my direction, she looked down and smoothed out her shirt and sweater. As I watched, she lifted her chin and her face melted into something softer, happier, and relaxed. It was like watching a person slide on a mask.

When the palace aide rounded the corner I watched as Meredith smiled and held out her hand, but I didn’t get to hear the introductions.

“Max!” Marty bounded down the hall, sliding to a stop in front of me. “Did you come back to play video games?”

“Well—”

“Actually, that would be great.” Meredith turned and smiled at me. “It would be a big . . . help.”

“Your Highness, I didn’t realize you would be here.” The older woman bobbed her head and smiled. I thought her name started with an R. Rebecca? Rachel? “It’s so nice of you to help a friend during such a difficult time.”

“Maybe I could play games after I help your mom.” I smiled at the boy, but I could see a tiny storm cloud forming over his head. His stubborn expression matched the one on his mother’s face. “Or maybe not.”

“Yeah! C’mon.” He grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the stairway. “I finally beat the last guy. This new level is totally awesome.”

“Are you sure?” I shot a look at Meredith. She might look calm and collected but I knew what was roiling below the surface.

“I promise to take good care of her.” The aide smiled at me. “I already have everything lined out. She just has to approve which options she would prefer.”

“Thank you. If you need anything, let me know.” I said it to the aide, because I knew that Meredith wouldn’t ask another thing of me if she could help it.

“Of course, sir.” She dipped in a short curtsy and I fought a grimace.

“Thank you.” With that I let Marty lead me up the stairs and to his room.