“I can carry my bag.” She shook her head.

“I know that.” I offered her a small smile. “But I wanted to carry them anyway.”

Cathy met us at the back door with a big smile. “Hi!”

My little sister stepped forward and hugged Meredith before looking at Marty. “How’s my favorite dancer?”

Marty’s cheeks turned pink and he giggled.

“Come in!” Cathy held the door open and I followed Meredith and Marty inside.

A butler took their bags from me. “I’ve readied rooms on the family wing, sir.”

“Thank you, Lawrence.”

“Should I take the young man’s backpack?”

“I think he’s fine.”

I half listened as Cathy chatted with Meredith. She had pulled herself together and looked completely comfortable as she walked through the house. When we passed the suits of armor near a large picture window, Marty grabbed her hand excitedly.

“Look! Look! Real armor.” He stopped in his tracks and looked up at the armor in awe.

“Those were used in a war a long time ago.” I pointed out some of the dents and scratches that hadn’t been buffed out.

“Whoa.” He leaned forward. “Is there any blood?”

“Marty.” Meredith laughed.

“There probably was some a long time ago, but not anymore.” I winked at him.

“Max and Alex got in big trouble for trying to use the swords when we were little,” Cathy whispered.

“Don’t even think about it, buddy.” Meredith poked Marty in the shoulder.

“That is so cool.” Marty looked up at me. “What else is there?”

I laughed. “Well, there’s the lake, the stables, the birds.”

“Birds?” He grimaced. “Like parakeets?”

“Like the ones that would eat parakeets.”

“Oh man.” He whispered the words and I laughed.

“I figured you guys didn’t have time to eat, so I had the cook make something for you.” Cathy opened the door to the dining room. “We weren’t sure what you liked, so we made a little bit of everything.”

Samantha stood up from her seat at the table and smiled. “Hey guys!”

“Ah, no wonder you made so much food. The pregnant woman is eating with us.” I pulled a chair out for Marty and then Meredith.

“Shut it, dork.” Sam sat back down and mock-glared at me.

“I’m glad to see you too.” I smiled at my sister-in-law. Some of the tension that had gripped me for days melted away. It was good to be home.

“Thank you for having us over on such short notice.” Meredith unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap. “I hope we’re not causing any trouble.”

“Not at all.” Cathy sat down next to Sam. “We’re glad you’re here.”

“Well, it’s very kind of you.”

I snorted and Meredith glared at me.

“What?” Sam looked between me and Meredith.

“I didn’t really give them much choice.” I shrugged. “It was either here or the palace.”

“Didn’t give her a choice?” Sam stared at us. “You kidnapped them?”

“I didn’t kidnap them!” I sat up straight. “Let’s talk about this later.”

“Yes, let’s.” Meredith narrowed her eyes at me and I realized I was in trouble. The weird part was that I kind of enjoyed knowing she was going to let down her guard and rip into me.

ELEVEN

BREAKFAST. OR WOULD it be brunch? Brunch with the royal family. Not exactly what I had planned for the day.

I tried to focus on the conversation, but I kept going over what had happened with my father. I knew that he was going to be upset about the will, but I had underestimated his reaction. I had thought he would be more understanding this morning, having slept off the alcohol from the night before.

And then Max! Telling me that I had to leave, dismissing the staff. I’d never seen someone stand up to my father in that fashion, but it went exactly the way I would have expected. Horribly.

Then again, we were out of the house, and for once I didn’t feel guilty about it.

“Do you have any Pop-Tarts?” Marty’s voice pulled my attention back to the present.

“Marty,” I admonished. “Look at all of this great stuff that they have for us.” I grabbed a bowl of fresh fruit and picked out some of his favorite pieces.

“Sorry, I just thought I’d ask.” Marty looked down at the table.

“I like those!” Cathy smiled at my son and his cheeks turned pink. Lord help me, the boy was already noticing pretty girls.

“Would you like an apple turnover?” Samantha held out the tray. “I’ve been craving these for the last month.”

“You’ll like that.” I picked one off of the tray and set it on his plate.

“Is Alex here?” Max asked. His deep voice made my heart speed up. Whether it was from anger or what, I wasn’t sure.

The truth was that while I was angry with him, I was also a little grateful. He had taken me out of the house and away from my father’s abuse. And while normally I would not have stayed, I felt trapped by Granddad’s passing. It seemed like I had to stay to try and keep things from going haywire. And honestly, I hadn’t been doing such a good job.

“He’ll be back this afternoon,” Sam replied. “He had a meeting today at the palace. Some of the ambassadors from the Future Bird Trust are in town.”