She adjusted her glasses and frowned. “Yes. Tomorrow afternoon the attorney will be at Thysmer.”

“Has my mother sent a representative?”

“I believe that she asked Alex to be present.” She looked at me over her glasses. “Unless you want to be there.”

“I’ll do it. The old man already hates me anyway.” I shrugged before checking to make sure Marty wasn’t listening.

“You must have said something that made an impact.” Rachel looked back toward Arthur. “He was sober when I arrived at Thysmer this morning and muttering about a prince.”

“I gave him an order from the crown.” I frowned. It wasn’t something that was done lightly. In fact, I’d never used my title to force something on someone. I was surprised that it didn’t bother me more.

“That explains it.” Rachel sighed..

“Well, it worked.” Cathy sighed. “I’m just glad today has gone smoothly.”

“Now we get through tomorrow.” Rachel nodded her head. “And things will sort themselves out.”

“Do you have any idea what the old man left?” I looked at the small woman.

“I wasn’t privy to that information.” She frowned. “Though I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was concerned.”

I let out a breath. If I was worried, I couldn’t imagine how Meredith felt. She truly felt a sense of responsibility to her township. Having her father take over as duke would leave them in a bad place. However, if her granddad did something drastic, it would change her course of life. It would be nearly impossible to be both the acting duchess and go to school full-time, much less having an active stage career.

Not to mention having a son.

“I found crackers and grapes!” Marty slid across the back bench of the car and held up his treasures. “Anyone want some?”

“I’m good.” I ruffled his hair.

“Well, don’t stuff yourself with fizzy water and crackers. I’m thinking we’ll have a lot of food waiting on us when we get home.”

“You mean Thysmer?” His face took on a worried cast.

“Um, no. I meant D’Lynsal.” I looked over at Cathy quickly, but she shrugged her shoulders. How did the two royals with no kid experience end up with the munchkin? “Is that okay with you?”

“Yeah.” He frowned and popped a grape into his mouth. “I like it there. Mom acts more like herself there.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Is that because of the mushy stuff?” He cocked his head to the side and looked at me while he chewed.

“Um.” I looked around at Cathy and Rachel. Cathy was smiling, but hiding it behind one hand, while Rachel looked distracted by her phone, obviously pretending that she hadn’t heard what Marty had said.

“I’m just happy you both are comfortable there.” My palms started to become sweaty and I wiped them on my pants.

“Yeah, we are.” He popped another grape into his mouth. “My room is pretty awesome, but I miss my toys.”

“I’m sorry about that.” I frowned. “Is it anything in particular?”

“I dunno.” He shrugged. “Just stuff.”

“I’ve got some outdoor stuff you can play with,” Cathy offered.

“And if you want, you could draw or paint. I’ve got some stuff you can use.”

“That would be cool. Mom said you’re a painter. Not like the ones that paint houses, but the ones that paint pictures of things. Mom likes a painter named Fan Golf.”

“Van Gogh?” I chuckled.

“I guess. He painted lots of things about a missing ear.” Marty took a sip of his water and made a face. “That stuff tickles my nose.”

“There’s probably some still water in there if you’d prefer.”

“Nah. I like this.” Marty took another swig. “Even if it tickles.”

“You’re kinda crazy.” I chuckled. “A good crazy.”

“Well, that’s better than being a bad crazy.” He took another swallow and made a face.

“Very true.”

I looked back toward Meredith, and she had turned so that she was looking at where we were standing. I pointed at the open door of the car and she nodded her head in understanding. She had wanted to know where her son had gotten to.

There were a few more people left to speak to, but I could tell by her stance that she was tired. When the last person approached her, I watched as her father turned in her direction and began speaking. I started to go up the hill, but Alex beat me to it. Knowing my brother, he had left Samantha on the other side of Meredith on purpose when he went to talk to Arthur. Casually he placed a hand on the man’s shoulder and joined in the conversation.

It was all friendly, but I also knew that it was business. He was reminding the old man to stay on good behavior. It seemed to be working, because Arthur had taken to merely answering questions that were directed at him.

Once they were finished, they all started down the hill toward the cars together. Sam had looped her arm through Meredith’s and was talking animatedly about something that had them both smiling. By the time they got to where I was standing I caught the tail end of the conversation.

“Tabitha could make the pope want to curse.” Sam shook her head.

“I don’t even know why she was here. Granddad thoroughly disliked her.” Meredith shook her head, sending her red hair swirling around her shoulders. She brushed at the black dress she was wearing and looked back at Sam with a small smile. “Though it was fun to watch you put her in her place.”