If my brother is now in Montovia, it means things are happening even faster than I’d thought. Somehow, I’m sure that the reason my brother is here at all is because I am here. My unexpected visit must have thrown a wrench into my father’s plans.

I risk a glance over at William. The news about my brother’s arrival seems to have shocked him even more than it did me. He’s staring out the window and shoving pastries into his mouth.

Queen Penelope clears her throat and both William and I turn to her. “Is there a problem with the announcement of Reginald’s arrival?”

William starts to choke on his pastry, grabbing his cup of tea and taking a large drink of it. Whatever he’s done seems to have made things worse, because he jumps up, sputtering.

His mother waves for him to sit, grabbing the water pitcher from a nearby serving table and pouring her son a glass of water.

She doesn’t even wait to see if her son is all right before turning her attention to me. “We haven’t had much chance to chat, Justine. I was hoping we might remedy that this afternoon. I’d love to have you for tea.”

I force a smile. “That would be lovely.”

Our exchange only seems to be making things worse for William. He’s still choking, still trying to drink from the glass of water his mother gave him.

“I think it’s time for you both to tell me what is really going on. I feel as though there is more you aren’t telling me.” The queen drums her fingers on the table, waiting for William to recover.

He’s finally able to stop coughing long enough to speak. “Mother, I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be speaking to you about it—”

“Nonsense.” She frowns first at William, then turns her attention to me. “It isn’t possible to pull the wool over my eyes. You may be able to get away with such things with your fathers, but not with me.” She takes a sip of tea. “How did you think I knew William was in your guest suite this morning?”

My cheeks burn at her comment. I suppose we both should have known better than to try and fool anyone with this ridiculous game we’re playing. But what other choice do we have?

“Mother, I promise we weren’t trying to do anything but attempting to save our marriage. That really is the bottom line. We…” His face is turning a bit red, and I’d swear he was blushing. “We… That is to say, I think we both want to make things work. I suppose I shouldn’t speak for my wife—”

“I…I also want to make things work, Your Majesty.”

The queen smiles. “Please, dear. You may call me Penelope. Or Mother, if you’d prefer, though I wouldn’t want to offend your own mother.”

My gaze drops to my plate. Part of me still can’t believe I married into this family and that Queen Penelope is offering to allow me to call her Mother.

“William, I insist that you discuss this situation with your father.”

“Mother…” William shakes his head, his gaze sliding to me before he turns back to the queen. “It’s better if Justine and I handle this by ourselves. At least for now.”

“This really is all nonsense, you know. I can’t imagine why either of you would think that pretending to be unhappy in your marriage would do anything but make you unhappy in your marriage. That isn’t what either of you wants, is it?” She looks first at me and then over at William.

When neither of us responds, she lets out a sigh. “I will admit, this is not what I’d expected to hear from either of you this morning.” She shakes her head. “I thought perhaps you’d had a spat, or maybe that Justine had felt unwelcome because of the unfortunate incident with stew.” She sighs again, and it almost seems as though she’s speaking to herself. “Playing games is never the solution to any problem.”

“If you have another suggestion, Mother, I’m sure both of us would appreciate hearing it.” William gives her an expectant look. “We really have run out of ideas. We’ve tried—”

“I’m sure you’re aware I wasn’t the biggest fan of this arrangement. I said as much to your father at the time, William, and he assured me that you had made the decision for yourself. I understand that you married for the good of both countries, but that still isn’t enough reason to marry. Of course, that is only my opinion.”

“Are you saying we should end our marriage, Mother?” Something has changed in William’s expression, though I’m not sure what it is I’m seeing. “Is that it? You never approved, so we should just arrange for the annulment now?”

“That isn’t what I’m saying at all.” She reaches over and places a hand on William’s forearm. “What I am saying is that you’ve made the decision to marry.” She looks over at me for a moment before turning her attention back to William. “And now you need to be married. You can’t pretend to be fighting, even if it’s for the most noble of reasons.”

“But we can pretend to be married for those same noble reasons?” William’s eyebrows draw together. “Isn’t it the same thing, Mother? Pretending to be happy for the good of our countries?”

“I suppose it is. But you need to find peace with each other and build upon that.”

“We are trying.” My voice is meek, and I barely recognize it. “I…I am trying.”

William looks into my eyes, and I still can’t read what’s there. It almost looks like resentment. “As am I.”

“Well, I suppose that is a place to start. And if I might be so bold as to give you another piece of advice…” She chuckles. “Oh, who am I kidding? We all know I’m going to say it regardless of whether you find my boldness impertinent or not.”

“I always appreciate every bit of advice you give me, Mother. As far as I know, you’ve never been wrong—”

“Unfortunately, that would not be an accurate statement.” She smiles at her son. “But here is my advice. Leave the politics to your fathers. It’s why they are kings. Perhaps one day, Justine, if you should become queen of Rosvalia—”

“That isn’t going to happen.” My face burns as I realize I’ve interrupted the queen.

Her smile widens. “Perhaps not. Or perhaps it will. One can never speculate on these things.”

“She’s right, you know.” William smiles over at me. “It’s only been a day, and I’m already tired of this charade. We should just go to my father and tell him what we think is going on. Maybe he’ll throw King Max and his bastard son out on their ears—”

“William.” The queen’s tone is curt, and there’s no mistaking the warning in her voice. “You’re speaking about your wife’s family.”

His cheeks turn a dark shade of crimson. “Apologies. To both of you.” He picks up his water and takes a long drink.

“I’ll speak to my father this morning.” I’m not really speaking to anyone at the table in particular. I still find myself staring at my plate. “I doubt he’ll reveal anything to me about his plans, especially now that Reginald is here. But I suppose it can’t hurt to try. And he does think we’re fighting now, so that should only help my cause.”

“I still fail to see how a parent would enjoy hearing of the suffering of their own child.” Queen Penelope’s head swings back and forth. “I could never revel in the unhappiness of any of my children.”

“That’s why they’re Rosvalians and we’re Montovians.” William winces as soon as the words fall from his mouth, and he covers it with another drink from his glass.

I won’t say that his barbs against my country don’t sting, but I know the reputation my country has—particularly in Montovia.

“It’s complicated.” I’m not sure why I’m bothering to explain. “It isn’t like my father wants me to suffer. But he does want my marriage to fail. In fact, he insisted that it fail. I just…” My voice trails off and I’m a little overcome with emotion.

“You just what, dear?” Penelope turns her attention to me. “I hope you’ll come to know that you may tell me anything. I don’t always have the sagest advice, but I’m always here to listen.”

I nod, looking at the woman. I wonder if maybe I was meant to be in this family—to finally have a mother who is willing to be a mother. “I suppose I didn’t expect to become as fond of William as I have. When my father explained the arrangement to me, I hated him for even suggesting it. I hated William, too, for making a deal without involving me in any of the discussions. But…but I didn’t expect I would come to care for him. And I never expected to fall in love with him.”

The color returns to William’s cheeks and he takes another long drink of water.

Penelope grins. “Well, it’s settled then. This charade ends today, one way or another.”