"Well this is very unexpected." My head recoils at the sight of Gwendolyn dragging Victoria by the hand into my private study. I make a note to discuss this matter with the floor attendant. Apparently, nothing is more important to this family than their own particular problems. "May I help you?"

"Good morning, your Highness." Gwendolyn releases Victoria's hand and takes a deep curtsey. While down there, she glances over and gives her daughter a little slap and a moment later, the awkward girl gives a bob of her own.

Gwendolyn rises and her knees give a creak. Her mouth spreads wide like a baguette ready to be buttered with her voice, "I believe we have some private business to attend to." Gwendolyn gives me a pointed look, then rolls her eyes toward Victoria and back to me. Her chin juts out and her head tilts to the side.

"And what would that business be?" I can't fathom where this is going but she looks clearly on a mission to inform me in her own good time.

"Well, I hadn't wanted to be blunt but there is the matter of marriage. The sooner the better."

"Yes, I am aware there is to be a marriage. Are you suggesting I speed things along between Prince Rupert and Dora?" How could she be so intrusive? These things were between the man and woman themselves.

Gwendolyn gives a great sigh and I could swear I see her refrain from stamping her foot. Why hadn't I been warned that my productive morning work was going to be interrupted?

"If I must be blunt then blunt it is. What do you intend to do about this?

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"Just look at her condition."

I frown and turn my head to look at poor Victoria, who is winding up her skirts in her hands. It is as though she is wringing the neck of a rabbit. Her eyes dart back and forth. Wait a moment. There is something amiss. Her cheeks bloom with a tinge of blue. I shut my eyes and let out a sigh. "I can see Victoria is pregnant. Congratulations."

"You must marry Tori! Immediately."

At the same time Gwendolyn screeches out her commands, there is an accompanying sound of a silver tray and dishes crashing upon the marble floor. The double doors to my office swing open and Bastian charges in, heedless of the clatter and mess he's left behind.

"I have nothing to do with her present state." I tell Gwendolyn who looks like she wishes she had a shotgun near at hand.

"That is correct. Tori's condition is all due to me." Bastian rushes over to scoop up Tori into an embrace.

"Goosey, you are brilliant. I couldn't be more thrilled."

"Who is he? She was supposed to be with you at the ball." Gwendolyn looks devastated enough to tear out all her hair.

"Gwendolyn, let me introduce you to our cook and my best friend, Bastian. It appears he has been dabbling outside the kitchen."

Gwendolyn's face drains of all color and she sputters. I am thankful that for once she cannot find her words.

"I believe the matter has been resolved. I would caution the mother as to the risk of jumping to conclusions."