Enzo found us in the garage. Again, he was completely winded, running. “Waverly! Waverly!”
He bowed when he reached us, and he stayed bowed for a moment to catch his breath. Between quick and halted inhales, Enzo panted out the words ‘I did it.’
Manon said, “Great, what did you do?”
“The book. I have the whole book arranged.”
“The entire thing?” I couldn’t believe it.
“Yes, as you requested. I received Helena’s official timeline this morning, and I have arranged it all. The battle scenes were hard to format, but I have reenactments in place.”
“You did this in two days?” It was a long book, and the events detailed in it spanned four years.
Enzo shook his head and checked his cubox. “Twenty-six hours, not counting our time at the opera.”
“That’s insane,” I said, and I meant it.
“I had a job to do.” Enzo leaned his lanky body against a black slick- looking vehicle called a Traverse.
“How in the world am I going to fit all of that in this month?”
Manon and Enzo both looked at me. They spoke at the same time. “You aren’t.”
“I’m not what?” I asked, walking along the black car, tracing my finger on the cool, spotless metal. I decided not to keep my summer plans a secret. “I’m on going back as soon as I speak to Bollard. I have college to think about.”
“College?” This confused Manon. “You are a princess.”
“I know but I still need an education. It’s just...” They said nothing, although I wished they would interrupt me. “I don’t belong here.”
“But you do. The country needs you.” Enzo held on to the car for support. He needed me too. I was his job.
Manon looked confused. “What can a college offer that you cannot get here?”
“I miss my family,” I argued.
“But here you have so much family you’ve yet to meet,” Manon said.
“And then there is Sasha, my friend. I miss her too.”
“She can visit.” Enzo took out his cubox. “I can set it up right now. I can schedule her; just name the time. We can get her right now, and your family too.”
“No!“ My response surprised me. It was out of nowhere, but in my gut, I sensed that their coming here would endanger them. I shook it off. “Sorry, they’re all swamped with life in general.”
Enzo stood up and put his arm around me. “And so are you. You are very busy too; you just don’t know it yet. When you get into the swing of things, I’m sure you will want to stay. Especially when you find out about the meeting.”
“Meeting? What meeting?”
Enzo’s smile fell. “The book about your grandmother. Her fifth event was a meeting with the heads of industry. I’ve worked all afternoon arranging matters. It took some work but, in a month, you will have a private audience with the royal court, and this includes Bianca Merric, The Queen of America and your cousin. She is most eager to finally meet you.”
“A royal audience so soon?” Manon said. “She is difficult to meet. It took me years to meet her.”
“The whole family will be there.”
“Lady Poppy?” I asked.
“She is a lesser royal,” Manon explained. “She will be there, I am sure, but she has little in common with the royal family. Perhaps it is her age.”
Enzo smiled a wicked little smile. “Many years ago, she had a disagreement with the other royals. You should hear what they say about her.”
“Really?” I wondered if this was why she faked being deaf. I didn’t know Lady Poppy well, but I had liked her enough.
“Bollard will be there and so will Lord Fitzner and Duchess Bridgetta. All your living relatives.”
“And Claudette too?” I noticed my other new cousin was missing from the list.
Manon and Enzo exchanged looks. Enzo forced a smile and said, “Of course.”
Manon must have noticed how heavy the conversation was getting, and she sought to rally the moment. “Do not worry, Waverly. You will have a wonderful time. The queen’s royal court will be there, including all the queen’s men.”
“Oh, and Henry Cloverfield will be there,” Enzo added.
“Cloverfield?” I had heard the name multiple times in the past few days. “Everyone is always talking about that guy.”
“He was supposed to meet you last night. He is the head representative for the merchants and nearly as hard to pin down as the queen.” Manon said. “How did you get ahold of him, Enzo?”
“He requested the visit. It’s providence. Out of the blue, I was making calls to the others, and Cloverfield called.”
Manon’s eyes were enormous. “He is a very busy man.”
“Busier with the ladies than official business,” Enzo said.
Manon swatted at Enzo’s arm. “Shush. You’ll make Waverly dislike him before they meet, and he is a good person to have as your friend. Very powerful.”
“Is there anything else I can help you with?” Enzo asked.
Find the necklace, find the words.
“There is, in fact.” When I said it, Enzo smiled, ready for the challenge. I held my hand up for him to see. “My grandmother had a necklace that matched this ring. I need to find it.”
“A real challenge,” Enzo said. “I shall find it; you have my word.” He left us, and his step was a little lighter.
Chapter 12
Dance in the Dark
After the tour, Manon came back to my room. As soon as she entered, I saw she was upset. She huffed and made a v-line for my stack of presents. “Waverly, you have not opened your gifts; all those guests got these presents for you. Bollard, too. You must open them, please.”
I had no desire to open gifts, and I wasn’t sure why she cared. “I can do it later tonight.”
Manon went over to the pile. “Here, you will at least open this one. It’s from me. Chocolates.”
“Thank you.” I put
