Page 18 of Ascending

Palmer took in the Queen’s smile. It was sweet and endearing. Palmer liked it.

“No. Things get cold where I’m from, but notthiscold. I bought this coat when I got here.”

“That’s a nice brand. It’s made here, actually,” Elizabeth said.

“It is?”

“Yes,” the Queen replied simply. “What have you seen of St.Rais?”

“I spent most of my time at the resort, if I’m being honest. I got a really good deal on the trip, but Ihavegone around the city a bit. I took a little river cruise that opened to the sea. That was nice.”

Elizabeth turned to her and said, “You’re freezing right now, but you took arivercruise?”

“I stayed indoors on the boat,” Palmer explained. “I knew it would be cold, but I saw the edge of the water as we were boarding, and it was already starting to freeze over.”

“We’re at the end of the season. The boats will stop running the tourist cruises next week when it’s far too cold for them to make it down the river and into open water. If you have a chance, you should get a tour guide to take you up into the hills. They’re not exactly mountains this close to the city, but they’re high enough. You can camp out under the stars.”

“I don’t think I havenearlyenough long underwear for that,” Palmer replied, her eyes growing wide when she realized she’d just used the word ‘underwear’ in front of a Queen.

“The tour guides provide the equipment. They also talk to you about the Northern Lights. I’ve heard it’s very peaceful.”

“You’veheard? You’ve never been yourself?”

“No, but I know people who have. I do have a nice skylight at my house, though – I see them most nights when I fall asleep.”

“The palace has skylights?”

“No, not the…” Elizabeth faded then. “Never mind. When do you return to the States?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Does it depend on your story?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“You know, I may be a new Queen, but I’m not new to this life.”

“Life?” Palmer checked.

“Royal life; where people want to know everything about me and my family. Sometimes, they want to know so much that they make things up and call them truths.”

“I’m not one of those people,” Palmer replied, staring at the Queen intently. “That’s not me.”

“I didn’t ask for your phone. Can I assume our conversation istrulyoff the record?”

“It’s in my pocket. You can have it if you can get to it. I think I have about eighteen layers you’d have to get through first, though,” she said, looking down at the thick jacket.

“I’ll trust you.”

“It’s also turned off,” Palmer told her. “I’m only interested in hearing what, if anything, you’d like to tell me. I understand this is just a meeting.” She glanced out the dark, tinted windows. “I donotknow, however, where we’re going.”

“Nowhere. We’ll be back at your hotel in just a moment.”

“Huh?” Palmer asked, turning back to the Queen in confusion.

“It’s easier for security if I just remain in this car before returning to the palace. We’ll drop you back at the door to the hotel momentarily.”

Palmer nodded in disappointment. She hadn’t passed the Queen’s test, or this conversation would have gone on a lot longer.

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