An elegantly scripted invitation arrived three days later, hand-delivered by a royal messenger. Amelia stared at the thick cream envelope, the royal crest embossed in gold on its surface.

"Another one?" her grandfather asked, watching her from his favorite armchair in the study.

"Yes." Amelia broke the seal carefully. "It's a dinner invitation. From the palace." Her stomach tightened as she read further. "For tonight."

Her grandfather's eyebrows rose. "Tonight? That's rather short notice. ...