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The same as me.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought. You two are getting along real good,” Ray said with a smirk. “ Real good.”
    â€œI always get along with people,” I said. “Is there anything wrong with that?”
    â€œNothing, nothing at all.” He paused. “I just think it’s all so … so … sweet.”
    â€œSweet?”
    â€œYeah, sweet. I just have one question.”
    â€œAnd that is?”
    â€œIf you and the Princess got married, would I have to call you Your Highness, or Your Majesty or King Jamie or—”
    â€œActually, it would be Prince Jamie.”
    We turned around. It was Albert. Nigel stood just behind him and off to the side.
    â€œA male who marries into the royal bloodline can never be king.”
    â€œHe was just joking around!” I protested.
    â€œSince a king outranks a queen, it would not be possible for an outsider—somebody who has merely married into the family—to be the actual head of state. Thus, the highest rank you could ever acquire would be that of prince.”
    â€œThat’s too bad, Jamie,” Ray said. “I think King Jamie has a real ring to it.”
    I wanted to tell him to shut up, but I knew that would only encourage him to keep going.
    â€œSo that would make him your boss, right?” Ray asked Albert.
    â€œAnd yours as well, technically, since Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Though your laws are governedby your constitution, Britain’s king is your formal head of state, and all Canadian citizens are loyal subjects of the Crown.”
    â€œThat’ll be the day when I take orders from any king,” Ray said.
    â€œActually,” Albert said, “I was hoping to speak to you about that.”
    â€œAbout what?” Ray set his jaw and put his hands on his hips, like he was ready for an argument.
    â€œThe Prince spoke to me last night,” Albert said.
    â€œHe does a lot of talking, doesn’t he?” Ray observed.
    â€œHe mentioned that he felt that you had been, how can I say this, rather rough with him prior to our canoe landing.”
    â€œI just told him to gather some wood,” Ray snapped.
    â€œAnd he also said that while he was out with Jamie collecting the wood that you threatened to throw him to a grizzly bear,” Albert added, looking directly at me.
    â€œI didn’t say that!” I protested. After all, I’d only said that I’d let one eat him if it was chasing the two of us.
    â€œSo what’s your point?” Ray said loudly.
    â€œPlease keep your voice down. I would prefer that our conversation remain private, and—”
    â€œI don’t care what you want. I’ll treat him, and you, the way that—”
    â€œPlease, there is no need to be angry,” Albert said.
    â€œYou think you can tell me how to behave and I don’t have the right to be angry?” Ray demanded.
    â€œNo, you don’t understand,” Albert said.
    â€œI understand pretty darn good!”
    â€œNo, you don’t. I wanted you to know that I … we … the Prince’s father and I, hope that you will continue to treat him as you did last night.”
    â€œNobody is going to tell me I have to take guff from any snot-nosed little brat just because—” Ray suddenly stopped. “What did you just say?”
    â€œIt is the opinion of the Prince’s father that his son has become very much a little snot-nosed brat .”
    â€œHe said that?” I asked.
    â€œNot those words exactly, but it is rather obvious to anyone who has spent more than a few moments in Andrew’s presence,” Albert said.
    â€œHis father is of the belief,” Nigel added, “that this trip—being forced to work and fend for himself—will help to mature his son. Perhaps have a positive influence on his behaviour and attitude.”
    â€œSo, you don’t want me to take it easy on him?”