“Nothing. Sometimes I wonder if I ever will.”

“But the doctors are hopeful, Your Highness.”

“Doctors. I’ve had my fill of them, I’m afraid. They tell me to be patient.” With a sigh, she began to rearrange a vase of gardenias. “How can I be patient when I have nothing more than flashes of who I am, of what happened to me?”

“But you have flashes?” Again Janet stepped closer, and after a brief hesitation laid a hand on Brie’s. “You do remember bits and pieces?”

“No—impressions. Nothing as solid as pieces.” The image of the knife was solid, and too ugly to dwell on. She needed something her mind could accept, something that eased it. “Pieces could be put together, couldn’t they, Janet?”

“I’m not a doctor, Your Highness, but perhaps you should accept what you have now.”

“That my life began less than a month ago?” Brie shook her head. “No, I can’t. I won’t. I’ll find the first piece.”

A floor above, Alexander sat in his cool-colored, spacious office and watched Reeve. He’d planned the interview carefully, and felt fully justified.

“I appreciate your giving me some time, Reeve.”

“I’m sure you feel it’s important, Alex.”

“Gabriella’s important.”

Reeve nodded slowly. “To all of us.”

It wasn’t precisely the response he’d expected. Then again, he knew the value of having alternate moves. “While I appreciate what you’re doing, Reeve, I feel my father leaned too heavily on an old friendship. Your position becomes more delicate every day.”

Reeve sat back. Though there were nearly ten years between them, he didn’t consider that he was facing a boy. Alexander had become a man earlier than most. Reeve debated his next move, and decided on an aggressive one. “Are you concerned about the possibility of my becoming your brother-in-law, Alex?”

If there was anger, the prince concealed it. “We both know what games are being played. My concern is Gabriella. She’s very vulnerable now, too vulnerable. Since, through my father’s wishes, you remain closer to Gabriella than her family, you’re in a position to observe and advise.”

“And you’re worried that I might observe what’s none of my business and advise what’s inappropriate.”

Alexander spread his hands on his desk. “I can see why my father admires you, Reeve. And I think I can understand why Brie trusts you.”

“But you don’t.”

“No, actually, I think I do.” He wasn’t unsure of himself. A man in Alexander’s position couldn’t afford to be. But he took a moment, anyway. He wanted to be certain he used the right words, the right tone. “I’m confident that as far as Brie’s safety goes, she’s in good hands. Otherwise …” He brought his gaze to Reeve’s. They held level. “Otherwise, I’d see that you were either sent on your way or carefully watched.”

“Fair enough.” Reeve took out a cigarette. Alex shook his head at the offer. “So you’re satisfied with my position as bodyguard, but you’re concerned about a more personal relationship.”