“You can go in, Your Highness. I’ve explained to Eve about her condition. I’ve also assured her that she can have someone with her as long as she likes. I’m going to call her sister now. When Miss Hamilton arrives, I insist you go home, eat a decent meal and sleep. If not, I will bar you from her room.”

Alexander passed a hand over the back of his neck. “Dr. Franco, if I didn’t know that you had Eve’s welfare in mind, I’d simply ignore you.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve gone head to head with a member of your family, Your Highness.”

“I’m well aware of that, too. Tell me how she is this morning.”

“Weak, of course. But her vital signs are good. She feels her legs and can move them.”

“Then there’s no—”

“No paralysis. She needs, rest, care and support. I hope to have her out of the ICU by tomorrow, but Dr. Thorette will want to examine her first.”

“Dr. Franco, I don’t have the words to tell you how grateful I am.”

“Your Highness. I’ve always considered it an honor to treat members of the royal family.”

Alexander looked back at Eve’s door. The ring box made the slightest of weights in his pocket. “You’ve always been perceptive.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. And I have your word that you will leave soon after Miss Hamilton arrives?”

“You have it.”

Alexander went back into the room and found Eve awake and staring at the ceiling.

“I thought you’d gone.”

“I promised I wouldn’t. Chris will be coming. I’ll have to leave then for a little while.” He sat beside her again, taking her hand. “But I’ll be back. You won’t be alone.”

“I feel like such a fool—like a little girl, afraid of the dark.”

“I’m only relieved to learn you’re afraid of something.”

“Alex, the guard who was shot. Is he—”

“He’s still alive. Everything that can be done is being done to keep him that way. I intend to look in on him when I leave you.”

“He might have saved my life,” she murmured. “And yours. I don’t know his name.”

“Craden.”

She nodded, wanting to remember it. “And Jermaine?”

He hadn’t known how good it would feel to smile again. “Recovered, except for his pride.”

“There’s no reason for him to be ashamed. I didn’t earn my black belt by batting my eyes.”

“No, chérie, it’s obvious you didn’t. When you’re better, you can explain that to Jermaine.” He brushed at her hair, just needing to touch. “What kind of flowers shall I bring you? Something from the garden? I’ve never asked what your favorite is.”

Tears welled up in her eyes and began to spill over.