“It was terrifying and heartbreaking.” She drew in a breath. “Anyhow, they tested us all for drugs, and of course I didn’t come out clean. My parents were called, and I was expelled. But…my parents didn’t come get me. Marcel’s parents did. I don’t think I’ve ever been more scared in my life. I’ve never once doubted my parents love…until that night. When they didn’t show up, when it was Monsieur Allard? I was sick about it.”

“Maybe they were trying to keep you out of the press. If they came, it’d be all over the news.”

She shook her head, the experience still alive in her eyes. “They didn’t come because my father had a heart attack.” She held a hand as if to stop him from speaking. “Totally unrelated, I know, but my emotions from those couple of weeks are so tied together I blamed myself. I was so ashamed, so guilt-ridden, I couldn’t eat. Couldn’t sleep.”

“Ah, princess. I’m sorry.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks, and she swiped them away. He pulled her in for a hug.

“You have to know my father. He’s the sweetest, kindest man you’ll ever meet. He loves his wife and his daughters, he loves the people of St. Christophe, and even though he’s the prince of a small country, he lives a very pure and simple life. He wants to read the paper in peace every morning and eat dinner with his family at night. He’s in bed by ten o’clock and out on the trails every morning by six.” She exhaled. “I think I could’ve handled his anger, but he was disappointed in me.”

“And, so, you’ve been dutiful ever since so you don’t disappoint him again.”

“Or give him a heart attack.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. But, no matter how stressful this situation is, I’d bet the ranch he wouldn’t want you taking responsibility for what’s going on politically. I would guess, if you asked him, he’d tell you this kind of pressure comes with the territory. It’s just part of the job of running a nation.”

She tilted her head. “That’s so funny. That’s such an obvious thing, so totally true, and yet it never once occurred to me. I think, because I’ve never been able to talk to anyone other than Marcel and my assistant about any of this stuff, it’s really just been about recycling the same ideas. Talking to an outsider gives me a whole new perspective.” She placed a hand on his chest. “I like you, Brodie.”

“Yeah, I like you, too.”