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Spotted visiting sick children in Tleurbonne was none other than our Prince of Hearts, looking debonair and deeply caring in a dashing suit and tie. We see you, our Prince of Majestic Mercy. We see you and we adore you.
Princess Madeline was there, too.
#KnightInShiningArmani
#NotJustAPartyPrince
Yours in besotted admiration,
Fabiana Fontaine xx
I arrive at Parliament on my borrowed motorcycle, a little after 9 in the morning. I’m annoyed with myself for being late. Earlier, I’d taken my horse, Guinie, out for a morning ride, visiting an old haunt Prince Nicolas introduced me and my siblings to many years ago, a stunning lake about a 25-minute gallop from the palace.
I had a lot to think about, and riding always helps me clear my head.
The woman I’ve come to see today is at the very heart of it all.
I know Father wants me to be at all her events. I know he wants me to stick to her like glue. And I’ve been doing my best to comply with his wishes, to the point where I feel exactly as Madeline described me: like a stalker.
But the truth is, the unthinkable has happened. Something I didn’t see coming.
I find myself liking Madeline. As in actually liking her. Not just feeling attracted to her, because of course I feel that. She’s beautiful and sexy and smart and funny. In a way, attraction was inevitable.
It would also seem I got her so very wrong. She’s as much an opportunist as I’m a chef (I’m the first to admit I’m terrible at cooking). She doesn’t have a calculating bone in her body. She’s genuine, and it seems to me she’s here in Malveaux for the best of reasons. She wants to do the right thing by her family and her new-found country. She’s someone whose life has been turned upside down by this new role she finds herself in, a role she seems determined to do justice.
I’m so glad I crashed her event at the hospital. In short, I did it because I felt an overwhelming need to help her. To dispel any concerns she may have about her first public appearance. To show her how strong and amazing she really is.
As male and old fashioned as it may sound, I wanted to protect her.
Then, getting to see how she interacted with the children and staff at the hospital showed me so much about who she is. Talking with the children, so warm, so gentle, so natural. Like she was born for the role. Which of course she was. But it seems as though it’s her calling, something she was meant to be.
In short, she touched my heart.
I huff a breath.
This is brand new territory for me. I’ve not once felt the need to do something for a woman I’m not related to. Of course, I would do anything to protect my mother and my sisters. But a woman I’ve only just met? A woman I was deeply suspicious of from the moment her fist met my nose? The odds were low at best.
And that’s what’s playing on my mind.
How can I feel that level of emotion toward a woman I’m only just getting to know? It’s unfathomable to me.
I know one thing for certain. I’m not going to go falling for this new princess. Heck, I’ve been involved with women before and never become emotionally involved.
Lots of women: zero emotion.
All I have to do is keep my head and all will be well.
Although there is a small voice in the back of my head telling me it’s already too late.
By the looks of the dispersing crowd, Madeline has already entered Parliament for her investiture. I park the motorcycle behind the magnificent Neoclassical building, trailed by Paulo, my security guard, in his car.
Paulo wasn’t overly pleased with me for choosing to ride a bike here, evidenced by his scowl. But then I’ve never met a bodyguard who doesn’t sport a frown 99% of the time. And besides, riding a motorcycle through the streets of Tleurbonne is fun.
And I’ve got a plan in mind for it, too.
“This way,” I tell Paulo as I dash around to the front, and rush up the steps, pushing through the heavy wooden doors at the entranceway.
“Prince Alexander!” I hear people call, but I don't pause for photos. I'm on a mission, and I'm late.
