Page 29 of Tempted By the Princess

“There’s no ‘thing’ Mom, I’m a lesbian. It’s not something you grow out of. But why this sudden interest in my love life?”

My parents exchanged another long look. They’d been able to do this for as long as I could remember – have a silent conversation. I knew at that moment that whatever was coming next wouldn’t be good. My father leaned forward in his chair.

“I’m sick, Genevieve.”

“What do you mean?”

Both of my parents looked over at Carrie, but I still had a death grip on her hand, so she didn’t move.

“This is strictly confidential,” Mom told her, voice stern.

Carrie nodded, her gaze still fixed on me.

“They found a tumor,” my father continued. “In my colon. I need to have surgery.”

“Then why are you in Seattle?” I asked. “And what does that have to do with Hans?”

“I’m going to abdicate and install Evangeline on the throne before I start cancer treatment.”

“What? Why?”

“I’ve been thinking about retiring for a while now, but this news has sped up my timeline.” My father’s voice sounded frail for the first time in my life. “My doctors tell me I have a long road ahead of me, but my chances of recovery are good. I want to spend the rest of any time I have left with my family, not going to state dinners or presiding over Parliament.”

My mind was reeling. My father had always been so strong and healthy, the idea of him being sick was unfathomable.

“Your father and I just want to see you settled down and happy in case… well in case things don’t go well.”

“You wanted me to marry a total stranger in case you die?” I asked incredulously. “Did it ever occur to you to ask me if I was already happy? I have a job I like and… someone I, uh, care about too.”

My eyes pinned to Carrie’s, making sure she knew I was talking about her. I’d started to call her my girlfriend, but we hadn’t put labels on it. I didn’t even know if she would want to see me after all this was over. Maybe this was just a fling for her. I mean, I didn’t think it was, but… surely she was having the same feelings as I was, right? I wasn’t just imagining the connection between us.

Carrie met my gaze but didn’t say anything.

“Mom, Dad, what do you need from me now?” I raised my hand before they could answer. “And don’t say get married to some random guy. I’ll do whatever you need from me to help out while you’re in treatment, but I’m not marrying some rando.”

“Come home Genevieve. You need to attend your sister’s coronation. The citizens will need to see us as one happy family as they learn of your father’s illness.”

My father was very beloved in Saint Marenne, and I knew that people would take his illness hard. I also knew that my sister would need my support during this transition. I could probably take a leave of absence from my job, or even work remotely for a while, but that left one big thing unresolved.

Carrie.

“I uh…”

“You need to go,” she nodded. “I know.”

“I’ll come for as long as I can,” I said. “But I’m not giving up my life here in Seattle. That’s too much to ask.”

My mother huffed out another aggrieved sigh. “Fine.”

“When are you leaving for home?” I asked my parents.

“Now that we’ve located you, we’ll be wheels up first thing in the morning,” my father said briskly.

My mind was racing with everything I needed to do. Talk to my boss. Pack my suitcases. Make arrangements for someone to water my plants and check on my condo.

“I’ll see you both at the airport in the morning then,” I said. “Does seven work?”

“Yes, we’ll alert the pilot.”