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“I have no memory of them. But after waking up to find myself covered in debris, I’m as horrified as you are.”
“Oh, Rini—” she cried out and gripped his arm. “I shouldn’t have reminded you.”
“I’m glad you did.” He rubbed her hand before she let go. “I’ll be meeting whoever is at the head of the mine in a minute. Everyone working there has lost a friend or coworker.”
How she loved her husband! “They realize you were in the mine when the quake struck and will be overjoyed to see you alive and well.”
“Stay with me when we go inside. I’m going to need you.”
“Maybe now you know how I feel about you. I was barely alive after your grandparents came over with the news.”
Rini slowed down as they tur
ned down the road leading to the above-surface portion of the mine. “I brought some maps with me. This appears to be the entrance.”
She undid the seat belt and leaned forward. “I’ve never been here. You promised me that one day you’d bring me.”
Their gazes locked. “Who would have thought it would be under these circumstances?” After putting the sunglasses in his pant pocket, he got out of the car and walked around to help her. Once he’d retrieved his valise, they entered the modern-looking building. Luna never stopped praying that he’d see something that would bring back a memory.
Once inside she heard a man call out Rini’s name. Suddenly, five people came running out of the office and engulfed him in bear hugs. He’d already had his christening with Fabio. She’d known he was loved and revered by people, but this show of affection had to warm his heart as it did hers.
One of the men turned to her. “Princess Baldasseri, I’m the acting head of the mine, Pesco Bonetti.” He introduced the other men in turn. They all shook hands with her. “This is a great day.” Their eyes had filled with tears. “Thank you for what you did for the miners’ families. We won’t forget.”
“I did it for Rini,” she said, wiping her own tears away. “I’m sure you’ve all heard my husband has lost his memory. He’s working on his Italian, but for now I’ll translate for him. We’ve come unannounced. If you don’t mind, he’d like to meet with you for a few minutes.”
“Come this way.”
Luna looped her arm around Rini’s and they followed the men into the office. Some chairs were pulled around and they met in a circle.
Rini opened his valise and pulled out the papers he’d brought. “Luna—ask Pesco to provide detailed information on the areas that I’ve checked and ask him to fax them back to me.”
She handed the papers to the other man and explained what Rini wanted.
“I’d also like him to send me a review of the state of the mine since the quake. Everything he can think of to fill me in.”
Luna continued to translate.
“Does this mean he’s still in charge like before?” Pesco asked Luna in an aside.
“I don’t know yet. We haven’t discussed his future, but he feels a terrible responsibility even if he doesn’t remember.”
Pesco nodded. “Understood. I’ll prepare everything and have it faxed to His Highness.”
Rini turned to her. “One last thing. Thank him and all the men here at the mine for carrying on. I’d like him to send me any issues that haven’t been resolved yet. The men of this mine have been the mainstay of the country and the monarchy. I’m here for them.”
Struggling not to break down, she translated what Rini had said. After she’d finished, heads lowered and she heard sniffing. Pesco got to his feet and eyed her husband. “Tell him we’re behind him all the way and welcome him back. This visit has renewed our faith.”
Luna relayed this last message to him before they walked out of the mine to the car. Rini remained quiet. When she couldn’t stand the silence any longer, she said, “You may not remember your past, but what you said and did today has won the hearts of those hardworking men.
“They’ll never forget that the Crown Prince is a man just like they are. They know he’s fair-minded and kind, that he’s watching out for them and their families. You couldn’t have sent a more important message. I’m so proud of you, I could burst.”
“Please don’t.” His teasing voice brought laughter and tears. “What was it Pesco said to you at the beginning?”
“He thanked me for honoring the families of the miners who were killed.”
“What did you do?”
“I met each family with flowers, and had the palace send them financial compensation for their loss.”
