Awaiting the Heir

To save her life's work, Dr. Lily James had precisely seventeen minutes.

Five hundred of the top genetic researchers in the world were waiting for her presentation in the Goldener Hirsch Hotel conference room in Zurich, where the elevator hummed as it ascended.

She had seventeen minutes to persuade the Fleming Foundation that her research should be supported going forward. 17 minutes in remembrance of her sister. It was seventeen minutes before her career collapsed.

She whispered to her image in the mirror wall, "You've got this."

Her most expensive outfit, a fitted charcoal suit and an emerald blouse was insufficient to cover up the shadows under her amber eyes. Her presentation had been impacted by three restless nights spent finishing it.

Her cell rang. Julia, her research partner, texted her: Where are you? Fleming's Gustafson is inquiring.

Lily felt a knot in her stomach. Her chances were even worse than she had anticipated if the foundation's infamously critical director, Albert Gustafson, was already searching for her.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a sea of academic posturing and dark suits.

With her shoulders squared, Lily entered the battle and made her way through groups of the scientific elite. Bits and pieces of their conversations drifted by: self-congratulatory anecdotes, funding complaints, and academic rivalries.

"There you are!" Julia materialized beside her, his slack body almost pulsing with stress. "I was going to send a search party."

"I apologize. last-minute data verification. She tapped the tablet she was holding to her chest. "Is Gustafson anywhere?"

"Center, front row. Examining his watch every 30 seconds. Julia's voice trailed off. "The rumors are accurate. After this quarter, Fleming will cut their genetics grants in half.

Lily's veins grew cold. "Half? Last cycle, they provided funding for twenty-eight projects.

"They're also keeping fourteen. Maximum. Julia gave her arm a squeeze.

"However, your sister's syndrome is convincing. Individuals. If someone can persuade them

"

"Don't." Lily withdrew. "Emma is not at issue here." It has to do with science.

But I was at the center of it. About the copper-curled seven-year-old who had withered in Lily's sight, her genetic code betraying her with every cell division.

Regarding the vow made by sixteen-year-old Lily next to a hospital bed that was too big for her sister's swollen body: I'll find out what's killing you.

I will ensure that no one else experiences it.

After fifteen years, she had a better understanding of Valois Syndrome than anyone had ever had. Furthermore, she might never finish what she had begun because funding is about to be cut off.

"Dr. James, five minutes." A conference assistant gave the stage a nod.

Lily's heart pounded against her ribs as she walked toward the wings. Albert Gustafson's silver head was in the middle of a row of skeptics' faces as she looked around the audience. His face gave the impression that he had already decided what would happen to her.

The weight of attention, distinct from the crowd's ambient scrutiny, hit her halfway through her mental rehearsal.

Lily glanced over and saw a man standing against the distant wall.

He wasn't bent over a phone like the others; he was tall, with shoulders that complemented his perfectly fitted navy suit.

He was observing her with an open and honest look. He didn't avert his gaze when they locked eyes. Rather, a corner of his mouth raised in what could have been supported.

His posture, which was too self-assured and overly physical, gave the impression that he didn't belong in this realm of academic politics. Maybe security? However, his clothes' understated elegance and the perceptive evaluation in his blue eyes gave the impression that this was not the case.

The moderator declared, "Dr. Lily James will be presenting on Novel Gene Expression Patterns in Valois Syndrome."

After forcing herself to look past the stranger, Lily took the stage.

She was fully a part of science for sixteen minutes. Her voice remained steady as she navigated the intricate relationship between the protein misfolding in the syndrome and the body's inability to correct it, while data points and genetic sequences passed through her like a current.

There was a slight change in the room, a collective gasp of breath that suggested that perhaps, just possibly, she was onto something when she announced the breakthrough of the synthetic enzyme that had stabilized cell degradation in her lab mice.

"With sustained assistance," she said, looking directly into Gustafson's eyes, "we can proceed to human trials in 18 months." We may be able to treat the underlying genetic abnormality in addition to managing Valois Syndrome. Thank you.

The room erupted in respectful but unenthusiastic applause. She had performed well but well might not be sufficient in this setting.

She kept looking in the direction where the blue-eyed stranger had been standing as the questions started, but he was no longer there. "Pay attention," she told herself. Are you preoccupied with a pretty face when your career is on the line?

Julia then stopped her with two glasses of champagne as the guests started to disperse for the evening cocktail reception.

"You were very intelligent." He placed a flute in her hand. "Your entire data set was requested by Gustavson."

"That could mean anything." Lily took a sip of the wine, letting the bubbles to melt on her tongue. "He didn't seem convinced."

"He is never persuaded. His default setting is that. Julia clattered his glass to hers. "Network a bit, please. Prove to them that you are more than just lab mice and data.

They moved around the reception, Lily compelled herself to strike up a conversation with possible partners as she looked around for Gustafson. Rather, she kept getting sidetracked by flashes of dark hair and broad shoulders that were not those of her enigmatic observer.

She fled to the hotel bar, a wood-paneled haven located several floors away from the conference chaos, an hour later, exhausted from the confidence performance.

After ordering a gin and tonic and sliding onto a stool, she took out her tablet to go over the presentation again. She had lost them, but where? What else might she have said?

"Your presentation wasn't the problem."

The deep voice caught her off guard. She looked back to find a blue-eyed stranger seated on the chair across her close enough for her to catch the scent of his cologne, laced with bergamot and cedar.

"Sorry, what?" she asked.

"Your demo," he said as the bartender set a tumbler of amber liquid in front of him. He gave a slight nod in thanks. "The problem isn't what you presented. It's that half the people in that room are too entrenched in old-school methods to appreciate what you're offering."

Lily looked at him, wondering if she should identify him as another researcher. "And you are?"

"Gabriel." He held out his hand. "Gabriel Valois."

Her memory was jogged by something in the name, but her thoughts were broken by his firm, warm, and electric handshake.

She questioned, "You're familiar with Valois Syndrome research?"

His face took on a shadow. "More than I'd like to be." He sipped his beverage. "Your method of stabilizing proteins is not only novel, but revolutionary. If it's successful.

"In the mouse model, it functions. Regularly." Her eyes narrowed. "Are you being hired by a pharmaceutical company?"

His laugh was deep and unexpectedly real. "No. Assume I'm a curious bystander with experience in the field.

"Want to describe how you would approach the Fleming Foundation?" Lily was taken aback by how straightforward the question was. She was cautious and recklessly honest about him.

Gabriel looked at her for a long time, his eyes a deep blue that almost looked cobalt, as if he was evaluating more than just her inquiry.

At last, he stated, "Fleming is conservative." Instead of paradigm shifts, they prefer small, rapidly monetizable improvements. However, other organizations are more open to innovative methods. For example, the Vallémont Royal Medical Institute.

"In the kingdom of Vallémont?" Lily's eyebrow went up. "It's a coincidence that Valois Syndrome is named after the same Vallémont."

"Not coincidentally at all." Gabriel's face darkened. In that area, the syndrome is especially common. Thus, they are interested in novel therapies.

She questioned whether his interest went beyond academics based on something in his tone. Her phone buzzed with Julia's name on the screen before she could ask him any more questions.

"Won't you respond?" After the third vibration, Gabriel inquired.

Lily put the phone on silent. "He'll make it through one night without me."

"Boyfriend?"

"Colleague." She sipped her drink again, relishing the faint burn. "It's been three years since we became research partners."

"And he wants to be more."

She gave him a stern look. "You've only known me for five minutes."

"I'm sensitive." Once again, the lower part of his mouth lifted in an almost-smile. "And when you were talking about protein sequencing in your speech, he was unable to keep his eyes off you."

In spite of herself, Lily laughed. "Julia is passionate about protein sequencing."

"I don't believe he's enthusiastic about just that." Her eyes met Gabriel's, and the moment between them was filled with unexpected potential.

She needs to turn her head away. She ought to thank him for the insights, finish her glass of water, and head back to her room to get ready for tomorrow's meeting. "What brings you to a genetics conference if you're not in pharmaceuticals or research?" she asked instead.

Do you think fate exists? A faint dimple appeared in his right cheek as his smile widened.

"I believe in empirical evidence and statistical probability."

"Then let's refer to it as a fortunate coincidence that is empirically verifiable but statistically unlikely." He held up his glass. "To scientific serendipity."

Lily had the clear impression that she was leaving a meticulously planned path and entering unexplored territory as she clinked her glass against his. It should have been a terrifying experience for someone who had centered her life on carefully monitored experiments and predictable results.

Instead, it felt strangely like coming home.

Three drinks had been consumed. Like morning mist, three hours had passed. Lily couldn't recall a time when the conversation flowed so naturally, bouncing from philosophy to art to genetic research and back again without any awkward pauses.

Gabriel leaned closer and argued, "You can't seriously believe environmental factors outweigh genetic predisposition." The bar was now packed, and they had to carve out a private area in the midst of the commotion.

"In certain situations, definitely." Lily ran her hand along the edge of her glass. Consider Valois Syndrome. We've seen instances where the same genetic markers cause wildly disparate symptom presentations. Something triggers the expression."

Gabriel's eyes grew gloomy. "And you think you can find that trigger?"

"With adequate time and resources? Indeed. She looked him in the eye. "That was the focus of the presentation tonight. not only addressing symptoms but also possibly stopping the onset of the illness."

He clenched his fingers around his glass. "And if it's already active?"

His question had a serious tone that caused Lily to pay closer attention to him. "You are aware of someone who has Valois Syndrome."

It wasn't a query.

Gabriel averted his gaze for a moment. "When I was twelve, my mother passed away due to complications from the syndrome."

"I apologize." Lily fought the impulse to put her hand over his. "My sister passed away at the age of seven. For that reason, I" She halted.

"Why have you dedicated your life to solving it," he concluded. "That's something we have in common."

Their intellectual sparring became more intimate after the revelation changed something between them.

Lily whispered, "The current research suggests the genetic markers remain dormant until triggered." "If we could figure out what gets them going..."

"You could spare others the same fate." Gabriel's eyes were searching. "And your approach with the synthetic enzyme?"

Even after activation, it might be able to stabilize the condition. The preliminary findings are encouraging.

Gabriel motioned for more play. "Explain your research in more detail. Everything.

She then proceeded to explain the complexities, which she usually simplified for grant committees. He asked questions that demonstrated a deep comprehension of genetic science, perfectly adhering to her logic.

They had gone from the bar to a quiet corner table by the time she was done, and their knees were almost touching the polished wood.

She said, "You're not just 'familiar' with this field." "You did a lot of digging on it."

The corners of his lips jerked into a smile. "Suppose I've been motivated to comprehend it."

"And what do you do, Gabriel?" She cocked her head. "You never really said."

"International relations. Mostly diplomatic work. His response sounded polished and well-practiced. "Boring is like rewriting genetic code."

"I doubt that." Something beyond scientific curiosity seemed to charge the air between them as their eyes locked.

"One last question," he said. "How quickly could you advance this research if you had unlimited resources?"

"Unlimited?" Lily chuckled. "We could have clinical trials within a year if we have the right team and facilities."

"And what would you need to put that team together?"

"Diplomat, are you offering to finance my research, or is this just a hypothetical situation?" He looked serious, but she meant it as a joke.

"We'll refer to it as professional curiosity." His face was hazy as he looked at the screen of his buzzing phone. "Unfortunately, I have to accept this."

He took a step back to respond, his stance straightening as he used a European, Slavic-influenced language Lily was unfamiliar with. She was fascinated by the change the informal thinker from a few moments ago had given way to someone more formal, almost authoritative.

Something had changed by the time he got back. "I'm sorry, but duty demands it. Tomorrow's early meeting."

"Obviously." She felt disappointment weigh more heavily than she had anticipated. "Talking with you was fascinating."

He surprised her by saying, "The night doesn't have to end." "Unless you want to go back to protein sequencing right away."

She gasped. She was told to thank him for the drinks and leave by the logical part of her brain, the meticulous scientist who planned every experiment and career move.

"I'm not particularly fond of early nights," she heard herself say instead.

He grinned slowly, almost slyly. "Neither am I."

Gabriel watched Lily sleep, her face softened by the predawn light coming through the curtains, her auburn hair sprawled across his pillow. She had assumed that his impressive accommodations during the packed conference were the result of pure luck, but he had ordered a suite far from the conference floors because privacy was second nature to him.

Three evenings. Three evenings of intellectual bonding that swiftly erupted into a physical attraction he had never known before. Something that felt perilously close to freedom for three nights.

It was the third time in an hour that his phone vibrated. If it were not urgent, his personal secretary Marc would not be calling him frequently. He sighed quietly as he got out of his bed and took out his phone from the jacket.

"Yes?" he replied gently as he made his way out to the sitting room of the suite and shut the bedroom door.

"I apologize for the disruption, Your Highness." Marc spoke tensely. However, an emergency council meeting has been called by your father. The state of affairs in the eastern provinces"

Gabriel concluded, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Has escalated." "How bad?"

"The King feels your presence is urgently needed."

Which indicated that it was really awful. Given how meticulously Gabriel planned his infrequent time away from Vallémont, his father never asked him to return unless it was absolutely necessary.

"I can return by this evening."

"Preparations are underway for the royal jet." Marc hesitated. "At noon, the council convenes."

Gabriel looked at his timepiece. He might be able to make it if he left within the hour. Seldom.

"I'll be there." Now gilded with early morning light, he hung up the phone and gazed out at the Zurich skyline.

He had never acted otherwise; he knew this was only temporary. His life had never been his own. Every second spent away from Vallémont was borrowed.

Nevertheless, he had given himself permission to dream for a moment of taking Lily to the Royal Medical Institute and seeing her sharp mind combat the syndrome that had killed his mother and was now exhibiting early symptoms in his own blood work. However, exposing her to that world would require exposing his true identity Crown Prince Gabriel of Vallémont, not simply "Gabriel," the man who had fascinated her body and mind for three nights.

And everything changed when people found out who he was. Always.

Making a concession to his desire for anonymity during these infrequent escapes, he went back to the bedroom and dressed in silence, wearing the loosest clothes he had brought. His eyes landed on Lily's tablet on the nightstand, her research notes still visible, as he adjusted his watch.

A thought came to him perhaps careless, but he couldn't go with nothing but memories. He grabbed a piece of hotel stationery and wrote a brief note, including his private email address, which would not reveal his identity right away. Although it was impetuous and uncharacteristic, these three days had been uncharacteristic from the beginning.

After setting the note next to her tablet, he gave himself permission to take one final glance at her sleeping body. He briefly considered waking her in order to sense her reaction to his touch once more. Rather, he quietly left the room, already adjusting his thoughts to the tasks that lay ahead.

With a sickening feeling of déjà vu, Lily woke up to find her bed empty.

Although it had been years since she had acted so rashly, this was not her first experience with morning-after regret. What had she been thinking about three nights of incredible sex with a virtual stranger?

She wrapped the sheet around herself and sat up, looking around the suite, which seemed suddenly too big and too luxurious without him. She noticed a folded piece of paper on the nightstand.

Lily, Duty abruptly calls me away. In a life where few such indulgences are permitted, these three days have been a unique gift. Both your beauty and your mind are remarkable, but your mind is even more remarkable.

I can be reached at a.valois@private.vm if you would like to talk about your research in more detail at any time.

Until we cross paths once more, Gabriel.

Emotions battling inside her, she gazed at the note. Glad he hadn't just vanished? Anger at the blatant euphemism that she would want to "discuss her research further"? Or disappointment that a hotel notecard was all that remained after three days of intense connection?

She muttered, "Get it together, Lily," and reached for her clothing. "You were aware of what this was."

A fling at a conference. Not much more. Both of them would be going back to their real lives doing whatever "international relations" meant in whatever nation he truly came from, and hers in Boston with her lab, mice, and dwindling funds.

Eager to get out of the suite, which now seemed like a dream, she hurriedly gathered her things. She had to meet with Gustafson on the last day of the conference. It had been nice to divert her attention for three nights, but she had to face reality.

Julia's text message, "Conference closing in 30," buzzed on her phone as she waited for the elevator. Where have you been?

Instinctively keeping those stolen nights to herself, she hadn't told him about Gabriel. Despite her careful maintenance of their professional boundaries, Julia's desire to be more than colleagues had been evident for months.

Even so, it would be awkward at best to explain a three-day disappearance to an enigmatic stranger.

She responded that she was finishing up the presentation changes for Gustafson. She had honed her notes in between spellbinding sex and engaging conversation, so it wasn't totally a lie.

The last networking session and closing remarks went by quickly. Even though she knew he was no longer there, Lily found herself looking around the crowd for a tall man with sharp blue eyes.

Later, when Gustafson came toward her, his face unintelligible, she made herself concentrate.

"Dr. James." He gave her a firm handshake. "Your presentation was fascinating."

"Mr. Gustafson, thank you."

"Unfortunately, we're drastically cutting back on our genetics portfolio, as you may have heard."

The words came like a physical blow even though they were expected. "I am aware that funding is competitive, but our research has a lot of promise"

"Yes." He gave her a small folder. For this reason, I've suggested a six-month extension. Modest financial support to follow your strategy of enzyme stabilization."

Lily blinked. "Six months?"

"Demonstrate clear progress in that timeframe, and we'll discuss longer-term support." His eyes did not meet his smile. "Your ties to the Vallémont research community are of special interest to us."

"My connections?"

"We have taken note of your conversations with the Vallémont delegation. A project's viability is increased when it has several funding sources. He nodded and went on to the next investigator.

She opened the folder; her brow furrowed in confusion. She only had enough money for six months to keep her lab operating, but it was better than nothing.

However, the delegation from Vallémont? She couldn't remember anyone from Vallémont specifically, but she'd talked to dozens of researchers in the last few days.

Except... No. It isn't possible. It was a coincidence that Gabriel and the syndrome had the same last name. It just so happened that he had brought up the Vallémont Royal Medical Institute. That his private email ended in ".vm" Vallémont's country code was a coincidence.

There are too many coincidences.

Her fingers shaking, she took out her tablet and typed in "Vallémont royal family." Formal events and official portraits filled the screen. Gabriel was standing next to an older, austere man with a crown.

However, he wasn't referred to as Gabriel in the caption.

Crown Prince Gabriel Valois of Vallémont, His Royal Highness, attends the opening of the new research wing at the Royal Medical Institute.

She almost dropped the tablet. She had stayed with a prince for three nights. had discussed genetic science, engaged in philosophical debates, and engaged in activities with the heir apparent to a European throne that were undoubtedly outside the bounds of royal protocol.

Nor had he bothered to bring it up.

Six weeks. After learning the truth about "Gabriel" six weeks prior, Lily returned to Boston and threw herself headfirst into her research. She spent six weeks reminding herself that fairy tales, particularly those about royal deceit, were not real.

From that hotel notecard she couldn't bring herself to discard, she ignored the private email address that occasionally seemed to make fun of her for six weeks.

Now that she was looking at the plastic stick in her shaking hand, she understood that those six weeks had brought about something completely different.

Two lines of pink. It's obvious. Unquestionable.

For the third time, she counted backwards and whispered to her empty bathroom, "This can't be happening." Zurich conference. Three nights with a prince who didn't bother to identify himself as a prince. And now this.

Julia's name flashed on the screen as her phone buzzed on the counter. She left it on voicemail. The laboratory could wait. She needed a moment to regain her equilibrium because the world had just tipped on its axis.

A newborn. With a prince in the crown.

Lily wished the panic away as she pressed her hands to her eyes. She was a scientist with training in methodical problem analysis. She required facts, not feelings.

Firstly, she was expecting.

Secondly, the father was Vallémont's Crown Prince.

Fact three: Other than an email address that might not be legitimate, she had no way to get in touch with him.

Lily forced herself to breathe and splashed her face with cold water. One step at a time. First, get medical confirmation of the pregnancy. After that, choose whether to tell His Royal Highness that he was going to have a child.

Marc slid a folder across the gleaming conference table and said, "Your Highness, the agreement between the eastern provinces is holding." "The separatist movements have been temporarily quieted by the economic concessions."

Gabriel nodded, looking at the paper but not really seeing it. His thoughts continued to stray to auburn hair and difficult questions at the most inconvenient times, even after six weeks in Zurich.

He turned his attention back to the task at hand and asked, "And the Royal Medical Institute funding?"

"As requested, approved. Director Fontaine expresses his appreciation and pledges to make major progress in the study of Valois Syndrome this year.

Gabriel's jaw muscle twitches. With Lily's insightful observations, the research might have advanced more quickly. Even though he had written innumerable emails to the address she had provided on her conference credentials, he had not gotten in touch with her.

How would he respond? I apologize for not mentioning that I am a throne heir. Would you like to talk about royal patronage and enzyme stabilization?

"Your Highness?" His thoughts were interrupted by Marc's worried voice. "The King is not far away."

Gabriel snapped the folder shut. "Obviously."

He had time to gather himself on the walk to his father's private study. As the King's health deteriorated and succession planning became less theoretical, these weekly meetings had become more and more tense. It will be the same today.

Gabriel walked in, pointing to the chair across from him, and King Edward looked up from his desk. "The eastern provinces?"

"Stabilized, for now."

"For the time being." The King's mouth became thinner. "Without ongoing care, nothing in this kingdom remains stable. When wearing the crown, keep that in mind.

Gabriel bowed his head, a gesture he had used since he was a young boy. "The financial incentives"

"Are short-term fixes." Edward waved his hand dismissively. "Tradition is what these people value. Continuity. For six centuries, the Valois family has ruled without interruption. He stared at Gabriel with piercing eyes. "This leads me to the issue of your succession."

The discussion Gabriel had been avoiding since coming back from Zurich was finally here.

"Father" "The family of Lady Camille has asked about your intentions."

The King's eyes were keen, but his voice was informal. "For many generations, the Belcourts have been devoted defenders of the monarchy. Both houses would be strengthened by a union.

Despite his internal resistance, Gabriel kept his face neutral. "I've known Camille since we were young. Nothing more.

"A royal marriage has a fine foundation of friendship." From his desk, Edward took a small portrait of Gabriel's mother in her younger years, her beauty already overshadowed by the illness that would eventually take her life.

"Monarchs can't always afford the luxury of love."

Gabriel's chest twisted with the familiar guilt. His father, who watched helplessly as his mother was gradually taken away by Valois Syndrome, had loved her terribly.

Gabriel's own blood work now contained early markers of that same genetic legacy that might never fully develop into the syndrome or might suddenly activate at any time.

"I understand my responsibilities," Gabriel stated cautiously. "But hurrying into a deal with Camille"

"It's not in any hurry. You've known her for twenty years. The portrait was returned to the King's desk. "By the end of the year, the council anticipates an announcement. Given the unrest in the east, the populace needs assurance that the Valois line will remain in place.

The ancient study's walls appeared to enclose it. Duty had been instilled in Gabriel from birth, so he had always known this day would arrive.

But in Zurich, something had changed. Being just "Gabriel" for three days had sparked a desire for genuineness that he couldn't ignore.

Finally, using unassailable words, he stated, "I need time to consider the best course for Vallémont."

Edward's eyes narrowed as he studied him. "Marc mentioned that the Medical Institute's research budget had caught your attention."

Gabriel maintained a meticulously neutral expression. "Research on Valois Syndrome benefits not just our family but the entire kingdom."

"Yes." The King sounded unconvinced. "A promising American researcher attended the Zurich conference, according to Dr. Fontaine. Someone you suggested working with?"

Gabriel's heartbeat accelerated. Without mentioning Lily by name, he had suggested to Fontaine that they keep an eye on her research. Had Fontaine figured out why he was in Zurich?

"Several researchers presented interesting approaches," he said in a level-headed manner. "International cooperation improves our standing."

Edward started to press but was cut off by a low knock. With a little bow, the King's assistant came in.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for disturbing you, but the Duchess of Merovia has come to meet with her audience."

Edward gave Gabriel a stern look and nodded. Think about what I said. Stability is necessary for Vallémont. That's what the Belcourt alliance provides.

Appreciative of the reprieve, Gabriel bowed formally. His phone vibrated with an incoming message as he was leaving the study; it was an alert from the private email account he had only shared once.

From: L.james@bostonu.edu

Subject: Immediate Personal Concern

He stumbled. Why now, after six weeks of silence? The timing made him uneasy. Had he already been linked to Lily by his father's intelligence network?

He located a quiet corner and read the message.

I contemplated contacting you at all, but the situation forces me to do so, Gabriel (or, perhaps more accurately, Your Royal Highness). At your earliest convenience, we must have a private

conversation regarding an issue that impacts us both. This has nothing to do with funding or collaboration in research.

The Crown Prince of Vallémont has safe lines of communication, I'm sure. Please give us one so we can have a private conversation about this.

Lily James.

There was urgency beneath the formality of her tone. With scenarios running through his head, Gabriel read the message twice more. Had she been asked about their time together? Was this extortion?

No, Lily had never been opportunistic, but she had struck him with many things.

"Your Highness?" Marc showed up at his elbow, his face showing concern. "Is everything okay?"

Gabriel's phone's screen was locked. "Please set up a secure video call for me. Maximum privacy protocols at priority level one.

Marc arched an eyebrow, but he knew better than to challenge a clear directive. "Name and location of the other party?"

"Dr. Lily James. Medical Research Division, Boston University." Gabriel put his royal mask back on and straightened his shoulders. "What about Marc? This is still between us. No reports to the King's security detail, no records."

"Your Highness, of course." Marc paused. "Is this a state security issue?"

Gabriel considered Lily's message and the tactfully managed sense of urgency she conveyed. Whatever it was, it was personal and could change someone's life.

"No," he muttered. "However, it might still affect Vallémont's future."

As she paced her tiny apartment, she alternated between looking at her email and the medical records that validated the findings of three tests she had already conducted at home. expecting a child. Her doctor calculated that it would be eight weeks.

She almost dropped her phone when it rang to check the sender of an incoming email.

From: Royal Communications, Secure

Subject: Communication Requested

Only an access code and a link were included in the message, along with the time thirty minutes from now. Her ribs were pounded by her heart. This was taking place. She was going to inform the crown prince that the child born of their three nights of escape was the heir to a throne she knew very little about.

Her finger hovered over the link. She could still walk away, handle this alone as she'd handled every other challenge in her life. But the child deserved to know its father, regardless of crowns and castles. And Gabriel deserved to know he was going to be a father, whatever he chose to do with that information.

With a deep breath, Lily clicked the link and entered the code. A loading screen appeared, counting down the minutes until her world would change irrevocably.

Again.