At His Majesty's Convenience / Her Little Secret, His Hidden Heir

Four

Andi blinked as they stepped out of the dark shop into bright morning sunlight that reflected off everything from the gray cobbles to the white-crested mountain peaks that loomed over the town. The cold air whipped at her skin and she drew her warm coat about her. Out in the open she felt violently self-conscious about the huge ring on her finger, and gratefully tucked it into her coat pocket.

“The coffeehouse is just up the road.” Jake took her arm. “You may not remember, but they have the best hot chocolate in the known world and you love it.”

Andi’s muscles tightened at the reminder that he knew more about her than she did. “Do you go there often?” It seemed odd for a king to frequent a local café. Then again she had no idea what was normal. Very strange how she remembered things like old fairy tales but not her own life.

“Of course. Got to support the local businesses.”

He certainly was thoughtful. That cozy feeling of being protected and cared for warmed her as he slid his arm through hers again. How lucky she was! No doubt her memory would come back soon and—

A moped skidded past them on the narrow street. Its rider, a man in a black leather jacket, stopped and leaped off, camera in hand. “Your Highness, is it true you are engaged?” he asked, in a French accent.

Jake paused. “It is true.” Andi stared in surprise at his polite demeanor.

“May I take your picture?”

Jake took Andi’s hands in his. “What do you say, Andi? He’s just doing his job.”

Andi cringed inwardly. She didn’t want anyone seeing her in her confused state, let alone photographing her. She also didn’t want to make a fuss in front of a stranger. That might give the game away.

She swallowed. “Okay, I guess.” She pushed a lock of hair self-consciously off her face. She hadn’t had time to style it—not that she even remembered what style she usually wore—but Jake had assured her it looked lovely.

The man took about fifty pictures from different angles through a long, scary-looking lens that would probably show every pore on her face. Jake was obviously used to the attention and remained calm and pleasant. He even adjusted them into several dignified romantic poses as if they were at a professional shoot.

Almost as if he’d planned this encounter.

She fought the urge to frown, which certainly wouldn’t be a good idea for the pictures. How did the photographer know they were engaged when it had only happened last night?

Jake managed to politely disengage them from the impromptu photo session and continue down the road. He smiled and nodded at passersby, all of whom seemed quite comfortable rubbing shoulders with their monarch. But when they reached the main square she saw two more reporters, a woman with a tiny microphone clipped to her jacket and a tall man with a notepad. They greeted Jake with warm smiles and asked if congratulations were in order.

Andi tried to maintain a pleasant expression while unease gnawed at her gut.

“How does it feel to marry a king?” asked the woman, in soft Ruthenian tones.

“I’m not sure yet,” admitted Andi. “Since we’re not married. I’ll have to let you know after the ceremony.”

“When will that be?” asked the man. Andi glanced at Jake.

“We’ll make an announcement when we have all the details sorted out. A royal wedding isn’t something you rush into.”

“Of course.” The reporter was a middle-aged woman with soft blond hair. “And you’ve kept your promise of choosing your bride before Ruthenia’s third Independence Day next week.”

“The people of Ruthenia know I’m a man of my word.”

Andi only just managed not to frown. He’d become engaged to her at the last minute because of some promise he made? That was awfully convenient. The knot in the pit of her stomach tightened.

The woman asked if she could see Andi’s ring. Andi pulled it out and was alarmed to see it looked even bigger and brighter out here in daylight. The camera flashed several times before she could hide her hand back in her pocket again.

When Jake finally excused them, her heart was pounding and her face flushed. She let out a silent sigh of relief as he guided her into the warm and inviting coffee shop. She removed her coat and hung it on a row of iron hooks that looked hundreds of years old.

“I’m glad they didn’t ask any questions I couldn’t answer.”

“The paparazzi are polite here.” Jake took her hand and led her to a secluded table. “They know I can have them clapped in irons if they’re not.”

She glanced up to see if he was kidding and was relieved to see a sparkle of humor in his eye.

“The press has been helpful in letting the world know about my efforts to bring the country into the twenty-first century. It pays to keep them happy.”

“How could they know about our engagement already? Did that girl you spoke to phone them?” Andi sat in the plush upholstered chair. A small fire snapped and sizzled nearby. The coffee shop had dark wood paneling and varied antique tables and chairs clustered around the low-ceilinged space that looked unchanged since the 1720s—which it probably was.

“I doubt it. They seem to know everything. It’s a bit spooky at first, but you get used to it. Maybe they saw us inside the jeweler’s?”

“Or maybe he tipped them off.” Andi gingerly pulled her be-ringed hand from her pocket to take a menu from the elegantly attired waiter.

“Old Gregor is the soul of discretion.” Jake studied his menu. Andi wondered for a second how he knew to trust Old Gregor. Had he commissioned gems for other women? But he said they’d been dating for years.

She cursed the hot little flame of jealousy that had flickered to life inside her. Why were they suddenly engaged after years of dating? Was it somehow precipitated by this promise he’d made, or had she previously refused?

For a moment Andi was hyperaware of people at tables all around them, sipping their drinks and eating. Could they tell she was missing a huge part of her life?

He shrugged. “It’s their job. We live in the public eye.” He reached across the table and took her hand. His strong fingers closed around hers. She squeezed his hand back and enjoyed the sense of reassurance she got from him. “You’ll get used to it again.”

“I suppose I will.” She glanced warily about the interior of the intimate coffeehouse. “It’s so unnerving not to even know what’s normal. Then you can’t figure out what’s odd and unusual.”

“It would certainly be odd for us to sit here without drinking hot chocolate.” He summoned the waiter and ordered a pot of hot chocolate and a dish of cream. “And, just so you know, the waffles with summer berries are your favorite.”

“Did we eat here together a lot?” The place didn’t look especially familiar.

“Yes. We often brought business associates and visitors from the States here, since it’s so quaint and unchanged. Now that we’re engaged …” He stroked her hand inside his and fixed his dark eyes on hers. “It’s just the two of us.”

Andi’s insides fluttered as his gaze crept right under her skin. If only she could remember what their relationship was like. It didn’t sound as if they ate out unless in company, which was a bit odd. A secret affair.

It must be strange and unsettling for him to have her behaving like a different person.

Then again, he didn’t seem rattled by the situation. His handsome face had an expression of calm contentment. The chiseled features were steady as the mountains outside and it was hard to imagine him getting upset or bothered by anything. Jake was obviously the kind of man who took things in stride. Her hand felt totally comfortable in his, as if he was promising her that he’d take care of her and make sure only good things happened.

Why did it feel so bizarre that such a gorgeous and successful man was all hers?

Well, of course she had to share him with a small nation, but after the lights went out he was hers alone. Hope and excitement rose through her, along with a curl of desire that matched the steam rising off the hot chocolate.

Jake kept his gaze on her face as the waiter poured the fragrant liquid into two wide round cups and then dropped a dollop of thick whipped cream on top of each one. When the waiter moved away, Jake lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Sensual excitement flashed through her body at the soft touch of his mouth on her skin, a promise of what would come when they were alone together.

Andi fought the urge to glance around to see if anyone had witnessed the intimate moment. She drew in a deep breath and forced herself to display the kind of cool that Jake possessed naturally. She’d better get used to being in the public eye, since she’d be spending the rest of her life in it.

If she really was marrying Jake. The idea still seemed too far-fetched and outrageous to truly believe. He gently let go of her hand and she moved it quickly to her cup and covered her confusion with a sip. The rich and delicious chocolate slid down her throat and heated her insides. Perfect.

Everything was perfect. Too perfect.

So why couldn’t she escape the niggling feeling that when she got her memory back she’d discover something was horribly wrong?

Andi grew increasingly nervous as they drove back to the palace. None of the other staff knew about their engagement—at least as far as she knew. How would they react?

She climbed out of the car on shaky legs. Did she have a best friend here in whom she confided? Or was that person Jake? Tears hovered very close to the surface, but she tried hard to put on a brave face as they approached the grand doorway up a flight of wide steps.

“Good morning, sir.” A black-attired man opened the door before they even reached it. “And may I offer you congratulations.”

Andi cringed. They all knew already? Word spread around this tiny country like a plague.

“Congratulations, Andi. I’m not sure whether it’s appropriate to tell you that, as usual, the mail is in your office.”

She didn’t even know she had an office, let alone where it was. She gulped, realizing that she’d be expected to do her job, regardless of whether or not she could remember how.

Either that or tell everyone that her mind had been wiped blank, and she couldn’t face that. “Thanks,” she managed.

She kept her hand buried deep in the pocket of her wool coat as they crossed the marble-floored entrance hall. Faces looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t remember names or if they were friends as well as coworkers. Jake stopped to answer some questions about a phone call they’d received, and Andi hesitated, unsure which direction to walk in, or where to even hang her coat. Worse yet, a girl with lots of red hair rushed up to her, wide-eyed. “Why am I the last to know everything?”

Andi managed a casual shrug.

The redhead leaned in and lowered her voice. “I see you decided not to leave after all?”

Andi’s eyes widened. “Leave?” She glanced up to see if Jake had heard, but he was still deep in conversation several yards away.

“Stop acting innocent. I saw the suitcases you bought in town. Still, obviously something better than a new job came up.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Truer words were never spoken. Anxiety churned the hot chocolate in her stomach. Suitcases? A new job? That was odd. She needed to get to her room and see if she could find something to jog her memory.

If only she knew where her room was.

She remembered the way back to Jake’s suite, and was tempted to head that way without him just to get away from the inquisitive redhead. Then again, he was apparently her boss, so that might look odd.

The ring practically burned her finger, still hidden deep inside her coat. “Let me take that for you.” An older man with neat white hair crossed the floor. Andi stared. “Your coat,” he continued, demonstrating the hanger in his hand. “I wonder if it’s premature to call you Your Majesty?” he asked with a kind expression.

“Probably.” She managed a smile while shrugging the coat off. She looked up at Jake and their eyes met. He must have seen the plea in her face as he detached himself from his questioner and strode to her side. “Let’s head for my office.”

As soon as they were on the stairs, she whispered that she didn’t know where her room was. He frowned for a second, then smiled. “We’ll go there right now.”

The hallway was empty. “I don’t even know anyone’s name. It’s the most awkward feeling. People must think I’m so rude.”

“That was Walter. Worked here back when it was a hotel and always the first to know every bit of gossip. He probably spread the word.”

“This building was a hotel?”

“For a while. It had a few different lives while my family was in exile in the States. It took a lot of work to get it looking like this, and you were in charge of most of it.”

Andi bit her lip, walking along carpet she may even have selected. Jake pointed to the third polished wood door in a long hallway, only a few yards from his. “That’s yours. It wasn’t locked when I came to get your clothes.”

She tried the handle and it swung open. A neat, hotel-like room greeted her, with heavy brocade curtains and a small double bed. The dark wood furniture looked antique and impressive. She cringed at the sight of a pair of panty hose draped over the bed.

“Um, maybe I should spend a little time alone here. See if anything jogs my memory.”

“Sure.” Jake stroked her back softly. Her skin heated under her T-shirt as he turned her toward him and lowered his face to hers. All worries and fears drifted way for a few seconds as she lost herself in his soft and gentle kiss.

“Don’t worry about anything.” He pointed to a dresser. “Your phone’s right there and you’ve always told me I’m programmed in as number one.” He winked. “I’ll head for my office to deal with this electrical supply situation that’s cropped up. Call me if you need anything, and even if you don’t.”

Her fingers felt cold as he released them from his, but she couldn’t help a sigh of relief as she closed the door behind him and found herself alone in the room. At last she could … fall apart.

Part of her wanted to run to the bed and collapse on it, sobbing. But another, apparently more influential, part wanted to pull open the drawers and search for signs of who she was. She tucked the stray panty hose back into their drawer, wondering if she’d taken them out when she was dressing in her evening gown. She wasn’t wearing any when she’d woken up in the morning.

The drawer was rather disorganized, as if everything was just shoved in there without much thought. What did this tell her about herself? She frowned and pulled open the drawer above it. Three carelessly folded blouses and some socks gave no further encouragement about her organizational skills.

The closet door was slightly ajar and she pulled it open. An array of colorful suits hung from the hangers, along with several solid-colored dresses and skirts. At least it didn’t look as messy as her drawers. She pushed some hangers apart and pulled down one of the suits. A medium blue, it was tailored but otherwise quite plain. She tried to smooth out a horizontal crease that ran just below the lapels. Another crease across the skirt made her frown. Why would a suit hanging in a closet have creases running across it?

She pulled out another suit and saw that it too had lines running through the middle. A forest-green dress also showed signs of having been folded recently, and a navy skirt and … She stopped and frowned. All the items in the closet had crease marks running across them. Not deep, sharp creases, but soft ones, as if they’d been folded only for a short time. What could that mean?

After she hung the suit back in the closet, she walked into the attached bathroom. A floral smell hovered in the air and felt reassuringly familiar. Her favorite scent? She recognized it—which meant it was a memory. Cheered, she examined the cosmetics arranged on a low shelf. There were a lot of lipsticks. She pulled one open and applied it. A rather garish orangey-pink that didn’t do her complexion any favors. She put it back on the shelf and wiped her lips with a tissue.

She found the bottle of scent and removed the cap. Warmth suffused her as she sprayed some on her wrists and inhaled the familiar smell. Relief also swept through her that at least something around here felt familiar.

The scent … and Jake.

Excitement mixed with apprehension tickled her insides. How odd that they’d become engaged and she’d lost her memory in the same night. She couldn’t help wondering if the two things were related.

Jake was lovely, though. He’d been so sweet and encouraging with her since she’d lost her memory. She was lucky to be engaged to such a kind and capable man. A bit odd that he was a king, but that was just one facet of him. Just a job, really. No doubt she wasn’t bothered by his royal status or she wouldn’t have become romantically involved with him in the first place.

She picked up her hand and looked at her big diamond ring. It was beautiful and fit her perfectly. She’d feel comfortable wearing it once she got used to it.

Once she got used to any of this.

A knock on the door made her jump. “It’s me, Livia.”

Andi gulped. Apparently she was supposed to know who Livia was. So far no one seemed to know about her memory except Jake and the doctor, but that was bound to change unless it came back soon. She smoothed her hair and went to open the door.

It was the same red-haired girl from downstairs. The one who’d talked about her leaving. She had a huge grin on her freckled face. “You are a dark horse.”

Andi shrugged casually, as if admitting it, even though she didn’t know exactly whether Livia referred to the engagement or her memory loss.

“You never breathed a word. How long have the two of you been …?” Her conspiratorial whisper sounded deafening in the quiet hallway.

“Come in.” Andi ushered her into the room. Livia glanced around. Andi got the idea that she hadn’t been here before, so they probably weren’t the closest of friends, but maybe she could learn something from her. She managed a smile. “We didn’t really want anyone to know. Not until we were sure.”

Livia seemed satisfied with that answer. “How romantic. And after working together all these years. I never suspected a thing!”

“I hardly believe it myself.”

“So the suitcases were for your honeymoon.” Livia grinned and shook her head. “Where are you going?”

“Not sure yet.” Jake hadn’t said anything about a honeymoon. Surely they had to have a wedding first.

“This time make sure I’m not the last person in the palace to know. I know you’re always insisting that it’s part of your job to keep mum about things, but I can’t believe I had to learn about your engagement on the radio.”

“What did they say?”

“That you and Jake were out ring shopping in town this morning, and you told reporters you were getting married. Hey, let’s see the rock!” She reached out and grabbed Andi’s hand. “Wow. That’s some ring. I wouldn’t go on the New York City subway in that.”

So Livia had come from New York, as well? That meant they’d probably known each other at least three years. Andi felt awful that she didn’t even remember her.