His Majesty's Marriage

RAOUL let out a groan as he watched Lee’s whiteclad figure disappear in the darkness. This wasn’t how he’d planned the night to end. Inside he rebelled against Philippe’s timing until he saw the smile that lit up his friend’s face.

With it came the dawning realization of what it meant. Raoul’s heart did a violent kick. “The news is out?”

Philippe let go with a cry of excitement. “I not only heard it-I saw it with my own eyes on TV! It’s the major story on every network! They all say the same thing. ‘A beautiful blond American woman appears to have captured the heart of Prince Raoul. There’s no official word yet, but it’s rumored that he and Princess Sophie will not be getting married after all.’”

He clapped Raoul so hard on the shoulder he almost knocked him over. “When I think it was less than a week ago that I received a call from a man who sounded like he’d come to the end of his life. You’re no longer that person.”

They stared intently at each other in the moonlight. “No, I’m not.”

“Have you told Lee know how you feel about her yet?”

“If you’re talking physically, we almost lost it at Roger’s condo.”

“Things have progressed that far already?” Philippe asked incredulously.

Raoul nodded. “But the situation is complicated because I don’t know if I’m fighting the ghost of her dead fiance.”

“Mon Dieu.”

“He was killed three years ago. At the moment she believes she’s doing all this for Sophie’s happiness.”

Philippe shook his head. “If ever two people looked like they were in love, it’s you and Lee. After what I saw on television tonight, your broken engagement is a fait accompli. I’m beyond happy for you. But what about your title? Is it in the past now too, my friend?”

“I have no idea.”

“It’s not a small thing you’ve done.” Philippe eyed him soulfully. “The main reason I came out here was to tell you your parents have been calling the chalet every half-hour since I arrived. Your father wants you to phone him no matter the hour. When I saw your cellphone on the dresser, I realized you’d left it home on purpose. He asked me to wait up for you.”

“I’ll call him.” Suddenly Raoul clasped his arm. “Thank you for being my friend. Without your inspiration, I would never have thought to ask Sophie to join me here. It has set a process in motion. I don’t know where it’s going to lead, but it has already changed my life. For that you have my undying gratitude.”

“You had mine when you saved me after that helicopter crash on the mountain years ago.”

Raoul breathed in the crisp night air. It didn’t matter what he had to face. After being with Lee, he had a sense of well-being nothing could diminish.

By tacit agreement they started walking toward the stairs. “How was the climb?”

“Good. Naturally it would have been better if you’d been along, but I’ll forgive you this time.”

A smile broke the corner of Raoul’s mouth. “I didn’t know I could feel like this.”

“That’s what I’ve been telling myself since I met Kellie,” Philippe confessed.

“Then don’t let her get away. Do whatever it is you have to do.”

“I intend to.”

After what had transpired here in Zermatt, Raoul realized anything was possible. Right now his whole purpose was to make Lee see that too. Physically and emotionally, they were attuned. It was her mind that had to get past the prince part to the man.

After what she’d told him on the drive home, that part wasn’t going to be easy. She’d been around Sophie long enough to see past the trappings to the kind of life required of a royal. Obviously it held no appeal.

But he couldn’t worry about that right now. At least when he woke up in the morning she’d be under the same roof and they’d spend another glorious day and night together.

He climbed the stairs after Philippe, aware the adrenaline surging through his body wouldn’t allow him to fall asleep for hours.

Now was the time for the talk with his parents.

For the first time in his life, they weren’t his first priority. He had to count on their understanding that what they’d seen and heard on the news tonight had happened for a specific reason. He prayed that because of the strong bond of love and trust that had always existed between the three of them they would reserve judgement until they’d heard from him.

He planned to tell them the truth of everything. Destiny would have to take care of the rest.

“Madame Simoness?”

The older woman looked up from her desk. “Lee-you’re back a day early from Zermatt. I didn’t expect you home until Sunday night. Come in.”

“Thank you, madame.”

Lee shut the office door and took a seat opposite the desk of the headmistress who’d always been so good to her. She was close to eighty, but madame’s wise gray eyes still regarded her as shrewdly as ever.

“What’s wrong, ma chere?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard the news by now.”

“Yes. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”

“I knew that would be the case. Madame? I happen to know Mademoiselle Lambert would give anything to have my job. Would you consider letting her take my place until you find someone permanent?”

“Why would I do that?”

“I’m going back to America. There’s an eleven a.m. flight to Brussels from Geneva this morning. I have to be on it.”

“Lee-if you thought I would fire you over this, you’re very much mistaken.”

“No. You’re too kind for that.”

“Then it’s true-”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve fallen in love with Sophie’s prince, haven’t you?”

So many emotions had welled up inside Lee she couldn’t stop the tears. They gushed down her face until she was convulsed.

“I-I’m sure you think I’m a wicked person.”

“Nonsense. As soon as I read this morning’s headlines I saw Sophie’s hand somewhere in all this. Remember, I’ve known the two of you for a long time. She was always the one at the bottom of any trouble around here. The poor thing had too much to rebel against.”

Madame Simoness understood a lot about life. That was what made her such a remarkable substitute mother for the girls at Beau Lac.

“Why don’t you begin at the beginning and tell me everything?”

It felt so good to confide in someone Lee trusted, and it all came pouring out. Everything except for the interlude in Roger’s kitchen.

“…so as soon as Raoul brought me home from the disco bar I realized I couldn’t stay in Zermatt another second. I left the things he’d bought me on the bed. Then I packed my bag and walked down to the village station.”

“In the dark?”

“Yes. I wanted to be on the first train back to Visp. From there I rented a car and drove straight here. It won’t be long before he discovers I’m missing. Madame-I don’t want him to find me. I’ve played the part he asked me to play. Now it’s over. There are other titled women his family will suggest he marry in place of Sophie. At this point it will be much better for Raoul if I disappear. I’m so sorry to run out on you like this, but I can’t stay here! I simply can’t.”

“Is this to be a permanent move on your part?”

“Yes.”

“I see.” After a brief silence, “Of course you’re free to go. Whenever you wish.”