MAID FOR A PRINCE: (Book 1) (Point St. Claire, where true love finds a way) by Robyn Grady Page A

much deliberation, he’d felt good about his decision to leave her out in the open. But was he wrong to consider something similar now that he was home?
    “Your Highness, are you all right?”
    Darius gave himself a mental shake then sat straighter in his high-backed chair. “I’ll get back to you on the figurine. In the meantime, could you organize a press release? Say how much I’m looking forward to the upcoming coronation. We need to confirm a date.”
    “The sooner the better. And, I wonder…” Yanni adjusted his glasses. “In a separate release, should we mention a temporary guest staying at the palace?”
    “Why? Helene isn’t here on official business.” Darius drew a document from his inbox. “Her time spent here is a private matter.”
    “Of course. Except, with the coronation looming, people might make assumptions.” Yanni brought a closed hand to his mouth to cover an awkward smile. “I only say this because when Ms. Masters mentioned an arrangement, I made an assumption myself.”
    The penny dropped. “You thought we were in a serious relationship?”
    Yanni shrugged. “A misunderstanding.”
    Darius laughed, then sobered, then flicked his pen aside. He found his feet and, hands in pockets, came to stand at a floor-to-ceiling window. “If there were a misunderstanding…” If people thought Helene and he were looking toward the future together… “In this day and age, what real harm could come from it?” He turned back Yanni. “Hypothetically speaking, of course.”
    Yanni seemed to hold his breath before slanting his head. “We know very little about her. She might have a criminal record, might have an undesirable past.”
    “You did a search. Nothing untoward showed up.”
    “Ms. Masters said you’d invited her to stay two weeks. Is there any reason you’d extend that time?”
    Darius’s focus had drifted to a portrait of his father, which graced the opposite wall. He winged back his shoulders. “Not at this stage.”
    Yanni’s expression changed again. “While you were away, your uncle sent communication. He wants to attend the coronation.”
    Darius blinked. He couldn’t have heard right. “After all these years?”
    “Perhaps he feels that with your parents passing you might appreciate his support on the day. He might also want you to permanently pardon his exile.”
    Darius was floored. He had never imagined this day would come. “And his wife?”
    “It’s said he goes everywhere with her.”
    Gazing blindly out the window at a view of the sea, Darius absently twirled his father’s ring around his finger. Despite his uncle’s walking out and leaving a mess, Darius still cared for the man. At the prospect of seeing him again, Darius realized how much he’d missed him. He’d like to speak with Galen, and on one subject in particular.
    “Yanni, you knew my uncle well. What kind of man would you say he is?”
    Yanni’s eyebrows hitched. “To put it simply, Your Highness, I would say he is a man who has found his peace.”
     
    After a quick freshen-up, Helene was back in the main room of her magnificent palace quarters. She was unzipping her knapsack, eager to read the rest of that story, when she heard a knock and her heart gave a skip. Guess Darius had gotten through his work sooner than expected.
    But on opening the door, she found a beautiful young woman waiting. A flowing peach-colored skirt was perfect against her olive complexion. A stunning gold pendant graced her regal neck and a pair of thickly-fringed eyes twinkled with eagerness.
    “I’m Tahlia, Darius’s sister.” She tipped her head, and a stream of dark satin hair fell over one slender shoulder. “May I come in?”
    Taken aback, Helene introduced herself as she closed the door.
    “Darius says you’re American,” Tahlia said, strolling in. “I want to live in New York one day. Have you been there? Or Hollywood? I’m dying to see Rodeo Drive.”
    “Well, I can’t afford designer boutiques,”