Reclaiming the Prince's Heart

by Rebecca Winters

  Later, when Dr. Romano came in for his evening rounds accompanied by Chispar, he explained he wanted to examine his patient. Luna translated for Rini. “I promise I’ll be back after he leaves.”

  She walked to the sitting room of the suite to phone Dr. Tullia, who’d given her his card. He didn’t answer, so she left the message for him to call her. Hoping he would get back to her before bed, she changed into her running pants and top in the en-suite bathroom. While she was brushing her teeth, her cell rang.

  She wiped her mouth and checked the caller ID before clicking on. “Doctor Tullia? Thank you for calling me back. I’m so grateful.”

  “I’m here for you and Rini. Tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I’m the problem tonight.”

  “Go on.”

  She told him about her latest concerns. “I love my husband and let him know we were madly in love from the very beginning. But he has no memory of me, and maybe it has put too much pressure on him. What if he really doesn’t want to go home with me? What if he’d like some space and Chispar could be home with him while I’m at work? What do you think?”

  “Let me ask you a question. Knowing that he might never remember you, do you want him to love you the same as before?”

  “Yes!” she cried. “He’s my raison d’être.”

  “Then here’s my advice. Do exactly what your instincts have been telling you to say and do. Don’t hold back. Continue to be yourself. Ask him if he wants company when you’re at work. In time you’ll know if he feels nonreceptive or smothered.”

  “That’s what worries me. How will I know?”

  “Is there any doubt in your mind that he’ll tell you? Your husband is assertive and doesn’t keep his thoughts to himself.”

  She chuckled. “You’re right about that.”

  “Some things about human nature don’t change, do they?”

  “I can’t thank you enough for your advice, Doctor. You’ve made me feel better.”

  “Good. I’m here for you anytime. Good night, Luna.”

  They hung up and she left the bathroom to find Dr. Romano in the sitting room waiting for her. She hurried over to him. Chispar had left. “How is he tonight?”

  “He’s coming along well. I’d feared he might have stomach problems getting used to regular meals, but he assured me he’s hungry and eating everything. At this rate he’ll gain back the weight he lost without problem.”

  “That’s my grandmother-in-law’s fault. She’s planned all his favorite dishes.”

  He smiled. “Well, it’s showing. I guess you’re aware he wants to leave.”

  “Yes. I can tell he’s restless.”

  “He needs to stay in the hospital two more days while he undergoes more tests and works with the physiotherapist. I’ll put in orders to release him on Thursday morning. He’s in good shape considering what he’s been through. Call me if you have any questions.”

  “I have one more. Will he be able to drive after he goes home?”

  “We don’t know, but I’m sure you’ll find out. Again, let him be the one to decide.”

  “Of course. Good night, Doctor. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

  “We’re all thankful the Prince survived.”

  Luna walked him to the entrance before heading straight for Rini’s room.

  “Hi! I’m back.” She wanted to fling herself into his arms.

  He eyed her thoroughly. It sent shivers of delight down her spine. “I thought you’d never come.” His voice sounded more like a growl. She could believe he’d actually missed her.

  “Oh, ye of little faith.” She moved the cot away from the wall and laid it out near Rini’s bed. “Before I get in, shall I turn on the TV?”

  “Is that what we used to do?”

  “Sometimes we watched the news or a film. Does a movie interest you? We could pick something easily understandable even if you can’t follow the language.”

  She could feel his penetrating gray eyes appraise her. It made her heart beat so fast she could hardly breathe. “I think I’d rather talk and find out what Doctor Romano had to say to you.”

  Was he worried? She turned off the overhead light and climbed into her cot to face him. He lay on his side with his head slightly elevated. His eyes never left her face.

  “Do you want the good or the bad news first?”

  “How am I supposed to answer that?” His hand had gripped the sheet in reaction. She shouldn’t have said it. His tension was too severe.

  Luna sat up in the cot. “Rini—I was only kidding. It’s all good. You can go home on Thursday.”

  He rubbed his jaw absently. “Not till then?” She heard his disappointment.

  “That’s only two more days while he runs a few more tests.”

  “Will I be free to do anything? Like fly?”

  Had she heard him right? “You mean like travel on a jet?”

  “I want a chopper to fly me to Rezana so I can thank the police officer for listening to you and telling you where to find me.”

  “So do I. We’ll do something for the doctor, too.”

  She adored her husband, who wanted to repay the people who’d helped him. His humanity was well-known among the mining community, even if he didn’t realize it. “Maybe you could talk to your grandfather and find a way to gift Doctor Miakar in a meaningful way.”

  His gaze narrowed on her. “That’s an idea.”

  Already, he was focusing on others, sounding more and more like her husband. She took a deep breath. “I’d love to go with you.”

  “I wouldn’t go anywhere without you, Luna.”

  He sounded like he meant it, but was it only because she was his link to communication? “Rini, tomorrow will you ask Doctor Romano if you’ll be under any restrictions about flying in a plane or helicopter?”

  “I will.” He lowered the head of the bed and rearranged his pillow but couldn’t get it right. “I also need to learn Italian so I can talk to him myself.”

  “Agreed.” Incredible that Rini had spoken it from birth. It was there in his brain somewhere. “I’ll give you your first lesson tonight if you want. Many words in Romansh have a slight similarity to Italian. You’ll learn it in no time.”

  “Try me.”

  Delighted he wanted a lesson, she said, “Let’s go with some simple words. Say ciao. It means hello.”

  He answered with perfect inflection.

  “Bene. That means good, or it can mean well. Say it.”

  “Bene.”

  “Now try buongiorno. It means good morning.”

  He responded perfectly.

  “Excellente, Rini. Now two more phrases. Come va? It means how are you?”

  “Come va?” he experimented several times.

  “Bravo!” she cried when he reproduced it correctly.

  He rose up. “Are you sure you aren’t a schoolteacher?”

  Luna laughed. “I promise.”

  “You make a good one. This is fun.” That comment thrilled her heart.

  “Then let’s keep going. When someone asks you that question and you answer it, then you say E tu? It means And you?”

  “E tu?”

  “Sì. That means yes. You make a wonderful Italian parrot.”

  A deep laugh broke from him, the first she’d heard since finding him. This was a magical moment. “All right. Now, let’s have conversation number one. Here we go. Ciao, Rini Baldasseri.”

  He sat up. “Ciao, Luna Baldasseri.”

  “Come va?”

  “Bene. E tu?”

  “Bene.”

  She clapped her hands. “That was perfetto. You sounded totally Italian and are such a good student, it’s scary. Now, let’s have conversation number two.”

  “I’ll start it,” he offered. His eyes were alive wit
h light.

  “Go ahead.”

  “Buongiorno, Luna Baldasseri.”

  “Buongiorno, Rinieri Francesco Baldasseri.”

  He frowned. “Rinieri? Where did that name come from?”

  “That’s your full name in honor of King Rinieri Umberto Baldasseri, your great-great-great-grandfather.”

  “No wonder you call me Rini.”

  She smiled.

  “What’s your full name?”

  “Luna Biancho Baldasseri.”

  “Biancho... Biancho...” he said several times.

  “You sound pure Italian, but I think that’s enough lesson for now except to learn the word for good-night. It’s buona notte.”

  “Buona notte,” he repeated. “But I don’t want to go to sleep yet.”

  She took that as a compliment. “I think it’s one of the most beautiful words in Italian, Rini. Now, I’m sure you’re exhausted even if you don’t realize it. I know I am.”

  “Buona notte, Luna.”

  “Buona notte, tesoro mio.”

  He cocked his head. “What did you just say?”

  Uh-oh. Heat flooded her cheeks. She’d married a brilliant man and could hear Dr. Tullia telling her to do what came instinctively. “Tesoro mio.”

  “Are you going to leave me in suspense?” His voice resonated through her insides.

  “It’s an expression I often used with you.” She lay back and closed her eyes tightly.

  “And?” he prodded, not willing to let it go. “What does it mean?”

  “My treasure.”

  “Say it again.”

  “Tesoro mio.”

  After a slight pause she heard him say, “What did I sometimes call you?”

  “Pulcina mia.”

  He said it several times. “What does it mean?”

  “My little chick.”

  A low chuckle came out of him. “How do I say thank you?”

  “Grazie.”

  “Grazie, pulcina mia. Buon anotte.”

  “You know something, Rini? I think you’re a fraud. Listening to you right now, no one would guess you’d lost your ability to speak Italian. Before we were married, your grandfather took me aside and told me you were one of the most intelligent men he’d ever known. When the time came for you to rule, you’d be the greatest of the San Vitano kings.”

  She heard his covers rustle. “I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I’d rather be dead than be a king.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I just do.”

  Ooh. She buried her face in the pillow so he couldn’t hear her groan. Where had that thought come from? Had it always been buried in his psyche?

  Throughout their marriage he’d never expressed negative feelings about being royal. He’d loved his grandfather and had admired him. With few complaints Rini had managed to balance his princely duties with his career as a mining engineer. He hadn’t let them intrude on the glorious time they’d had together as man and wife.

  The one time she hadn’t wanted him to leave for work and felt it was an intrusion was the day of the earthquake. Her body trembled to remember the horror of learning he’d been buried in the debris.

  Don’t think about it, she lectured herself. Rini’s alive and here in the same room with you. We’ll be going home in a couple of days.

  Thursday morning Luna awakened and noticed Rini was still out for the count. That was because on the past two nights he’d awakened and got out of bed, too restless to sleep. She feared he’d had nightmares.

  Taking care to be quiet, she got up and left the room to change into her skirt and blouse. Once dressed, she went back in Rini’s room and put the suitcase in his bathroom. Today he would be able to wear normal clothes home.

  She found her purse. After phoning her driver to come and get her, she left the suite. Out in the hall she told the staff at the nursing station she was leaving. “I’ll be back to drive my husband home once he’s released.”

  “Plan on ten o’clock and pull up to the ER entrance.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  On the way home she phoned Leonardo and Antonia to tell them her plans. “I’ll call you after he’s settled, and we’ll go from there.” She’d kept in daily touch with them but couldn’t tell them to come over yet. Rini needed to express a desire to see them.

  A few minutes later she entered the palazzo. “Viola?”

  “I’m here.” The housekeeper hurried to the foyer.

  “Rini will be coming home this morning.”

  The older woman pressed her hands to her mouth with excitement. “The news is out that he’s alive and back in San Vitano. It’s a day of celebration! Signor Machetti says the office is flooded with hundreds of calls.”

  Luna nodded. “I don’t doubt it.”

  A pained expression crossed over her face. “He still doesn’t remember anything?”

  “No, but I’ve told him about you and Mateo. Would you ask him to do a favor for me?” She nodded. “Ask him to run to the store and buy a supply of protein shakes. Rini needs calories to put on weight and your cooking will do the rest.”

  Viola beamed. “I’ll tell Mateo now and make sure everything gets done.”

  “You’re an angel. I’m going to shower and change. Then I’ll be taking his car to get him.”

  She dashed up the stairs, so excited to be bringing him home she could hardly stand it.

  In a few minutes she left the shower to blow-dry her hair and do her makeup. Last Sunday she’d looked like a pale wraith. This morning the color was back in her cheeks. She wore her favorite lipstick and used some eyeliner.

  Next, she drew a short-sleeved outfit from the wardrobe that Rini loved on her. He said the green stripes on the white jacket were the color of her eyes. She matched it with a white skirt and white sandals. The green peridot earrings he’d given her on their one-month anniversary complemented her outfit. He might not remember her, but she planned to do everything she could to make herself attractive to him.

  Though it was only nine-thirty, she hurried out the back of the palazzo to the parking area for the car. Just knowing she’d be bringing him home had made her eager and breathless. First, however, she stopped at a phone store to buy him a new cell phone and installed an app that would be of great help to him. Luna wanted to surprise Rini tonight before they went to bed.

  CHAPTER SIX

  RINI HAD LIVED for Thursday to come, but when he awakened, he discovered his appealing wife had disappeared on him. Where in heaven had she gone on this day of all days?

  He had to fight his disappointment. Before falling asleep the night before, he’d worked out a conversation to have with her when he said good morning to her. Now it would have to wait, and it frustrated him no end.

  After the staff checked his vital signs and he’d eaten breakfast, he went into the bathroom. To his surprise he found the suitcase and opened the lid. She’d packed a dark blue crewneck shirt and a pair of tan pants. There was also a belt. Like he’d told Dr. Tullia, Luna was part angel. He forgave her for slipping away so early.

  Stuck in one of the holders he found a pair of darker tan leather sandals. Real shoes after all this time. These were clothes he’d worn before the mine cave-in. He dressed quickly after a shower and shave, deciding to leave the shirt out.

  One of the male staff had come into the room with a wheelchair. Behind him Rini saw Dr. Tullia, an unexpected surprise.

  “Ciao, Dottore.”

  The doctor lit up with a smile. “Ciao, Rini.”

  “Come va?”

  The man looked shocked. “Molto bene. E tu?”

  “Bene.” But Rini lifted his shirt to show the doctor he’d had to tighten the belt a bit. Dr. Tullia broke into laughter. It felt good to communicate on his own with a man he’d started to trust
.

  Luna had taught him well, otherwise the therapist wouldn’t have kept smiling as he patted the wheelchair, indicating Rini should sit down. The other man gathered up the suitcase with his things and the three of them left the suite.

  “Buongiorno!” Rini called out to the cluster of staff at the nursing station. He received several greetings back. They clapped and cheered him with bravos.

  “Grazie.”

  The staff nodded in understanding before he was wheeled to the elevator. Before long they arrived on the main floor and he was pushed down the hall. He saw the sign Ingresso di Emergenza. More than ever, he needed to learn to speak and write Italian quickly.

  He felt his pulse pick up speed as they approached the doors. Where was Luna? All of a sudden, he spotted a sleek black sports car drive up.

  In the next instant a drop-dead gorgeous blonde woman got out of the driver’s seat and walked toward him in the hot sun.

  Luna! His heart raced at the sight of her. He was so hooked on her he couldn’t think or talk. Her white skirt swung around her long, elegant legs. She drew closer. The green jewels of her earrings couldn’t match the dazzling color of those eyes he’d loved looking into. Her exquisite features took his breath.

  “Ciao, tesoro mio.”

  His mouth went dry. This wife of his was beyond wonderful. No wonder he’d proposed to her in less than a week.

  “Rini?” she prodded him. He saw concern in her eyes. “Come va?”

  He was so overcome with the endearment he couldn’t swallow. Finally, he said, “Bene, now that you’re here. I missed seeing you leave this morning.”

  “You were sleeping so soundly. I didn’t want to waken you.”

  She smiled at Dr. Tullia and thanked him and the other man. Rini watched her press something on the remote she was holding. She told them to put his small suitcase in the cargo space in back, then she looked down at him. Switching to Romansh she said, “Are you ready to go home?”

  “What do you think? I’ve been living for the two of us to be alone.”

  “I’m glad you said that because I can’t wait, either.” She opened the front passenger door for him. He watched her press the tip of the handle, then pull it. He left the wheelchair and climbed into the front. Dr. Tullia shut the door. Luna thanked both men and went around to get behind the steering wheel.