couldn't recall a time when the conversation flowed so naturally, bouncing from

ental factors outweigh genetic predisposition." The bar was now packed,

s. Consider Valois Syndrome. We've seen instances where the same genetic markers

omy. "And you think you

e. "That was the focus of the presentation tonight. not only addres

around his glass. "And

Lily to pay closer attention to him. "You ar

n't a

When I was twelve, my mother passed away

her hand over his. "My sister passed away at t

to solving it," he concluded. "T

e more intimate after the revelat

e genetic markers remain dormant until triggered.

Gabriel's eyes were searching. "And yo

ble to stabilize the condition. The

lay. "Explain your research

plified for grant committees. He asked questions that demonstrated a

r table by the time she was done, and their

amiliar' with this field." "Y

into a smile. "Suppose I've b

iel?" She cocked her head

rk. His response sounded polished and well-pra

ntific curiosity seemed to charge the

quickly could you advance this rese

have clinical trials within a year if

ou need to put th

rch, or is this just a hypothetical situation?"

face was hazy as he looked at the screen of his buz

fluenced language Lily was unfamiliar with. She was fascinated by the change the informal

e got back. "I'm sorry, but duty de

igh more heavily than she had anticipat

esn't have to end." "Unless you want to g

d leave by the logical part of her brain, the meticulou

d of early nights," she h

y, almost slyly.

wled across his pillow. She had assumed that his impressive accommodations during the packed conference were the res

ly erupted into a physical attraction he had never known before.

ent, his personal secretary Marc would not be calling him frequently. He sig

his way out to the sitting room of

ensely. However, an emergency council meeting has been called

g the bridge of his nose,

your presence is

Gabriel planned his infrequent time away from Vallémont, his fa

urn by thi

the royal jet." Marc hesitated.

He might be able to make it if

y morning light, he hung up the phone

ly temporary. His life had never been his own. Ev

he syndrome that had killed his mother and was now exhibiting early symptoms in his own blood work. However, exposing her to that world would requir

d when people found o

the bedroom and dressed in silence, wearing the loosest clothes he had brought. His eyes landed

stationery and wrote a brief note, including his private email address, which would not reveal his identity right

er sleeping body. He briefly considered waking her in order to sense her reaction to his touch once

of déjà vu, Lily woke u

t her first experience with morning-after regret. What had she been t

the suite, which seemed suddenly too big and too luxurious wit

are permitted, these three days have been a unique gift. Both your bea

vm if you would like to talk about yo

s paths once

t the blatant euphemism that she would want to "discuss her research further"? Or disappoi

ly," and reached for her clothing.

ir real lives doing whatever "international relations" meant in whatever nation

d her things. She had to meet with Gustafson on the last day of the conference. It

g in 30," buzzed on her phone as she wai

bout Gabriel. Despite her careful maintenance of their professional boundar

est to explain a three-day disapp

es for Gustafson. She had honed her notes in between spellbind

. Even though she knew he was no longer there, Lily found herse

rd her, his face unintelligible

firm handshake. "Your pre

afson, th

y cutting back on our genetics p

hey were expected. "I am aware that funding is co

ve suggested a six-month extension. Modest financial s

ked. "Six

onger-term support." His eyes did not meet his smile. "Your ties t

onnec

egation. A project's viability is increased when it has several

on. She only had enough money for six months to kee

remember anyone from Vallémont specifically, but she'

e same last name. It just so happened that he had brought up the Vallémont Royal Medical I

too many c

royal family." Formal events and official portraits filled the scre

referred to as Gabr

Royal Highness, attends the opening of the new

d genetic science, engaged in philosophical debates, and engaged in activities with the he

bothered to