The following morning, no one in the royal family joined Cossette for breakfast. The princess didn't care; by lunch, she'd have Santiago at her side, and that would be enough to get her parents shouting. She laughed out loud as the staff stood back, quietly observing.

Let them think I'm crazy. Soon every one of these people will be displaced, and all for what? Loyalty? Ha! She thought to herself.

"Freya Marie Sinclair! I'm so sick and tired of you trying to avoid me. This has gone on for far too long. Call me. STAT!" Doris' voice sounded from Freya's voicemail.

Not with that tone. Freya thought as she deleted the message. I suppose I'll have to call someone, might as well be Tristan. He's usually neutral, she told herself as she looked his number up in her contacts.

The phone was ringing, and she felt the onset of fear. She wasn't sure she was ready to open to anyone in her family, not even her father who was trying to be understanding, but her mother had him tight on a leash.

Tristan had only sent her a message to ask if she was okay. When she'd responded she was, he'd given her a thumbs up and a quick I'm here when you need me. Well, she needed him.

"Hey! How are ya, little sis?"

Freya could hear the smile in his voice.

"UGH!!!" She hollered into the receiver. "I'm fine, but dodging mom isn't what I signed up for."

He laughed. "Yeah, she's been calling me as well. She probably figured you'd eventually reach out. I've tried to calm her down for you, but you know mom."

"I do. What I do not understand for the life of me is why on earth Claire and Will have decided to jump on her bandwagon? Seriously, Tristan. What gives?"

Freya was beyond annoyed. The messages from her brother but especially from her sister had only gotten nastier.

"Yeah, I don't know about those two. The only thing I can come up with is jealousy on Claire's part, and pressure from Penelope and mom causing Will to cave. Don't mind them. I don't."

There was a tone in Tristan's voice, something more profound that she'd never heard before.

"Tristan, be honest with me. Have they been on your case as well about not settling down?"

"Really? Are you asking me that question? Come on, Freya; you aren't truly that naive." He sighed, "Yes. I get the lectures from mom every time she calls. Every single time. You know one of the reasons I love my job so much?"

"No."

"I can get away often, thus giving me a reason to not be present at every family function. Look, you aren't the only one subjected to the constant drilling, the attempts at being set up on blind dates, and worse, I get it from Will the most. He isn't so happy in his marriage, and you know what they say about misery and the need of company? He'd easily drag me down that rabbit hole with him."

"Geesh. I'm sorry, Tristan. I suppose I've been so caught up in my issues that I never paid enough attention or even stop to ask you. You've always been there for me, and now I feel terrible."

"Dude! I'm not sharing this with you to make you feel bad. Au contraire, I'm sharing so you can stop feeling so guilty. Freya. We've got only one life to live. Live it, darn it. Live it well."

Freya laughed so hard she couldn't believe how having the conversation with her brother was such a relief. It wasn't that she needed his approval, but having his support meant everything.

"I plan on it," she said.

"So, are you going to tell me all about this Prince Charming?"

"There isn't much to tell. We met at a club and just kind have been hanging out as friends. Do I like him? Yeah, otherwise I wouldn't agree to be scrutinized by the media at every which turn. But I'm not marrying him. Just getting to know each other and becoming fast friends."

"He must like you. I've heard through the grapevine that he's never taken someone home to his parents. Seems like a huge deal?"

Freya had learned that as well which was why she was even more nervous. She went on to explain her uncertainty over the princess’s press release and her assistant's possible departure. She went over the pros and cons she'd come up with, carefully laying these out for her brother.

In the end, Tristan had one thing to say. "Toss the darn rule book out the door. Go with your gut. You'll figure it out and quickly."

He was right; she kept overthinking it and allowing a million reasons to cloud her decision.

"Thanks, Tristan. I'm going to take your advice."

"And if you need any help, you know how to get a hold of me." He chuckled before saying goodbye.

A message popped up on her screen. Just wanted to send a quick text to say, I can't wait to show you my country. Also, I can't wait to see you and make up for lost time. I hope you get a good night’s rest. Catch up tomorrow. Magnus

Freya read the message over and over before deciding how to respond. Toss the darn rule book resonated in her mind.

“Sweet dreams, Prince Magnus.” Overcome with a flutter of emotions, she sent the message, placing the phone on her nightstand before turning to fall fast asleep.

"Mark, I can't sleep," Doris said as she shook her husband awake. "I need to talk." She shook more.

"Mark! Stop ignoring me!"

She switched the light on to her lamp, quickly realizing something was wrong. Her husband was gasping for air, his face pale. Doris promptly sprang into action, calling 911 and talking to him until the operator picked up.

"911, what is your emergency?" A woman with a nasally voice asked.

"My husband, I believe he is having a heart attack. I'm at...Pasco, WA, please hurry."

"Ma’am, the first-responders are on their way. My name is Angela. What is your name?"

"Doris. Doris Sinclair. My husband's name is Mark Sinclair. He's sixty-two. He's in great health as far as we know. Except for this." She walked to the other side of the bed, calmly speaking to her husband and ensuring there wasn't anything obvious that might have triggered his sudden condition. "Mark, honey. The EMTs are on their way. Just look at me. Stay with me, Mark. Please." Her voice was soft as she fought to remain calm and not cause him to panic. After all, she had been a registered nurse before staying home to raise a family.

"Doris, I can hear you speaking to your husband. You are doing great. Keep him as alert as you possibly can. It looks like the responders are about two blocks from your house. I'll need you to unlock the doors and tell me how to get to your bedroom from the front entrance. There will be no sirens, and I'll let the responders know you are in the bedroom with Mark, keeping him calm."

"Mark, I'm going to unlock the front door and be right back."

Doris quickly ran to the front door. Thankfully, their bedroom was on the first floor. She unlocked this and gave Angela directions all while returning to her husband's side.

She was calmly speaking to her husband when she heard noise from down the hall, and within a moment three responders appeared.

"Doris, the responders should be there now. I need to know when they've arrived."

"They are here."

"Great. Okay, I'm going to hang up now. Are you going to be okay?"

"I am. Thank you very much, Angela."

"You are welcome."

Doris hung up the phone, moving to the side and allowing three of the responders to assess and evaluate. A fourth responder spoke to Doris off to the side as he gathered information about Mark. It was straightforward; there was no apparent reason for the sudden attack.

Mark was quickly transferred to a gurney while Doris changed in her closet, grabbing her purse, keys, phone and phone charger. She followed them, closing the door and jumping in the back of the ambulance to be at her husband's side. She'd let the kids know as soon as they arrived at the hospital and their father wasn't within earshot.

Freya reached for her phone, it was Claire. When she noticed the time, she quickly answered the call. "Hello, Claire? Is everything all right."

All she could hear was sobbing on the other end. It couldn't be good as Freya braced herself for the worst.

"Dad's in the hospital. I'm on my way there. It seems he had a mild heart attack. Mom said mild, but I honestly don't know if she is simply trying to soften the blow. I need to call Will. Please get a hold of Tristan. I've got to go. I'll call you as soon as I get there and let you know how he's doing."

Claire didn't give Freya a chance to say anything. It didn't matter, it was urgent, and she immediately got on the phone with her brother. "Tristan, dad..." her voice cracked as she fought to hold back tears.

"Dad what? Freya. What's going on with dad?" She could hear the panic slowly building in his voice with each word he spoke.

"I don't know too much. Claire just called. He's in the hospital with a possible mild heart attack. She's on her way there and calling Will right now."

Tristan said a few choice words under his breath as she heard him moving around.

"I'm in Portland. But I'll get in my car ASAP and head over there. What are you going to do?"

"The same, Tristan. I'm going to do the same."

Freya tossed a few things into a weekend bag, changing her clothes, and yelling down the hall for Justine and Marissa.

They both surfaced quickly, having noticed the urgency in Freya's voice.

"What's going on?"

Freya explained as her friends helped her pack. She then proceeded to call Eros and tell him.

Her security detail was ready before she was. How they did that she would have to ask, but she figured they had to be prepared for quick transitions while staying on track.

She sent a quick email from the leading car as the SUV trailed them. Steve, her boss, would understand. Besides, Tran hadn't left yet which reminded of the possible changes coming up.

Eros attempted to make small talk with Freya to calm her nerves, and she appreciated it, but she needed the time to herself, and he seemed perceptive enough to pick up on it, leaving her alone to her thoughts.

If there was one thing Freya appreciated about having the security detail, it was not having to drive, especially under the circumstances she was facing.

"Claire! What's going on?" Freya asked when her screen lit up with her sister's incoming call.

"He's stable. Oh, gosh, Freya. If this isn't a sign there is a God, I don't know what is. Mom couldn't sleep and was trying to talk to him. She caught him in time before it became worse. Are you on your way?"

"I am. Halfway there. Tristan is on his way as well."

"Oh, good. I'm glad the two of you will be here. I think it'll be good for him. He's frightened. But they are keeping him calm."

"How's mom?" As upset as Freya was with her mother, she still loved and cared for her. Of course, she wanted to make sure she was okay.

"Mom is a strong woman. You know, outside of the fact that she was a nurse, she's handling this well."

"Good." She didn't want to open the dialogue to anything else, so she quickly said to her, "I'll see you in a bit," and disconnected the call.

"Miss Sinclair?" Eros said.

"Yes?"

"Jean Paul would like to have a word with you. If you could please call him."

Freya had almost forgotten that Magnus had left Jean-Paul behind to manage the detail and any PR issues that might come up during his absence.

She immediately called her head of security.

"Miss Sinclair, thank you. I want to go over the logistics of your visit to the hospital. I'll need to know where you plan on staying, who is likely to be in your company, and if there is anyone who should not have any contact with you while you are there. If you give me first and last names and any most recent details like the place they live or work, it helps me get the info to track the person much more quickly. We work out our own arrangements, but not until we've secured your area perimeters. Especially considering you'll be at a public hospital."

So much formality, Freya thought. And the fact that they could gather intel on a person so quickly was cause for both admiration and concern.

"I have to ask, Jean-Paul. Does the U.S. Government know what you do?"

"Of course, Miss Freya. Official dignitaries, especially those within the country, are given a certain level of flexibility. Besides, your government is great at what they do. They can track our every move. Of course, we are fine by this as we have nothing to hide. Transparency in working with each other is best."

"Good, because as a U.S. Citizen, I don't want to find myself caught up in a political debacle."

"Understood."

"So, other than my family, I can't imagine who else might come around. My mother's siblings perhaps? I don't even know. My father only has one sibling left, and I can't imagine Uncle Phil flying in. They are not that close."

"Very well. Also, there will be a bit of madness as the media following you catch on that something has happened in your family. I'll be releasing a very short statement asking that your privacy be respected, and you’ll remain unavailable for further comment. And that is pretty much it. Unless you have something further you'd like to add?"

"Not at all. I think that'll do it. Thank you, Jean-Paul. Thank you and all of the men."

"You are welcome, Miss Sinclair. It is an honor to serve you," he said before hanging up.

The remainder of the drive went quickly, and before she knew it, Eros was pulling up to the ER. Jean-Paul exited the vehicle behind her, to accompany Freya. Anytime she was in public, she had someone close by. But since the area had yet to be scoped, Jean-Paul would remain at her side.

"Hello, my father, Mark Sinclair, was admitted here a short while ago. I just drove in from Seattle."

The night registrar checked her records and issued her and Jean-Paul a visitor’s badge after they'd signed in.

"Excuse me, Miss, do you mind pointing me in the direction of your security personnel?" Jean-Paul inquired.

"Our security officers? The guy over by the door is our ER security guard. You can ask him any questions regarding security," she said curtly.

Just then, Eros and one other man reached them, leaving one other man outside with the vehicles.

They all moved toward the door, pausing so Jean-Paul and Eros could request to speak to the head of security. The officer didn't look so happy, but one look at Freya's entourage didn't really leave room for questions. He radioed a senior officer, asking them to stay put.

"I apologize, Miss Sinclair, I just need to get Eros and the head officer speaking, and we can be on our way."

"Okay," was all she said.

She grabbed her phone to text her sister when Tristan walked through the electric sliding doors, rushing to Freya's side.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, go get your visitors badge and sign in. I'll be right here."

Once he had what he needed, he rejoined her. "Why aren't we going in?"

"My security detail has to work out a few logistics while I'm here. We should be headed in momentarily."

"Your security detail." Tristan chuckled as he'd put emphasis on the word your; Freya punched him in the arm. "Keep it up, buddy, and there will be more where that came from," she joked.

"Well, I'm glad he didn't leave you to fend for yourself. I haven't wanted to press you for details, but I also couldn't imagine how bad it could have gotten for you."

"It's not too bad. These guys really are amazing. They keep all intruders," she laughed, "far away from me. Except for those who've voluntarily gone to the various sleaze magazines and sold stories about me, which is laughable in and of itself, I've been okay."

Jean-Paul interrupted, "Excuse me, I apologize for interrupting, but we can head in now."

"Tristan, this is Jean-Paul. He is the head of the security detail that has stayed behind here with me. Jean-Paul, my brother Tristan."

They exchanged a cordial handshake and greeting as they proceeded to head through the doors while Eros stayed with the security officers.

"Freya, Tristan! You both are here. Thank God," Claire said with relief. "Tristan, you had to be flooring it. That was mighty fast."

Tristan smiled. "How's Dad?"

"He's resting. Probably best if we wait out here in the family room. Mom's in there with him. The doctor doesn't want too much activity happening around him."

"Well, we are going to go peek in on him and say hi to mom. Come on, Freya will be right back."

Claire didn't argue as she stood back to allow her siblings to walk by. Freya noticed her hesitation, but with Tristan's support, Freya knew Claire wouldn't dare challenge her. Not with Tristan and the stranger at Freya's side guarding her.

Both Freya and Tristan went into their father's room as Jean-Paul waited outside the door.

"Oh good, you are both here. I hope you drove safely, especially you, Tristan," their mother scolded.

"How's Dad?" Freya asked, noticing her mother was attempting at all cost to not make eye contact with her. It only agitated Freya who wasn't about to cause a scene, especially not with her father in the condition he was in.

"Mom, Freya asked you a question," Tristan said.

"Oh, he's stable. He's going to be all right. Stress," she said, now looking directly at Freya. "He's in excellent health otherwise. Therefore, his mild heart attack was most likely due to stress."

Freya felt Tristan squeeze her hand, giving her assurance he was at her side.

"All of the calls and reporters attempting to get information on you and your obsessive need to be in the spotlight. It is all weighing down on him."

Freya was smoldering inside, but she wouldn't dare say anything to challenge her mom, especially not with her father’s condition.

However, Tristan had something else in mind. "Well, there is that and your insistent need to blow everything out of proportion. I'm sure it doesn't help that you are in his ear constantly bickering at him. Plus, getting both Will and Claire to side with you? Mom, I love you, but if you are going to try and place the blame on Freya, I'm not going to allow it. If anything, your pushing her away is probably what is hurting dad. At least, that is what it sounded like to me the last time I spoke to him."

Doris was speechless, unable to rebut him. Freya knew why; her mother needed to speak loudly to assert her confidence and righteousness, and her father's hospital room was not the place.

Freya noticed her mother look over at her dad, then she signaled them both to follow her outside.

When they stepped out of the room and secured the door behind them, Freya realized her mother hadn't seen Jean-Paul when she pulled both Freya and Tristan a few feet away from the door.

"What the heck is this about? Huh? What have you told your brother? And you? Why would you speak to me like that? Your father is in there, he could've lost his life. And the two of you dare to confront me?"

"Mom, with all due respect. You are the one who made it an issue with trying to place the blame on Freya. And for the record, I think for myself. No one needs to tell me how I should think. I'm not blind. But we all need to own up to our actions. And while you may think this isn't the time or place to have this discussion, I'm going to disagree. This is exactly why it needs to be discussed. Because it is dad that is in there on that bed hooked up to all those monitors. And as you've said, he's in great health, and the doctor suggested stress caused this. So, I'm agreeing that the situation surrounding Freya and her friendship with the Prince may have contributed, but I'm also saying your inability to properly handle this is also a contributing factor."

Doris' mouth opened and closed several times before a word could come out. "I see, Tristan. I now see that she's managed to make herself out to be the victim."

"Oh, please! Mother! Come on. This is Freya we are talking about. Freya, your daughter."

Their mother couldn't say anything; she stood visually upset, avoiding making any form of eye contact with Freya.

"Tristan, it’s fine. I appreciate your loving support. I'm not here to argue or place blame on anyone. At the end of the day, I can only take responsibility for my own actions. I'm going to go and sit with dad for a bit."

Freya walked away with a lump in her throat. The situation wasn't getting better; it felt as if it was getting worse. Now her mother was blaming her for her father's sudden setback. How could she argue with that? It was a very damning accusation.

She quietly slid the glass door open and closed it, taking a seat next to her father. He was sleeping peacefully, so Freya decided to read a book on her phone after remembering to switch the ringer to vibrate. She hadn't really read since Magnus had entered the picture. She didn't mind, but it was nice to have a moment to catch up on a book that was proving to be a favorite even if it was in audio format.

Okay, so it wasn't really reading, she thought to herself. But still, it was a book, and that was what mattered at that very moment.

Freya gently pushed the earbuds into her ears and sat back, enjoying the narrator's voice to Origin by Dan Brown.

Exhaustion must have set in as she fell asleep.

Freya awoke to a gentle tap on her hand; her father was awake.

"Dad," She said gently. "How are you feeling?"

He responded weakly, "Better. I'm happy to see you."

Freya smiled as she got up to give him a peck on the cheek. "I'm going to get mom and let the nurse know you are awake. Okay? I'll be right back."

Freya left the door slightly open behind her as she went to find her mother and siblings, but someone reached out behind her.

"Jean-Paul. Sorry, I almost forgot you were here."

"Quite all right. That means I'm doing my job well." He winked. "I took the liberty of booking you a room in a nearby hotel. I'm afraid it probably isn't a good idea for you to stay at your parent's home."

Freya stood for a second, contemplating the issues and agreed; it was best to steer clear of her mother. It wasn't the time to settle grievances.

"Okay. That's fine. Thank you."

She proceeded to the nurse's station to let her father's nurse know he was awake, then joined the rest of her family in the family room. Will and his wife Penelope were there. She hadn't seen them earlier, but neither looked eager to say hi. Will rolled his eyes, snubbing Freya when she went to give him a hug. Penelope accepted her greeting with more support but quickly went back to a standoffish demeanor.

"Dad's awake. I just let the nurse know."

"What have you said to him?" Claire snapped.

"What do you mean?" Freya challenged her.

"Never mind." Her sister pushed right by her, causing her pregnant belly to rub Freya as she walked past her.

Her mother and brothers joined Claire as they rushed to be with her father. Penelope waited back to walk with Freya. "Are you really dating that Prince?" she asked.

Freya was beyond annoyed by then, so she didn't answer. She didn't have to as they'd reached her father's room.

They circled around Mark's bed as the nurse checked vitals and asked him a few questions. When everything was done, she excused herself, leaving Freya and her family alone.

"Dad, how are you feeling?" Claire said as she stroked his hair.

"I feel good. A little weak, but relatively good."

'Well, don't go scaring us like this again. You hear that, old man," Tristan joked with him, causing their father to chuckle.

"Well, honey, you really gave me a scare. So glad this wasn't worse. All this stress you've been under. I'm surprised we aren't here sharing a bed." Doris went straight for the juggler, Freya thought.

Will and Claire immediately turned to Freya, making her feel more uncomfortable than ever to be in her family. Tristan looked at her with compassion and as if to say don't mind them.

"Dad, I'm so glad you are okay. I'm going to step out and let you finish your visit and get some rest. The nurse will have my number if you want to reach me. Otherwise, I'll be back when visiting hours open up." She smiled and gave him a gentle kiss on the hand, so she didn't have to ask either her mother or sister to move.

"Thank you, sweetie, for getting out here so quickly. Get some rest, and I'll see you soon."

Freya turned to leave, and Tristan caught up with her outside the room. She pressed her fingers to her mouth, not wanting to have any conversation where her father might hear. "What's up?"

"Are you okay?" Tristan asked.

"I am. Just don't want to create more waves than necessary, you know? Besides, everyone has had a long night, and that stress is no bueno." She smiled.

"Well, don't think for one moment that you are alone in this, okay? I know they can all be tools at times, but remember, you are part of this family. They can't push you out of it. Although, I won’t lie there are moments I wouldn't mind if they cast me out." He laughed.

"You don't really mean that, Tristan."

"You're right. I don't, even if I may feel it at times."

"All right, I'm headed out. Catch up in a bit," she said as she walked away with Jean-Paul a short distance behind her.

The fresh outdoor air was a welcome change from the tension that had been building indoors. Eros quickly opened the door and drove her away.

They'd already checked into the rooms, so there was no need for an extra stop at the front desk as they accompanied Freya to her room. Their rooms were on either side and directly across. She was surrounded in every direction, giving her a sense of protection, she didn't realize she needed.

She fell fast asleep, exhausted from the emotional turn of events.