Dressed in casual clothes, Lorenzo and Ethan – along with a discreet Royal Protection agent – made their way through tall stacks of shipping containers along the docks. The large, multi-colored steel blocks were emblazoned with logos; Lorenzo caught sight of Cellini Shipping’s logo alongside one for Cantellano Fitness, another company with which Dante did business.

They rounded the corner and passed dock workers Lorenzo didn’t know, but they nodded to each other just the same.

“Who are we meeting?” Ethan asked.

“Some alumni from the MARC, along with a local worker.”

“And you’re sure they won’t mind my tagging along?”

“I mind your tagging along, but I didn’t have a choice.”

Ethan sighed. “Lorenzo.”

“You’re current military, so you’ll be fine. And don’t worry; they won’t hold you being a doctor, rather than a straight soldier, against you.”

Ethan huffed a laugh. “Good to know.”

Lorenzo spotted them up ahead, a burst of pride swimming through his blood. Three of them – Andrew, Peter, and Laura – had come through the MARC. The last, Gaston, he didn’t know, but Lorenzo could sense his unease even from several feet away.

Peter nodded as they approached. “Captain Low. Captain Santoro, or do you prefer Dr. Santoro?”

“Ethan, please, if you’re comfortable with it.”

“I’m afraid some of us won’t be comfortable with that.”

Ethan grinned. “I’d figured as much.”

“Captain Low.”

Lorenzo leaned in and shook Peter’s hand, then pulled him in for a hug. He wrapped his hand behind Peter’s neck and squeezed. “How are you, my friend?”

“Well, Captain.”

“Glad to hear it.” Lorenzo greeted Andrew and Laura, and shook Gaston’s hand. “Thank you very much for meeting with me.”

Gaston crossed his arms over his burly chest and sniffed. “Won’t do much good. The strike’s gonna happen.”

Peter shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. “That’s not decided.”

“As good as,” Gaston said gruffly. “Our pay’s been the same for years now. Not one raise.”

Lorenzo decided to face the opposition head on. “There was a recession. Hardly anyone’s salary rose.”

“The Royal Council’s did,” Andrew muttered.

“Believe me. If I or any of my family could have stopped that, we would have. But with the Council, there’s always more than meets the eye.”

Andrew’s mouth curled down in disgust and his nostrils flared. “And that justifies their behavior?”

“Nothing justifies their behavior,” Lorenzo said with a finality that could not be misconstrued. “I’ll remind you that Council members have tried to murder members of my family, or conspired to do so, and most recently tried to prevent my brother, the future king, from marrying the woman he loves.”

An uneasy silence filled the air. “The Council should and does serve a purpose, but not all those on the Council fulfill that purpose or their duties.”

Ethan placed a hand on Lorenzo’s shoulder. “He’s right. It hasn’t been easy for us the last few years. We never know who’ll try to kill us next. It’s worse for me, most of all.”

Lorenzo stared at him, wide-eyed. “How do you figure that?”

“I’m always shipped out and abroad. I was on Vallerian soil maybe six times in the last year until Papa fell ill, and I’m lucky to even get that. Most soldiers would see their families once a year, if that. What do you think it does to me, being so far away when assholes try to kill our family?”

Ethan turned to the group. “Some of you know. You know what it’s like to leave your family, to know something horrible has happened and you can’t leave your assignment, or your ship, or anything to go and help.”

Laura cleared her throat. “Yes. Yes, we do, Captain Santoro.”

Humbled, Lorenzo spoke softly. “Our family, the monarchy, we want what’s best for the country and for its people. A strike would not be good for anyone. Peter, you’re the regional head for the union. Surely, you understand this.”

Peter nodded. “David Field, our union leader, however, does not. That’s what Gaston is referring to, and why he feels the strike will take place.”

“You know the union won’t be able to cover strike pay for very long. The MARC can help, but only so much. And workers like yourself, Gaston, wouldn’t be eligible for MARC benefits.”

Gaston shook his head. “It’ll work out in the long-term. I can live with less. I have lived with less, and I haven’t a family. I’ll have more later.”

Lorenzo tried appealing to Gaston. “And will all the other workers affected by this strike be able to live with less, too? Those with children and extended families they care for? Do their lives not matter?”

Gaston’s defensive posture relaxed a little, but not enough. “It won’t matter. They’ll vote for the strike. Field’s the only one who can help them. They’ll see that.”

Ethan frowned. “When is the vote?”

“Two days,” Laura said. “If the vote favors a strike, it will begin the following day. If it doesn’t favor a strike, then we’re all screwed. Field doesn’t want to show weakness, and he’s been a big proponent of the strike. He’s been campaigning for it for months now. If the members show they’re not behind him, then his job is also at risk.”

Andrew nodded. “Not to mention, union voting is not exactly anonymous, no matter how much people think it is. The same measures enacted to prevent voter fraud can also be used to trace a vote back to an individual. Union members who oppose the strike are fearing retribution, and some have already decided not to vote, rather than pick a side.”

Though Lorenzo had only briefly met Field, he could see him exacting ‘vengeance’ against his own members for voting against him. He was ruthless, powerful, and hungry for more power – an unwelcome combination, to say the least. “Where’s Field now? Is he campaigning in Masillia?”

“Gone up to Valentia, hasn’t he?” Gaston said smugly. “Trying to get the support of the other unions, too. Shipbuilders union is on board, don’t know yet about the steelworkers or the transportation workers unions.”

Laura sighed. “He’ll be back in Masillia tomorrow, would be my guess. He’ll want to make sure he’s bullied his own members right before the vote.”

Lorenzo’s keen gaze raked over her face. “What about the female union workers? How do they feel?”

There was disturbing fervency in her voice when she spoke. “They hate him. They might not say it – they definitely wouldn’t say it, actually – but if voting against the strike would remove him from office, they’d do it.”

Lorenzo had heard that tone before. Abuse and assault against female military members occurred, even in the Vallerian military, unfortunately, and he’d heard other women use that same tone when discussing their attackers. Since Ethan stiffened beside him, he supposed Ethan also knew that tone. Hell, he’d probably seen it firsthand and treated women who’d suffered through it. “Field abuses his position in more ways than we originally thought, I’m guessing.”

Laura’s lips were pursed in a hard, thin line, and she nodded.

Fucking hell. The MARC wasn’t just for those recovering from wounds; he’d seen and met several assault victims – both men and women – who had convalesced there as well. He didn’t know what Laura had gone through, but he’d try to help her if he could. What he couldn’t do was help her while she stood beside six men. “Thank you again. I appreciate all of you meeting with me.”

Gaston put his fisted hands on his hips, his stance wide. “So, what do you plan to do then? Try to talk Field out of it? You won’t stand a chance.”

“I’ll do what I need to do to protect the workers and protect Valleria.”

Gaston scoffed. “Good luck with that, Your Highnesses.” He executed a sarcastic bow and strode away.

Peter watched Gaston disappear into another row of containers. “He doesn’t speak for everyone. There are many I’ve spoken with who don’t want a strike, for the reasons you mentioned and others besides.”

“I won’t ask how you’re voting.” At their astonished gazes, Lorenzo continued. “It’s your choice, though I hope you’ll consider all of the implications before you cast your ballot. I’ll also ask you consider the impact of your decision, and I hope you understand how many could be hurt by it, rather than helped.” He held out his hand; Peter shook first.

“Thank you, Captain. We know better than anyone you’re sincere in what you say. We’ll keep you updated, if there’s anything to be told.” He shook Ethan’s hand and then, with a last glance at the others, walked away. Andrew followed suit, followed by Laura.

Lorenzo called out to her. “Come by the MARC when you can manage it, all right? We’ll talk.”

Her eyes widened. “Captain–”

“Whenever you’re ready. If you don’t want to speak to me, you know we’ve got counselors to help.”

“I–well–I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I ask. My door is open anytime.” She nodded to them and hurried away.

Ethan watched her leave, a frown on his face. “Do you think she’ll get help?”

They started walking their own path through the towering stacks, the agent following close behind. “I don’t know. She saw a therapist at the MARC, which is required for everyone who comes through there. Not everyone takes advantage of therapy – they’ll just sit through required sessions without saying anything – but some do. I don’t know if she spoke to them or not, and it’s not my place to know, but I’ll speak to her assigned therapist about it, just in case she comes back.”

“What if she hated her therapist? Wouldn’t that make it uncomfortable for her, if she did come back to speak to someone else?”

“It could, that’s true. Hmmm. I’ll think about it. Anyone can switch therapists, if they’d prefer to see someone else. If she had an issue with hers, I would hope that she’d made it known.”

“Do people often switch therapists?”

“Sometimes. You need to feel comfortable with your therapist, and not everyone has a good rapport with the first therapist they meet. I switched therapists for that reason.”

When Ethan stopped dead in his stride, Lorenzo paused as well, his eyebrows raised. “Problem?”

“You switched therapists?”

Lorenzo’s eyes shuttered and he began walking again. “Yes.”

Ethan walked quickly to catch up. “I thought you just gave up on therapy when the first therapist didn’t work out.”

“Well, I didn’t. I switched to the doctor I see now and it’s worked out well.”

“You still see a therapist?”

“Some things take a while to get over, Ethan. Surely you understand that.”

Ethan put a hand on his arm to halt him. “I do. I’ve seen things I wish I hadn’t. I, well, that is to say we–”

“You mean our nosy brothers told you I woke up screaming from a nightmare and now you’re trying to see if I’m regressing back into a pit of despair?”

Ethan’s eyes flitted away for a moment before coming back to his. “Not exactly.”

Lorenzo jerked his arm away. “It is exactly that. Listen to me closely, little brother.”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed; he hated being reminded he was the youngest of all the siblings.

“I do not need your fucking pity. If there’s one thing you should have learned by now in the Navy, is that no soldier or sailor wants pity, anyone’s pity. What they want is respect.”

“We respect you.”

Lorenzo scoffed. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“You shouldn’t have to see it to believe it.”

“No, I shouldn’t. However, since none of you believe I can do anything until you see me do it, I’m not going to believe you, either. Not until I see it with my own eyes, until I feel it in my heart.”

“We’re just worried about you.”

Despite himself, Ethan’s words sent a comforting warmth through him. Worrying meant he cared, and it felt good to have someone care for him.

Now, however, it was time for things to change. This incessant hovering over him had to stop. He was a father now, even if none of them knew it yet, and no one would believe him a capable father if they didn’t trust he was a capable man.

“Stop worrying, and start trusting and respecting me. That’s what I fucking need from my family.” He spat out a curse when he glimpsed the time on his watch. “Come on. We’ll be late for tea.”

* * *

Lily caught Liliana as she ran towards her from the school’s steps. Lily smiled wide as she scooped up her baby girl, inhaling the faint lingering scent of crayons and sweat. She gave her a kiss on the temple and set her on the ground.

“Mama, you came early!”

“I did. Does that make you happy?”

Liliana crouched then jumped up as high as her little legs could take her. “Sooooo hap-py!”

Lily laughed then held her hand as they walked back to their apartment, and listened to her talk about her day. Most days, Lily was too exhausted to appreciate Liliana’s boundless energy, but today was different. And that wasn’t just because two Royal Protection agents were following them in plain clothes – one was assigned to her, and the other had stayed near the school. After a brief discussion with Liliana’s agent, Lily had learned that he’d spoken to the school’s headmaster, so as not to alarm anyone as he watched the school. Once Liliana was ‘outed’, however, he’d be allowed inside to protect her more closely.

Lorenzo was not taking any chances when it came to his baby girl. God, Lorenzo. She’d known he’d be just like this when he found out: protective and possessive. But to move in with him in the castle? She shook her head at the idea.

“But Mama, you said I could!”

“Hmmm? Oh, sorry, baby girl. I didn’t hear what you said.”

Her little girl eyebrows furrowed as her mouth curled into an adorable pout. “I’m not a baby.”

She leaned down to kiss her head. “You’ll always be my baby girl. Always.”

She exhaled an exaggerated little girl sigh. “Mama, can I draw a picture for the prince when I get home? You said I could.”

“After your bath.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t like baths.”

“Yes, you do. You just always forget you do until you take one and remember.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.” Lily scooped her up as they made to cross a particularly busy intersection. “Are you excited to see the prince?”

“Oh, yes. I told everyone about him.”

A heavy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. “You did?”

Liliana nodded. “No one belieb-ed me, but I told the truth.”

Damn. How was she supposed scold her for announcing Lorenzo’s visit when she also needed to dole out life lessons at the same time? “Well, you were right to tell the truth. And sometimes, when you do, people won’t believe you. I don’t know why that happens, but it does. Some people might be mean about it, but you’ll need to do your best not to be mean back.”

“It felt sad when no one belieb-ed me.”

She cuddled her closer, and kissed her cheek. “I know it did. I’ve felt like that, too. That sad feeling should go away but, if it doesn’t, I want you to tell me about it. Okay?”

“Okay, Mama.”

Whew. One lesson down, one to go. “Even though you were right to tell the truth, sometimes you need to keep the truth a secret.”

“Why?”

“Because sometimes telling a truth can hurt someone, and we don’t want to hurt anyone, do we?”

Liliana shook her head with wide eyes. “Did I hurt-ed someone?”

“No, Lily, you didn’t, but you must be more careful in the future. Maybe the prince wanted to keep his visit with us a secret.”

“Oh. Is he mad with me?”

Lily hugged her tighter. “No, Lily. He won’t be angry with you, but let’s not mention the prince to anyone else today.”

“Okay, Mama.”

She kissed her forehead. “Thank you. Now, what would you like for dinner? Maybe some of Mama’s famous pasta?”

Liliana’s arms shot up in the air. “Yes! I like that. Can I help-ed you?”

Liliana in the kitchen meant a mess in the kitchen, and a bigger mess on her little girl. “Of course you can. Then, after we eat, you can color and take a bath, and then we’ll do some reading until the prince comes. Does that sound good?”

She nodded just as they arrived at their apartment. Lily let her down and grasped her hand again as they made their way past the unreliable elevator and up the stairs.

The apartment wasn’t in the worst part of town, but it wasn’t in the best, either. Still, other families lived in the building, too, so she felt fairly safe. It was all she could afford at any rate.

As they walked inside, Liliana running to her room to put down her things, Lily tried to imagine what Lorenzo might think as he walked in later that night. It was bright, it was cheery, and it was cozy and comfortable. It was not high society stuffy, or modern. Modern often went out the window when there was a very active child around.

Thank goodness she’d cleaned it yesterday, but a few touchups here and there might not be a bad idea. Better to clean after they made a mess in the kitchen, though. Lily walked down the short hall to Liliana’s room to help her before going to change herself.

She still didn’t know how she’d handle Lorenzo. He’d been adamant they move into the castle and – given her new unemployed state – it might make the most sense logically, but her heart was urging her against it. She’d have to face the person who drove them apart, the person who’d stated her greatest fear and said she hadn’t been worthy of Lorenzo. She still wasn’t sure she was.

Her family may have been high society, but they were steeped in scandal back in Italy. Charges of embezzlement against her father and brother years ago had urged the Italian paparazzi to descend upon her. Though she was innocent, her family had forged her name on documents which, if found, would have implicated her.

Though no one had found out, the press had laced her reputation with rumours. To salvage it, she took a volunteer position at a hospital in Valleria. It was there she’d met Lorenzo.

It was then, when she fell in love, that her entire world had changed. It had changed again when the documents had been uncovered and she’d been blackmailed into leaving Lorenzo. It changed once more when Liliana was born, and her family had finally abandoned her for good. It seemed her life was due for yet another massive turn of events.

And, just like before, she may not have a choice in the matter.