She opened it and there he was.

But it wasn’t the Rafael she’d seen before. This was…This was…

His Royal Highness, Prince Rafael, Prince Regent of Alp de Ciel. He was wearing full dress regalia. A deep blue-black suit, immaculately cut. A slash of gold across his chest. Rows of medals and insignia at his breast and a dress sword at his side.

She took an instinctive step back. Kass…

‘Gorgeous, aren’t I?’ he said and any resemblance to Kass flew out of the window. Kass, laughing at himself? No way.

‘I…yes. Very pretty,’ she managed and he grinned.

‘Can I come in?’

‘Where’s the rest of the royal entourage?’

‘I gave them the slip,’ Rafael said. ‘You have no idea how much trouble I had getting back here.’

‘Maybe jeans and a windcheater might be more appropriate for creeping round after dark.’

‘Yes, but I wouldn’t have had my sword for coping with bogeymen.’ He grimaced down at his gorgeous self. ‘Don’t worry, Kelly. I hate this as much as you do. Politics demanded that I bring it, however, and politics demand that I talk to you now. Can I come in?’

She stood wordlessly aside as he walked in, hauled his jacket off, unbuttoned the top three buttons of his stiffly starched shirt and set his sword by the door.

Royalty off duty.

‘So you thought you might change into dress uniform…why?’ she asked faintly as he opened the fire box on the stove and held his hands out for warmth.

‘Press conference and hastily organised civil reception,’ he said briefly. ‘With your mayor. You can’t imagine how excited everyone is.’

‘Um…why?’

‘Alp de Ciel is known for its gold-mining,’ he said blandly. ‘We’ve heard that this is the best theme park in the world for showcasing historical events. What could be more natural than the Prince Regent of Alp de Ciel-needing a little breathing-space from the demands of his royal duties-doing a little exploring?’