“Do you know where home is?”
“My wife has explained where we live.”
“You’re comfortable with her?”
“She found me. If she didn’t like me, I assume she wouldn’t have come looking for me.”
“It sounds as if you trust her.”
“I don’t believe she has lied to me, but—”
“But what?”
“She’s been like a saint.”
“Explain that word.”
“You know. Perfect. In every way.”
“And that disturbs you?”
“Hell, yes. How do I know that beneath her facade she...pities me and really doesn’t want me to go home with her?”
He pondered the question. “How do you know she pities you? Has she told you that?”
“No.”
“Then maybe you need to discuss that with her privately. It sounds like you are putting your own feelings on to her.”
Rini let out an exasperated groan.
Dr. Tullia sat forward. “Rini, from what I’ve heard about you, you are a powerful, confident man. Even if your memory doesn’t return, let’s work on getting your confidence back.
“Under the circumstances I’ll tell Doctor Romano I feel fine about letting you go home with your wife. Until he sees fit to release you, I’ll arrange a session with you every morning here. After you leave I’ll want to talk to you twice a week in my office here at the hospital for the next four weeks. You’ll always be able to call me at home or the office anytime if an emergency should arise, even in the middle of the night.”
Rini felt relieved when both men got up and said goodbye.
No sooner had they left than another man close to Rini’s age and tall like him came into his hospital room. He wore sporty clothes, nothing like the hospital staff. He had brilliant blue eyes and dark brown hair in a style worn much like Rini’s in the photo of him. For once it was someone he thought he recognized.
The other man studied him for an overly long moment that made him uncomfortable. “You’ll never know how good it is to see you,” he said in Romansh.
After hearing the familiar language spoken to him, Rini got it. This was his second cousin. “I take it you are Vincenzo.”
A broad smile broke out on his handsome face. “Give this man the prize! Was Luna just spoofing me? You haven’t really lost your memory, have you, cusregna?”
This surprise visit from his Romansh-speaking royal cousin made him uncomfortable. He couldn’t comprehend being royal or the Crown Prince. In fact, he didn’t want to think about it. “Afraid so. She showed me a picture of you in our family album.”
The smile slowly faded, and Vincenzo sat down by him. “I’m here to be of help in any way that I can.”
“I appreciate that, but I have my wife.”
Vincenzo leaned forward with his hands clasped between his legs. “I know that. She’s the angel who found you. But your grandfather called me last night and explained that you need a translator while you’re in the hospital.”
“Doctor Tullia brought a man from the college with him who speaks Romansh.”
“Understood. But if you need it for other reasons, I’m available.”
“Luna told me you’ve taken over the duties of Crown Prince. I also understand you’re engaged to be married. You don’t have the time to do anything else.”