A Royal Amnesia Scandal. Jules Bennett

just thinking of you.”

      “Hey, Mama.” Kate leaned against the rail on the edge of the patio, facing the doorway to make sure Luc didn’t come up behind her and overhear things he shouldn’t. “Are you busy?”

      “Never for you. You sound funny. Everything all right?”

      Not even close. Kate sighed, shoving her hair behind her ear. “I’m in a bit of a bind and I need your advice.”

      “What’s wrong, Katelyn?”

      Her mother’s worried tone slid through the line. Kate swallowed back her emotions, because tears wouldn’t fix this problem and they would only get her a snotty nose and red eyes. Not a good look when one was shacking up with one’s sexy boss.

      “Luc fell earlier.”

      “Oh, honey. Is he okay?”

      “Well...he has a good-sized goose egg on his head. And he has temporary amnesia.”

      “Amnesia?” her mother repeated, her voice rising an octave. “Katelyn, are you guys coming back to the palace? Do his parents know?”

      “I actually called them before I called you. Dr. Couchot was just here and he’s assured us that Luc is okay, no concussion or anything. He isn’t sure when Luc will regain his memory, but he’s confident it’s a short-term condition.”

      “I can’t even imagine how scary this must be,” her mother commented. “What can I do to help?”

      “Right now Luc and I are staying here as planned,” Kate stated, her eyes darting to the patio doors on the far side of the house. Luc stood there for a moment, looking out at the ocean, before he turned and disappeared. “The doctor said keeping him relaxed and calm is best for now. Luc had wanted to get away, so staying here is still our best option.”

      “I agree. So what else has you upset? If the doctor has assured you this is temporary, and you’re staying there as planned, what’s wrong?”

      Pulling in a deep breath, Kate blurted out, “He thinks we’re engaged.”

      Silence settled over the line. Kate pulled her cell away from her ear to make sure the connection hadn’t been cut.

      “Mom?”

      “I’m here. I just need to process this,” her mother stated. “Why does he think you’re engaged?”