Reclaiming the Prince's Heart

Vincenzo just stood there and shook his head.

“One thing I have learned. My grandparents are good people.”

“They’re wonderful. You have no idea how much they love and admire you.”

“Luna tells me they have great faith in you. It’s a worry off my mind if you’re helping them because I can’t.”

“Understood. What will you do?”

Rini lifted his head. “Ask me in a year and maybe I’ll be able to tell you.”

“Is there anything I can do for you before I go back to the palace?”

“If you see Luna, ask her to come ASAP.”

Vincenzo nodded and started to leave.

Rini called to him. “Thank you for coming and being willing to help me. Luna said you and I were best friends. I believe it and wish you well.”

The visit from his cousin had relieved him of a burden, but it had also made him antsy. He got up and walked over to the window, wondering what had happened to his wife.

While he was thinking about her, he heard her voice at the door. He swung around as she walked in. She looked stunning in a pale pink matching blouse and skirt. Another strange man had come in with her, carrying a small satchel. “Rini? Good afternoon. This is your barber, Emilio.”

“Buona sera, Your Highness.”

CHAPTER FIVE

RINI STARED AT his wife, who’d taught his barber how to say good afternoon in Romansh. “Tell Emilio I’m impressed.” He reached over to the side table. “Will you hand him this photo and ask him to make me look like I did here? He may have forgotten.”

“I doubt it.” Luna grinned and walked over to take it from him.

He recognized the strawberry scent and was haunted by her fragrance. She showed the photo to Emilio. The two of them spoke in Italian. It frustrated Rini that he couldn’t understand them and determined to learn Italian ASAP.

She lifted her head. Her hair gleamed a golden white. “He says he finds your disheveled hair an interesting change. Are you sure you don’t want to create a new style?”

“Positive!”

“Then he wants you to get out of bed. Come and sit in the chair by the table.” She cocked her head. “Can I watch, or is this a private male thing? I’ve never gone to the barber with you.”

“Stay with me.”

“All right.” She pulled the chair out for him while Emilio emptied his bag on the table and picked up the shears and trimmer. Luna sat down in another chair to watch. “How did it go with Vincenzo?”

“I like him. I also fired him from the job of being my translator and asked him to work with my grandfather.”

Wow. “Well, that says it all.” She smiled at him.

At this point Emilio got busy. “Tell Rini I can see the place on the crown of his head where he was hurt. It’s healed but tell him to treat that area gently when he brushes his hair.”

Luna translated. “Does it still hurt, Rini?”

“It’s a little tender if I press on it. Doctor Romano said it would fade with time.”

“Thank goodness.”

Before long Emilio used an edger before he declared success. The barber looked at Rini with satisfaction before handing him a small mirror. “Take a look.”

She translated while Rini compared the image in the mirror to the picture he held.