Page 71 of Throne Off Course

“But why is this portrait so dimly lit? The artist clearly intended the gold accents to catch the light, non?”

Emilia froze. “Oh god.”

Alexander frowned. “What is it?”

“My parents,” she whispered. “They’re here. They’re supposed to be in Vienna!”

Before Alexander could respond, a striking couple rounded the corner. Dr. Josephine Beaumont-Carter moved with effortless elegance, wearing a simple black dress with a vintage Hermès scarf draped artfully around her shoulders. Beside her, Professor Richard Carter carried himself with confident posture, his dark beard showing touches of salt and pepper, his tailored blazer a sharp contrast to his wife’s softer style.

“Emilia!” her mother called. “Ma chérie! Surprise!”

As Emilia embraced her mother, her father’s gaze shifted to Alexander.

“And this must be the prince,” he said, studying Alexander with evident interest. “Your Highness, your decision to commission an exhibition that examines the monarchy’s history rather than simply celebrating it is… unexpected.”

Alexander stepped forward, extending his hand. “Professor Carter, it’s an honor to meet you. Emilia has mentioned your work in philosophical ethics.”

“Has she? Interesting. She’s been uncharacteristically reserved about the details of this project.” He said giving Emilia a pointed look.

“Papa,” Emilia cautioned, but her mother had already drifted away, drawn to the portrait of King James Philip hanging onthe nearby wall.

Josephine stood before it, her head tilted slightly as she examined the artwork with the practiced eye of an art historian. “Now this,” she said appreciatively, “is quite remarkable. One of the few royal portraits I genuinely admire.”

Alexander moved to stand beside her, intrigued. “What makes this one different?”

“Most royal portraits are merely exercises in propaganda,” Josephine explained, her accent lilting as she warmed to the subject. “All stiffness and symbolism, nothing of the actual person.”

She gestured elegantly toward the canvas. “But here, the artist has captured something authentic—something beyond the crown.”

Alexander studied his father’s portrait with renewed interest as Emilia joined them, trying not to look nervous.

“You see how the light catches his eyes?” Josephine continued, her fingers tracing invisible patterns in the air before the painting. “There is intelligence there, certainly, but also something more captivating. It’s as though he has a charming secret he might share if only you asked the right question.”

Alexander’s expression shifted subtly. “That’s… remarkably perceptive.”

“It is my profession, Your Highness,” Josephine replied with a slight smile and extended her hand to Alexander. “So, you are the prince who convinced my daughter to reexamine royal history. Brave man.”

Alexander bowed slightly. “It’s been an educational experience for us both. I’m grateful for your daughter’s expertise—and candor.”

Josephine laughed, “Yes, we know all about Emilia’s candor.”

With a diplomatic nod, Alexander added, “I should give you space for your reunion. Professor Carter, Dr. Beaumont-Carter, it was a pleasure to meet you both.”

The moment he was gone, her mother linked arms with her. “So. That is the prince.”

“Yes,” Emilia said cautiously. “That’s Prince Alexander.”

“His eyes tell a different story than his formal manner,” her mother observed. “Much like his father’s portrait.”

“Maman,” Emilia warned.

Her father slipped his hands into his pockets. “His level of interest seems beyond what one might expect for a simple collaboration.”

“It’s a comprehensive historical exhibition, and he’s been very involved.”

“Involved,” her mother repeated, one eyebrow rising. “C’est intéressant, ce mot.”

“Look, I know what you’re implying, and you’re wrong. Prince Alexander and I have a strictly professional relationship.”