Page 62 of The Prince Falls First
He got out of the car and paused to help Agnes step out. She had wanted to come, to see the Kaurs and to check on Genevieve, so she’d accompanied him. Per the late night phone call from Genevieve, she’d asked him to bring a second car, which was parked just down the road.
The door opened and the bowing and curtsying commenced. He and Agnes both said no one needed to bother with that, especially today, but few listened. They found the Kaurs in a small sitting room with Genevieve, softly crying. Mrs. Kaur was holding Genevieve’s hand, while Mr. Kaur was holding something small he couldn’t make out.
Genevieve caught sight of them first and rose, then curtsied. “Oh, Your Highnesses.”
Gabriel stepped forward before the Kaurs followed suit. “Please, no need to fuss with formality today. We’re so sorry for your loss.”
Mr. Kaur nodded; no doubt he’d heard the same sentiment hundreds of times already. His voice was rough and heavy with grief when he spoke. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Agnes expressed her condolences and they sat down for a few minutes. “We didn’t mean to interrupt. We’re happy to give you both more time with Miss Ruffin.”
“No, we…” Mrs. Kaur cleared her throat. “We had a really good talk. We’re happy to sit with you for a few minutes.”
Genevieve made the first move and took Gabriel’s hand. Though he was surprised, he didn’t show it, and merely let her. There were enough eyes in the house that the gossip would inevitably spread, but for now he was happy to give her any support she needed.
After chatting for a few minutes, he caught sight of other people waiting nearby to speak to the Kaurs, so he sent a discreet signal to Agnes and squeezed Genevieve’s hand. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kaur hugged Genevieve before she left and thanked her.
When they stepped outside, more people greeted him and Agnes, so Genevieve gestured to the dining area and left them to it. After condoling with more people, Gabriel gave Agnes a discreet sign and followed where Genevieve had gone.
He found a large spread of food, a mix of South Asian and Vallerian fare, with people scattered around talking or taking small bites. Genevieve was in one corner, and it seemed her mother was in the middle of berating her.
Every time he met the woman, he only got angrier. Her daughter nearly dies and even that’s not enough to change her thinking? If that wouldn’t do it, then nothing would.
“Mrs. Ruffin, how do you do?”
Mrs. Ruffin’s demeanor changed instantly, her saccharine social persona taking over. “Your Highness, how lovely to see you again, even in such dreadful circumstances.” She curtsied, then gave Genevieve a look, who rolled her eyes and also curtsied.
“Have you spoken to the Kaurs? I just met them with Princess Agnes. Miss Ruffin was already meeting with them and kindly allowed me some of their time.”
Mrs. Ruffin pursed her lips yet still tried to keep smiling, which made her face look very odd. “I thought I told you to leave the Kaurs alone. Haven’t you done enough, killing their daughter?”
Genevieve was about to speak but Gabriel beat her to it.
He stepped forward, towering over Mrs. Ruffin. “I’d be more careful with your words if I were you, Mrs. Ruffin. It’s quite clear the other driver was impaired due to alcohol and caused the accident. All the news channels and newspapers are reporting as such. To tell a different story, especially one against your own daughter, would make it seem as if you hold little regard for your own child. I wonder how many dinner invitations you’d get if that occurred?”
Though she was now seething, Mrs. Ruffin didn’t respond.
“Miss Ruffin? I believe the princess wanted to speak with you. Let me escort you.”
Genevieve seemed to be holding back a smile. “Of course, Your Highness.” She paused for a moment and looked at her mother. “Goodbye, Helen.”
Mrs. Ruffin’s eyes widened but she didn’t say anything.
Genevieve followed him out of the room and down the hall. They kept going until they were outside.
Agnes was already waiting and both she and Genevieve walked towards one another, hugging when they met.
“Thank you for lending me your dress, Agnes.”
“It was nothing. I’m glad we were able to get it to you so swiftly.”
Gabriel had actually been the one to sneak into Genevieve’s house again to drop it off. They’d cuddled on her bed for a short while as she told him her plan and he’d agreed to all of it. He hadn’t discussed it with his parents yet, but he wasn’t worried. He’d fight anyone and anything for Genevieve, even a king.
Gabriel gestured to the drivers of both their cars. “We’ll see you back at the palace, Agnes.”
Agnes beamed, then remembered where they were and adopted a more sober expression. “I’m excited you’re moving into the palace. And don’t worry about our parents; if our mother approves, our father will too.”
He certainly hoped so. “Ready, my dear?”
