Chapter 2

Two

Who was that?

It was the same face that had haunted Leo's dreams for almost a decade. But he didn't recognize the empty, faraway look in Jonathon's eyes or the way his expression had hardened right before Leo was baptized by a gin and tonic.

Once Leo had recovered from the shock, he chased after Jonathon in hopes of gaining an explanation and opportunity to apologize for whatever he had done. Leo was too slow and was too late when he had spilled onto the pavement in front of the Plaza with Markus and a handful of the hotel's security personnel.

"We'll find him, sir, and see that he's charged," someone from the Plaza had assured them.

"Charge him?" Leo growled, shoving the man out of his way as he stormed back inside. "It was nothing more than a misunderstanding," he declared with a glare at the rest of the security staff and Markus. "Did anyone see where he went?"

Another man from the hotel touched an earpiece. "Check the cameras."

"Don't waste your time," Leo said as he stormed up the steps and back inside. "We lost him as soon as he passed through these doors. My people will find him," he decreed with a hard look at Markus Bauer, Leo's towering personal bodyguard and head of security. "If they're worth the obscene salary we pay them."

"We'll find him," Markus said with a tight nod. "I believe he came through the receiving line so Mr. von Hessen or Ms. Cameron may be able to provide us with a name."

Leo held up a hand, halting Markus when they reached the elevator. "His name is Jonathon Hawthorne and he's the nephew of Muriel Hormsby. If my memory serves me correctly, they live at the Olympia. She's probably still here but I do not wish to speak to her tonight. Tell her I'll call on her in the morning, after we've found Jonathon."

"Yes, sir," Markus said, raising his wrist to relay Leo's wishes. The elevator doors opened and Markus followed Leo inside and pressed the button for the penthouse level. "Will you be returning to the gala?"

"I have to," Leo said as he pinched the bridge of his nose. His head had ached all day, but it was splitting now and he needed to know that Jonathon was alright and Leo had to know why . "After I freshen up and talk to Sabine. I want to know what she knows."

She was hurrying down the stairs from the second floor when Leo returned to the Grand Penthouse Suite, his general in a black sheath dress. Her blonde hair was pulled into a severe bun and as always, a coat of red lipstick was her only adornment.

"Are you alright?" She had a hand towel ready and the stylist appeared with a fresh shirt and tuxedo jacket.

"Did you know he was here?" Leo didn't soften the growl in his voice as he yanked at his bow tie, snatching the towel from her.

"No… I knew Ms. Hormsby had been invited and that it was likely that he'd accompany her," she said slowly. "But I didn't realize you still cared so I didn't?—"

Leo swung around, his temper ready to blow. "I will always care. I want him found, Sabine. Tonight. "

Her brows dipped as her head pulled back. "Of course, dearest. I'll find his aunt and see where he might have gone. I apologize. I truly thought the two of you had gotten over your…fling," she said, earning a snarl from Leo.

"Am I in the habit of having flings?"

"No!" She bowed and shook her head quickly. "I misspoke. I merely assumed that since so much time had passed that it was no longer an issue." Sabine straightened and made a soothing shushing sound as she approached. "I will find him and the two of you can clear up whatever misunderstanding that was. In the meantime, you must get back downstairs. Maximilian has gone to so much trouble to make tonight special."

"I know," Leo sighed, allowing her to help him out of his damp coat and shirt. "But I don't care about my birthday or the Foundation right now. I've hurt Jonathon and I don't know how long he's been like this."

"Like this?" Sabine asked, sounding wary. She frowned as she wound a clean bow tie around his neck and swiftly tied it. "What do you mean?"

"Did you see him?" Leo snorted wryly, bitterly. "That was not my Jonathon."

The only thing Leo recognized was Jonathon's face but for a moment, he had been transported back to Sch?nbühel. Manhattan was 6,500 kilometers from Austria but time and distance had been erased.

Sch?nbühel meant "beautiful hill" in German and was a fitting name for the picturesque medieval castle. Built on a bluff overlooking the Danube, the newly renovated fourteen-bedroom compound had been a gift from Leo's cousin and soon-to-be predecessor, Maximillian von Hessen. The current Margrave had stated his desire to "retire" after his divorce and Leo—being Max's oldest male heir—had been sent for. Max had two daughters who could have inherited but both had stated their adamant desire to remain in America as royals-in-name-only.

Leo had absolutely no desire to be a royal, but understood that the title would open numerous doors and had ambitious plans for the land he would acquire as Margrave. He also saw the toll that life as Margrave had taken on Max and his family. As a single man with three brothers to help ensure the future of the von Hessen dynasty, Leo felt it was his duty to step up and that it would be worth the sacrifice in the end.

He couldn't do anything halfway, though, and Leo was never good at waiting. Leo finished university a year early with a DPhil in geography and environmental science, served briefly in the Armed Forces, and had set up two foundations: one to protect the North Sea's natural habitats from traffic and pollution, and the other dedicated to educating children and teens about vanishing ecospheres across Europe and their restoration.

Saving what was left of Europe's wilderness and protecting it for future generations was more than a passion for Leo, it was an obsession, and it had nearly killed him before he had even started. That was why they were at Sch?nbühel. The ulcers and migraines began shortly after his parents died but a panic attack at a recent conference in London had been a wake-up call.

For Sabine. Leo insisted he was fine and it was nothing but she had notified Max and the Foundation and it was agreed that some time off was in order. "Isn't it breathtaking, dearest!" she had declared when their limo pulled into the courtyard and they got out to greet the staff.

She was the first friend Leo had made when he arrived at Oxford. The only other Austrian in his year, the two were immediately inseparable and Sabine became Leo's closest confidant. A business and telecommunications savant from an older, well-respected Austrian family, Sabine Aigner was the perfect pick for Leo's assistant and spokesperson. She had a natural gift for diplomacy that Leo lacked and the Foundation loved her.

"It's very nice," Leo had conceded as he took in the ancient limestone facade, the whimsical, rose and ivy-wrapped tower, and the flag-capped turrets. "Do I have to slay a dragon to escape this fairy tale or am I stuck for the whole month?"

"It's a holiday , dearest," she reminded him and batted her eyelashes sweetly. "We assured the Foundation that your little…episode was just a blip and that you're capable of balance and boundaries when it comes to your responsibilities and your personal life."

"What am I going to do for a month , Sabine? If the Foundation has reservations now, they definitely will once I've started climbing the walls and flinging things," he predicted, making her snicker.

"I hear the library is impressive and extensive. Start there," she suggested. Sabine was just about to leave Leo to inspect their sleeping arrangements and oversee the delivery of their luggage when she turned and held up a finger. "You may encounter a dragon, though. I've been warned that the other guests have arrived and Ms. Muriel Hormsby has a reputation for being difficult. You might want to avoid her," she added and Leo grunted dismissively as he climbed the front steps and headed inside.

"I remember. She was a friend of my late uncle's," Leo said and waved her off. "I'm certain I can handle an elderly woman from Manhattan."

Leo was bluffing because his head ached and he was so tired, a toddler from Manhattan could have bested him. He reasoned that he'd be safe from both toddlers and elderly women in the library so he went to hide there until his room was ready.

The library was indeed impressive and extensive with large fireplaces at both ends of the and numerous nooks and alcoves with armchairs and sofas to lounge in. Curious about the estate's agricultural history, Leo gravitated toward the collection of almanacs and ledgers. He found the oldest ledger and had discovered what looked like the beginning of a blight when a door opened across the library.

Leo had been immediately captivated when an ethereal young man with pale blond hair tiptoed into the room, silently easing the door shut behind him. He hadn't noticed Leo, reclining in an armchair by the fireplace, the ancient ledger on his lap. But Leo had been too startled—transfixed—to say anything as he watched his unexpected visitor perusing the shelves.

Leo hadn't forgotten that he had guests from America. The visit had been planned several months before he'd taken possession. It would have been churlish to upend those plans on his behalf, so Leo had insisted they could share the castle. He had assumed that they wouldn't notice each other's presence, given the size of the property. And he had also assumed that "an old friend" of his late uncle and her nephew wouldn't be of any great interest. Or under the age of sixty.

He had imagined an elderly matron and a bland companion, sitting on one of the terraces under lap blankets and enjoying long naps in the conservatory. Instead, a glowing vision had wandered into Leo's new sanctuary dressed in a simple white T-shirt, tattered, paint-splattered jeans, and white Converse.

Leo remained still so as not to disturb him, enthralled as the young man tapped spines and whispered titles—mostly in German—to himself. He wasn't as tall as Leo, but he was willowy with a long, elegant neck and moved around the room like he was being carried by the breeze. His hair was neatly trimmed and swept back, revealing an alert, angular face with soft green eyes.

He drifted past a row of windows and turned toward the fireplace, whispering a startled "Fuck!" when he finally noticed Leo.

"Is there something in particular you're looking for?" Leo asked as he stood and held out his hand. "I've been getting acquainted with the collection here and I think I understand the layout," he said with an encouraging smile. The younger man blushed, his teeth digging into his plump lower lip as he took a few steps closer and accepted Leo's hand. "Leo von Hessen," he said, eliciting another gasped "Fuck!" as the other man bent into an awkward bow.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to intrude. The housekeeper said it was cool and I needed a break from my aunt before I pushed her out of a window or over a balcony. There are so many and it's so tempting," he admitted in a whisper, catching Leo off-guard again.

He bit down on his lips before he laughed, humming seriously as they shook hands. "You're welcome to hide wherever you wish. And you are?"

"Right! Sorry! Jonathon Hawthorne. I'm here with my Aunt Muriel," he said in a rush. "She's alright, actually, she just doesn't give a damn about what anyone else thinks. Or wants. She kind of assumes she knows what's best for everyone and ignores all good sense and logic," he explained wearily.

"Well." Leo widened his eyes dramatically. "Thank you for the warning. I'll do my best to stay out of her way," he said, making Jonathon laugh.

The sound delighted Leo, so light and warm like sitting in the sun. With three younger brothers, Leo was used to laughter. It was often at his expense after a prank or a punchline he rarely got. He still wondered if his parents had withheld whatever genes it was that decided one's sense of humor and wit and had given his share to Theo.

Theo was his best and most-trusted friend, but whatever charm and charisma Leo lacked, Theo had in excess. They were like twins, they were so close, but Leo openly begrudged his brother's effortless swagger and sense of humor.

Leo liked the sound of Jonathon's laughter, though. "I hope she's not an avid reader," he said and was rewarded with another laugh as Jonathon shook his head.

Their hands were still interlocked and Leo noted how light and warm Jonathon's palm was as it rested against his. But he wasn't warm like the sun, Leo realized as he drew closer. Jonathon was incandescent and glowed with the soft brightness of a star. It was a quieter, gentler light that was easy to stare at, not an overwhelming, blinding bright like the sun.

"She is but she prefers contemporary fiction, in English, and there isn't any in here," Jonathon chuckled, then jumped when his gaze dropped to their hands. "I should go," he said, but his hand remained curled around Leo's. "This is your…castle." His nose scrunched adorably and he snorted. "This might be the most surreal moment ever. And I've seen so much, living with Muriel," he whispered and winced at Leo. "But I don't want to distract you and you do not have to hide from her."

"You're a welcome distraction at the moment." Leo gave Jonathon's hand a slight squeeze, reluctant as he let go. He noted how long Jonathon's fingers were and the callouses on the pads as they brushed against Leo's. "I'm not supposed to be working and I came here to take my mind off of…things," he confided.

Jonathon glanced at the ledger by the armchair and smirked knowingly. "So you chose those ancient crop reports for entertainment? No wonder you're bored."

"How did you…?" Leo turned to the opened ledger, then back to Jonathon, shocked.

"Roggen and Gerste are rye and barley, are they not?"

Leo's brows jumped, he was impressed. "There were a series of crop failures during this period that caused terrible inflation and brought the state to bankruptcy. I was interested to see how Sch?nbühel had contributed and had been affected," he explained and Jonathon's nose wrinkled again as his head tilted.

"I believe the monarchy was spending a great deal on the military at the time and that that might have been a contributing factor," he added gently, surprising Leo again.

This time, he couldn't contain his laughter. "That is indeed true and is often the case when a state finds itself in financial straits," he conceded. "What do you recommend if one's looking for a distraction?" he asked and immediately regretted it when Jonathon's eyes grew wider and his cheeks turned pink.

"Um…" He looked around quickly. "I beg your pardon?"

"To read!" Leo replied, holding up his hands defensively. "I meant to read. I swear," he added.

Jonathon made a choking, snorting sound before he burst into laughter. "I'm so glad I'm not the only one who can't keep his feet out of his mouth." He waved it off and smiled at Leo before turning and scanning the room around them. "Not that I'm entirely opposed to the idea, mind you," he said, winking over his shoulder. "But I barely know you, Mr. von Hessen, and we've only just arrived. I'm still on New York time and feeling jet-lagged."

"Very inconsiderate of me. You have my apologies," Leo said, chuckling as he bowed. He would have Sabine enquire about Jonathon's age, but Leo already knew he was far too young. And Leo was at Sch?nbühel to get a handle on his blood pressure and anxiety and mind his ulcers. Something tawdry with a pretty young American was not how Leo intended to start his tenure as Margrave and would not be good for stress. "What did you have in mind?" he asked, gesturing at the shelves around them.

"I think…" Jonathon hummed thoughtfully, his finger beating against the tip of his chin. "We are in a breathtaking castle in Austria and you are a prince, so I think a collection of fairy tales would be fun. Anything from the Brothers Grimm?" he asked, raising his brows at Leo.

"I recall seeing a few old copies of some Grimms' tales," Leo said as he offered his arm and was pleased when Jonathon didn't hesitate to accept it.

"Lead the way."

They had found the library's collection of fairy tales and Jonathon appeared fascinated as he selected a book. But Leo had fallen under a spell that afternoon and the weeks that had followed were a precious fantasy he had treasured.

"What happened to my Jonathon?" Leo murmured distantly, returning to the Plaza and Sabine. "Go. Find him."

"Of course, dearest," she said as she bowed, then hurried off, leaving Leo to his thoughts and a quickly rising tide of regret.

"I'm so sorry, Jonathon. I don't know what I've done, but I'll fix it."