Diamond Tears | Book 2 of The Champagne Chronicles

T H R E E - Familiar Strangers

The lecture hall hummed with the sound of shuffling papers and whispered conversations as students settled into their seats. Outside, the late autumn chill swept through the streets of Nice, but the warmth inside created a cocoon of comfort. Jérôme sat near the back, scribbling absentmindedly in his notebook, his thoughts drifting between band practice and the material for the day.

He wasn't the typical law student, and it showed. His green hair and laid-back demeanor often drew glances from classmates and even a few raised eyebrows from professors. Most law students dressed sharply—blazers, crisp shirts, the whole professional package. Jérôme, in his worn jeans and faded band tee under a jacket, didn't exactly blend in. He didn't mind, though. He was here for reasons that had nothing to do with appearances.

When he'd chosen to study law, it hadn't been his dream. His parents, both lawyers, had always nudged him in this direction, thinking it was a stable, prestigious path. And while he'd resisted at first—dreaming more of music than courtrooms—he'd started to find himself unexpectedly intrigued by the complexity of law. More than he'd ever expected, really.

The professor clicked on the projector, pulling Jérôme back to the present. The slide read: "Kidnapping and the Law: High-Profile Cases and Their Impact". Jérôme straightened in his seat, his interest piqued.

"Today, we'll be discussing a very relevant case," the professor began. "King Evian Grimaldi of Monaco—who, as you all know, has been missing for several months. This is a particularly interesting legal case due to the complexity of his status as a monarch and the political implications of his disappearance."

Jérôme's eyes flicked to the screen, where a photo of Evian Grimaldi appeared. Evian, young and regal, smiled in a formal portrait. Jérôme's curiosity stirred. The disappearance of a king—especially one as important as Evian—was more than just a tabloid headline. It was a legal and political minefield.

"The disappearance of a sitting monarch raises numerous legal questions," the professor continued, his voice measured. "For example, who holds jurisdiction in cases like this? How do you balance public transparency with national security?"

Jérôme leaned forward slightly, his notebook now full of scribbled notes. The Grimaldi case had been in the back of his mind for weeks—he'd seen the headlines, heard the rumors swirling around Monaco, but hadn't realized just how complicated the legal situation could be. And yet, there was something about it that fascinated him. It wasn't just about the law; it was about power, influence, and the way the world reacted when someone of such importance vanished.

The professor clicked to the next slide, which now showed Evian next to his twin brother, Vincent Grimaldi, who had been acting as the royal spokesperson in Evian's absence. Vincent's composed, elegant demeanor dominated the image.

"Now, let's consider the legal ramifications," the professor said. "If King Evian is never found, what are the protocols for declaring someone of his stature officially dead? And what happens when power transitions in a monarchy like Monaco's?"

A student in the front raised their hand. "Wouldn't declaring him dead be difficult, especially if there's no body? And politically, wouldn't that destabilize Monaco?"

The professor nodded. "Exactly. The absence of a body complicates everything, especially in cases involving royalty. In Monaco's case, the Grimaldi family's influence and control over the narrative are significant factors. They have to maintain public confidence while balancing the very real possibility that Evian might never return."

Jérôme found himself more engaged than usual. This wasn't just any legal case—it was one laced with intrigue, political stakes, and the complexity of monarchy. It was the kind of thing he could lose himself in, even though a year ago he would've scoffed at the idea of being interested in law at all.