What?
No one had ever told Maxence about that.
While, in theory, such an event could have happened, leapfrogging a designated heir apparent who wanted the throne would have been unprecedented.
Alexandre continued, “Pierre wanted the throne because he thought he was entitled to it. He did not consider whether he was the best person for the job or even agoodperson for the job. When he realized he was going to be disqualified from becoming the Prince because his wife was divorcing him, he performed one last selfish act instead of doing what was best for Monaco, which would have been a peaceful and graceful transfer of power to the next person elected. If Pierre had stopped and thought about someone other than himself, he would’ve realized a long time ago that Maxence would be a better sovereign than he ever could have been.”
Maxence’s gaze had traveled down from the crowd staring at him to the scarlet carpet beneath the black athletic shoes he’d worn to rescue Dree.
Her pen scratched the paper behind him as she took notes, and he wished she could have been at his side for this instead of back there. At least Alexandre had managed to get her onto the dais with them.
Alexandre continued, “While Pierre was indulging every one of his vices, Maxence was studying ethics and morality and God. While Pierre was intimidating and blackmailing you for your votes at this Crown Council, Maxence was running the charity he’d funded and making the world a better place. Pierre was stealing money from Monaco’s global charity projects to invest in BDSM clubs in the United States, where it was then embezzled and laundered to send to other people in his life he couldn’t acknowledge. Pierre was literally stealing money from kids with cancer to fund his sports cars and other problems. During that whole time,Maxencewas taking no salary from his charities while he worked his ass off in orphanages and prisons.”
Maxence hadn’t done those things to look good on his resumé. Trotting them out now as evidence of his good works seemed sordid.
Alexandre continued speaking. “Maxence runs his charities with an acute business sense as well as kindness towards the people he helps. He coordinates his projects with the Catholic Church’s, Flicka von Hannover’s efforts, and other NGOs. He handles enormous budgets and a staff of thousands in addition to doing publicity and working with people on the ground, which is exactly the training needed to be the head of our government.”
That wasn’twhyhe’d run his charities that way.
And yet, Alexandre was still talking. “Prince Rainier IVtoldPierre how to run Monaco, but Prince Maxence has been running his charities like acountryfor years. That’s why he was able to step in and immediately start doing the job of being the Prince these last few weeks. He’s done everything, from analyzing imports and exports, to greeting ambassadors, to showing up at the galas, to quietly politicking with all of you. He’s done it allperfectly.Andquietly.And without lying or grafting or causing a scandal that caused us all significant public embarrassment.”
Pierre’s divorce had become instant fodder for the slimiest gossip influencers. When Flicka had spilled the tea on everything on social media because that was the only way she could get away from Pierre, well, the repercussions would be felt in Monaco for years if not decades.
And it wasn’t true that Max hadn’t made mistakes.
Trusting Quentin Sault with his life, for instance.
Not comprehending the crimes his uncle Jules would commit to become the sovereign prince was another.
Alexandre said, “Now, we have a chance to install someone as the sovereign who gives a damn about the citizens, economy, and future of Monaco. Prince Maxence is the best and only choice for this election. Elect Prince Maxence to be the Prince of Monaco.”
Applause pattered in the crowd.
Maxence didn’t say anything. Campaigning for the throne seemed like it might be counterproductive.
Just as Maxence was getting ready to lift his voice again and announce they would resume the roll call vote, Lady Valentina Martini stepped up to the front row of the crowd in front of the dais and asked loudly, “Why should we submit to a roll call vote for this election at all? Why does it matter?” She spoke directly to Max. “You never wanted to be the sovereign prince. Go be a priest, Maxence. We can’t elect a sovereign who won’t carry on the bloodline. Otherwise, there won’t be anextGrimaldi prince to satisfy the treaties, and we’ll be absorbed by France. None of us want to beFrenchfor heaven’s sake.”
A woman who had been on the perimeter turned toward Lady Valentina and raised her hands, palms up, as if she was sayingHey, I’m right here.
Valentina Martini pursed her lips and said, “Not that there’s anything wrong with being French, butweareMonegasques. But that’s not the point. Monaco would cease to exist, so youcan’tbe elected if you’re just going to run off to Rome.”
“I’ve decided not to become a priest,” Maxence told Lady Valentina and the room.
A hush settled over the crowd, both at his admission that he had been considering the priesthood and that he was changing his mind about it.
Lady Valentina asked, “Should we believe you, Max? Before Prince Pierretragicallypassed away, of course you could join the Church. I thought it was a wonderful vocation for you, very traditional. But now I’ve heard from Pope Celestine himself that you are leaving for Romethis afternoonto take Holy Orders and finish your formation as a Jesuit. How could you beboth,Maxence? Wouldn’t you have to give up your place in the world and all your worldly titles and possessions to be a Jesuit?”
Wait.
Pope Emeritus Celestine hadtoldMonaco’s electors Maxence would be taking Holy Orders?
That constituted interference in their election.
He said, “I’m not going to Rome today, and I’m not taking Holy Orders,ever.”
“His Holinesstold me you were.”
“Pope Celestine offered ordination to me yesterday morning. I haven’t informed him of my decision yet. I will decline.” Maxence looked over the crowd. “How many of you received a call from Pope Celestine?”
