Chapter 46 - The Royal Standard
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The golden light of dawn had barely faded into the crisp brightness of morning when the St. Moritz returned to its bustling, synchronized rhythm. Sienna stood in her office, sipping a cup of black coffee, watching the city awaken through her floor-to-ceiling windows. The peace of the early morning lingered in her heart, but the reality of running the city's premier independent hotel demanded her immediate attention.
Maya knocked briskly on the open door, stepping inside with a silver tablet clutched to her chest. Her eyes were wide, a mixture of exhilaration and sheer panic radiating from her posture.
"Ms. Vance, we have a situation," Maya announced, her voice slightly breathless. "And by situation, I mean a monumental logistical challenge."
"Breathe, Maya," Sienna said, turning away from the window with a reassuring smile. "What has happened? Has a pipe burst?"
"No, nothing like that," Maya replied, stepping closer to the desk. "I just received a secure call from the consulate of the Sovereign Principality of Monaco. The royal family is conducting a diplomatic tour of the United States next month. They have requested to book the entire top two floors of the St. Moritz for a week."
Sienna lowered her coffee cup, her eyebrows rising in genuine surprise. The St. Moritz had hosted celebrities and politicians, but a reigning European royal family was an entirely different echelon of hospitality.
"The entire top two floors?" Sienna asked, her mind immediately running through the logistics. "That includes the Presidential Suite and the three Ambassador Suites. We will need to relocate several long-term VIPs."
"Yes, ma'am," Maya nodded. "Their chief of protocol, a Monsieur Dupont, is flying in tomorrow to inspect the premises and present us with their specific security and dietary requirements."
Sienna walked around her desk, feeling a surge of adrenaline. This was the ultimate test of the new culture she had built.
"We do not cancel on our existing guests without offering them a superior alternative," Sienna stated firmly. "Upgrade any displaced guests to The Grand Belle for the weekend, complimentary, with a private helicopter transfer. I want this handled with absolute grace."
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"I will arrange the transfers immediately," Maya said, her panic subsiding into focused determination.
"And Maya?" Sienna added softly. "Treat Monsieur Dupont with the utmost respect, but remember—this is our house. We do not compromise our values, even for a crown."
