The Winter Palace

- They can't start construction at 7 A.M.

You have a book to write.

I know, but what can I do?

Neighbors on both sides are redoing their kitchens!

It's impossible to concentrate.

On the upside, I did write a poem

called Ode to a Jackhammer.

Oh hey, they're, uh... They're taking down my display.

- Oh no. At least your book was in the window

for what, almost ten months?

- Ten months, two weeks, and four days!

But... who's counting?

Well, I love that book

and I can't wait for the next one.

I better head to work. I don't want to keep my boss waiting.

- Yeah, my publisher wants me to call.

But can we meet for coffee later?

I'll be there trying to write.

I want to hear all about your new job!

You bet.

- They're not gonna just toss me away.

Hey, Allen. How are you?

- Better once I hear good new about book two.

How's it going?

- That is such an interesting question.

Here we go...

Because I've been outlining,

and working out some story points.

- Emily, your first book did great business.

But you can't rest on your laurels.

- Believe me, I'm not resting on anything.

I-It's just, uh...

a little trickier with this new book.

You're a great writer, Emily,

when you actually write.

But word from upstairs is that if we don't see

the first three chapters at least

by the end of the month...

Then they'll cancel your book.

- And I'll be in breach of contract.

I mean, yes, I was supposed to finish a few months ago,

so they've already spent the ad budget promoting

a book that doesn't exist, and now

they want to cut their losses.

- Have you finished any chapters?

You know, it's...

It is tricky trying to write a romance

fresh from a breakup, so...

- Fresh? It's been almost a year.

- I mean, it's... It's just hard to write,

and I don't know why.

It doesn't help that half the places in Boulder

remind me of Michael.

Ugh, enough of my complaining. Okay...

How's your new job?

Only been there a week,

but I never knew that property management

could be so complicated.

- You are gonna do great, I know it.

Wait...

I have an idea that could help the both of us!

- Uh, I might be beyond help, but shoot.

- My boss got a call this morning.

One of the caretakers at the property they manage

had to leave 'cause his dad slipped and fell.

- Is he okay? - He'll be fine.

But they need a winter caretaker to fill in ASAP.

- Uh, a caretaker, what do you mean?

- It's this empty chalet up in the mountains.

It belongs to some wealthy family in Europe

but they haven't been there in years.

- What does this have to do with me?

- You need somewhere quiet to write, some solitude

so you can focus.

And didn't you say it's hard to think romance

in Boulder right now? - Well, yes.

- And I'd look pretty good first week on the job

if I helped out in a pinch!

My boss is desperate.

- Look, a winter chalet sounds magical,

but I've never been a caretaker before.

What would I need to do?

- Just knock some icicles off the roof,

and run the water so the pipes don't freeze.

That's it.

With the owners never there,

the place runs itself.

Wow.

It's gorgeous.

A change of scenery couldn't hurt.

Okay, let's say I was interested. What's next?

- Meet my boss and look over the contract.

That's it.

Hmm.

A winter writing retreat.

Okay! Where do I sign?

"Emily, the key opens the door,

the pen is so you do some great writing,

good luck. Becca."

I could get used to this.

- So, what do you think of the place?

It's gorgeous!

It's so inviting and warm,

and some interesting decor.

Becca, this place is perfect.

- Well, my boss couldn't be happier with me,

so if you get some writing done, it's a classic win-win.

Is it romantic?

You are writing a romance, after all.

Yep! All by my lonesome.

Yes!

No...

A fresh start in the morning couldn't hurt.

First day, and I'm already talking to myself.

Who goes there?!

Uh, what? Hello?

Hi.

Uh, if it's a package,

just leave it at the door. Thank you.

No, I'm not a delivery man.

Perhaps you'd be so kind as to open the door.

- Uh, sorry, that's not gonna happen.

Why not, may I ask?

- Clayton, it's okay! Go back to sleep!

My four brothers are sleeping

and army rangers on leave get so tired.

- Look, I can prove that I've been here before.

There should be a desk by the window with a quill pen,

and a coat of arms above the fire place.

- Yes, but I would need to contact the property company--

I even have a key,

I just can't seem to work it in the lock.

Where did you get that key?

My family owns this chalet,

I'm... I'm Henry.

- The family who owns the chalet lives somewhere...

In Europe! Yes.

Concordia, to be exact.

Uh...

Uh, sorry about that.

Oh no, it's quite alright.

It's just a bit freezing out there.

- So, a-are you staying? - Who are you?

- Emily. - What are you doing here?

- My job. - What's your job?

Making sure pipes don't burst.

- Ah... - And keeping burglars away.

- Do I look like a burglar? - Maybe.

A well-dressed one.

Look, I'm gonna make a call.

- Really, I am very tired and there is so much to do.

So perhaps you can start us some tea?

Uh...

Oh, there's more people.

- Really, Henry, there's no excuse for driving like that!

- Sorry, Tilson, those mountain curves

were way too tempting, and anyway,

you should've kept up. - Well, if you insist

on driving yourself, at least let Fritz

drive with you.

What's this? - I don't know.

Some sort of Emily person.

What's going on here?

Apparently, I'm a burglar.

- Actually, I said "maybe," if you recall.

- Well, your diligence is commendable but misplaced.

I've been in touch with your employer,

the property management company.

You are Ms. Miller, I presume. - Yes.

- We flew in from Concordia this morning.

I would've telephoned,

but apparently, your phone is turned off?

- I did forget to charge it last night.

- Tilson, send a call to my father.

Fritz, old chap, have a look at that alleged

sports utility vehicle.

The suspension feels a bit dodgy.

Sir.

- Oh, I'm sorry. We wouldn't want to wake

Clayton and the rest of the army rangers, would we?

- I made that up. - Did you?

- Just as a precaution. - You're so clever.

- Your Highness, we're behind schedule.

Of course. Emily...

That tea when you get a second, please.

Um...

Wait, "Your Highness"?

- Yes, that is the proper form of address

for the crowned prince of Concordia.

Yeah, right!

A prince!

- You may do a web search if you must.

If I had a signal, I would.

We brought our own hotspot.

Password is OffWithTheirHeads! All one word.

Prince Henry does enjoy the odd joke.

Could've fooled me.

A prince?

Sorry...

Uh...