It is IMO always beneficial to take a completely opposite view on things - all things - and see where it leads.
I am going to suggest that the conman is being conned.
We have Durek.
Obviously a conman. Whether he actually believes in himself is an interesting question. Judging form his inconsistent and easy to deflate claims, that also seem to change with events, I think it's safe to say that he does believe in his own nonsense. Or that he has an alternative perception of reality.
Any cool professional, would set up a much more convincing story, come up with much more convincing explanations and not allow himself to be caught with his pants down all the time.
So Durek IMO clearly believes in this pseudo-religion that shamanism has become.
Unfortunately a lot of other people (be they desperate or not) tend to believe in this and him as well. Enough of them certainly for him to create and be able to live comfortably of his own fortune.
Then we have ML.
An egoistic person. In her many and elaborate stories about self-realization she constantly talks about... herself. She never seems to consider that perhaps her brother had similar misgivings about his life and destiny and that her own actions may have caused her family and people unnecessary concern and even grief.
She has, in the light of MM's illness, not offered to return to the royal fold and shoulder some of the burden. On the contrary, she has persisted in talking up and down how hard her life as a royal was.
She lives well above her means. Her debt is a testament to that. Her need to sell otherwise solid assets like property is also a testament to that fact. There have been many stories in the Norwegian press about her financial predicaments.
She has a known history for testing her boundaries.
She tried, and failed, to set up an "angel-school" or whatever it was. - Some could say that is an easy way of earning money, while doing as little as possible...
Not many buy, let alone wish to pay for, her tenuous concept of being extra sensitive and being able to communicate with angles and what not. My impression is that she in contrast to Durek, simply isn't convincing enough.
- The best liars or those who believe in their own lies.
But whatever you may say about ML she's not stupid.
If she loves him, she may see Durek's claims as charming eccentricities. If she thinks like most of us here, she will most likely see right through them and perhaps even think: Hello, sucker.
Now, what has ML to offer to Durek?
Her title. She is undeniable a genuine princess, from a real life royal family.
Her connections. People in royal circles and high society, who could be potential costumers - or at least be used for name-dropping. - Or so she gives the impression...
A big official stamp of approval. The stamp of supplier to the royal court does mean something!
The royal allure. Prince Durek... That does have a good sound. Whether he becomes a Norwegian prince is irrelevant and a mere detail. I imagine the royal connection would appeal very much to Durek! He used to be a pharaoh, remember...
But what has Durek to offer ML?
Money.
Connections. Wealthy connections.
A much more professional platform. In comparison to Durek, it is my opinion, that ML is a mere amateur.
Durek's talents for shall we say persuading clients from parting with their money, combined with her royal affiliation, could give the pair of them an advantage. Advantage = money.
What has ML given Durek?
Not much actually.
She has no money. Few clients worth mentioning. Basically she has only lend her royal aura, and that doesn't cost her anything - but some bad press in Norway.
What has Durek given ML?
Free stays in USA with all expenses paid, including holidaying in locations that are above her own means. Like Hawaii.
Connections and opportunities.
Remember they were just about to launch their joint venture, where ML's royal status was accidentally and very conveniently mentioned, when Corona set in. Who knows what it might have led to? And there is still time.
Will they get married?
IMO a likely possibility.
It could be an advantage for both parties.
Durek gets married to a real life princess. Good for business - and his own self-image.
ML marries into money and a much more successful business. If this goes well, they will together earn even more money and they don't even have to spend that much time together.
But why shouldn't they have a merry time together? Durek is seemingly entertaining and funny and judging from his reports from their gettogethers he's eating out of her hand. All she has to do is bang the bongos from time to time or talk about spirits.
Should they divorce ML should be able to secure a most comfortable settlement. Any good lawyer should be able to fleece Durek for at least a very good part of his fortune.
So is Durek being conned? Has he found someone who is better at the game than he is?
There are indications hinting towards the fact that Durek has been heckled.
His way over the top messages of love and praise for ML could indicate that he has genuinely fallen for ML. Admittedly such flowery language is his style, but if they were two conmen who have gotten together, surely there would be no such need for such a public spectacle?
If he is sure of her love, why continue to embark on this full scale courting-offensive?
So, perhaps things are not a clear cut as it may seem?
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You can rest assured that the Norwegian Police Intelligence Service have long since asked their colleagues in the FBI about Durek. Just as the Norwegian Foreign Ministry have quietly made inquiries to the US foreign ministry about Durek. That would be the duty of any government.
But it is not against the law, not even for royals, to be connected with people with a questionable background.