Page 45 of Trapped with the Undercover Prince

That had both Zar’s brows leaping.

“I mean, thank you, but no. I’d rather eat something small and quick then get some sleep.” She really was at the end of her endurance.

“I understand.” He didn’t look understanding. He looked downright sneaky with his mouth tilted in a crooked grin and his eyes searching her face for what, she had no idea.

“Come with me. I know where to find the surgeon you worked with. Is he the one you wish to speak to?”

“Yes, just a few follow-up questions about Luke’s care.”

He took her hand and pulled her back down the hallway.

He cleared his throat. “Anna, I’m not sure you’re aware, but Charles passed away while you were in surgery.”

She stopped walking to stare at him. Pain was etched on his face and around his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Zar.”

“The doctor who triaged him in the hospital said that his lungs were too damaged by heat and inhaled smoke. He was surprised Charles survived as long as he did.” Zar squeezed her hand. “Thank you for giving him the extra time with us. His family was able to say goodbye by phone to him.”

“I wish I could have done more.”

He gave her a sad smile and tugged at her.

They reached an intersection and turned right. There were a few staff members crowded around a doorway at the far end of the hallway, but no one paid them any mind until they were quite close.

A woman turned, spied them, and announced something in French to whoever was inside the room.

A moment later, they were being ushered inside to face a group of people who wore business clothing rather than hospital uniforms. Everyone bowed to Zar, then leaned in to kiss her cheeks.

It all looked much too official, and it set her brain spinning hard enough to make her dizzy. Only there wasn’t anywhere to sit down.

Her gaze connected with Zar’s, and she tried to smile, but it was just too much effort. He must have seen the exhaustion, confusion, and incomprehension on her face because he immediately eased closer and put one arm around her waist.

The heat of his body and the strength of his hold settled her disorientation enough to allow her to focus on what people were saying.

They had switched to English, and she hadn’t even noticed.

“...amazing to watch,” one man in an expensive suit was saying to her. “If not for your resourcefulness and quick thinking, the child might not have survived.” He paused, an expectant expression on his face.

“Luke wasn’t going down without a fight,” she said after a pause that was almost too long. “I did what any doctor would do.”

A woman wearing an outfit that looked like it cost more than the monthly rent for her apartment in Boston took a small step forward. “We recorded the surgery. Would you have time to come in and review the footage with our surgical teams and discuss your decision-making process?”

Her what? “Um...” She glanced at Zar again. “I’m not sure...”

“Dr. Anna has a very full schedule this week,” Zar said before she could flounder further. “We’ll discuss the possibility of a visit and get back to you.”

“Oh, yes, of course,” the woman said. “Whenever is convenient for you.”

“Convenient for me?” Anna asked, half under her breath. She was on vacation and would be going home at the end of the week.

She spied Dr. Munsch in the group and moved toward him. Zar hung onto her and came along with her without interrupting his conversation with all the fancy people.

Anna asked about Luke’s post-surgical care and relaxed at Dr. Munsch’s answers. Their protocols were much the same as in Boston.

Zar gave her hip a squeeze with a very large, warm hand. “I wish we could stay longer, but the queen is keen to speak with both of us.” He nodded at the woman. “Do send your request for Anna’s return visit to my office.”

She smiled brightly as if her visit was already scheduled and wished them a cheery “Au revoir.”

The rest of the staff said goodbye as well in English and French, and Zar guided Anna out of the room and down the corridor.

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