Page 52 of Dragon Detective

Chapter 24

Hannah

We followed the king, Katar, and Bailey to the hospital and waited while they checked her in. They didn’t necessarily need us here, but Katar looked kind of pale.

“I’m worried he’ll pass out,” Reylor said. “You don’t mind, do you?” He stroked my cheek. “This is messing with our dinner.”

“I’m excited for them. We can get something later, right?”

His grin rose. “Right.”

“My great-nephew or great-niece is about to arrive,” King Truceer declared to the waiting room in general. “Allow me to say that it’s an honor to be here for this momentous occasion.”

A few monsters and people in the waiting area stared at him with wide eyes. It was hard not to since he wore a small crown—my “day” crown, my dear, he’d told me—plus a maroon velvet robe trimmed with what looked like real gold and jewels. Black pants with black shoes also adorned with gold covered his legs and feet. And his thick necklace and rings could probably feed a small country for a year.

He literally glowed under the fluorescent lights.

If that didn’t draw attention, his five guards sporting swords and various other weapons would do it.

The hospital security team arrived within moments of us, and they clustered near the entrance doors. I could tell they weren’t sure if they should storm over and disarm the king’s entourage or ask for an autograph. I suspected the orc security guard who’d whispered feverishly to the rest of his team and held one of them back might be the only reason the king’s guards still carried their weapons, because I doubted they were allowed in a hospital waiting area.

“We’re going to take her up to the maternity ward,” the yeti nurse said, bringing Bailey over in a wheelchair to where we waited. Katar followed them, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly ajar. “She’ll be saying goodbye now. Well, except for her husband, her delightful birth coach.” She dimpled a smile Katar’s way. “You must be very excited.”

“I am.”

“Sweetie,” Bailey said, holding her hand out to him and then drawing him closer. “Stay close. I—” Her words were cut off by her guttural groan. “Here comes another one!”

“Another contraction,” Katar said, his voice frantic. “She needs a bed. We need help here!”

“I’m here to help,” the nurse said calmly. “Breathe, Bailey. Breathe through it. It’ll be over with soon.”

Bailey puffed.

The king sagged into a chair. Two of his guards picked up magazines and started fanning his face while the others placed their hands on the hilts of their weapons and glared at the room in general, as if they suspected someone would take advantage of their sovereign ruler while he was feeling overcome with emotion.

“Good luck,” Reylor told Katar, slapping his shoulder. “I’ll handle things in the office from now on. You enjoy this moment with your wife and soon-to-be-born youngling.”

“Enjoy,” Katar repeated, his eyes even wider than they were when Bailey had a contraction. “Yes, so . . . enjoyable.”

Bailey whimpered through another contraction.

Katar got even paler.

“Goodbye,” Bailey said once it was over. “I’ll let you all know how it goes.”

I gave her a quick hug. “Thinking of you,” I whispered. “Take care. I’ll come see you both soon.” And I’d bring her some meals for the freezer. They were going to be busy once they brought their little one home.

“Uncle,” Katar called out. “I’m kind of busy. Can you get to your hotel alone?”

“Go on with you.” King Truceer flapped his hand Katar’s way. “Do let me know when it’s over.” He rose to his feet, and I was glad to see he no longer appeared shaky. “My guards will see me to my destination.”

“Indeed,” one said, bowing the king’s way.

They swept out through the entrance, to the relief of hospital security.

I gave Katar a hug, and we watched as the yeti nurse wheeled Bailey toward the elevator with Katar holding her hand, walking beside her.

“Well,” I said, grinning Reylor’s way, “so exciting.”

---