Page 30 of Royally F*cked

He introduces me to a few more of his friends from the hospital before it’s time for most of the patients to head back to their rooms and time for us to head to the hotel for our second prom of the evening.

“Remember, when we arrive at the hotel, there will be a reporter catching you going in and out. It’s possible more paparazzi may show up, so be aware of your surroundings,” Oscar says as he helps us both into the waiting car.

Oscar once again sits up front with the driver and we’re afforded a little bit of privacy thanks to a privacy screen separating us from the two gentlemen in the front seat.

“That was fun. And enlightening.”

Jude grunts in response.

“You really paid for everyone’s formal wear?” I can’t help but ask.

“Yes.”

“That’s incredibly sweet, Jude. Not many would do something like that.”

“It’s the least I could do. They deserve so much more,” he says somberly. “Some of those kids in there have no parents. Can you imagine going through something like cancer, or cystic fibrosis completely alone?”

“No. I cannot, to be honest. Dealing with appendicitis was scary enough and I had my parents by my side.” The thought of going at it alone terrifies me. The same kind of terror I saw in Ottiline’s eyes before Jude began singing to her.

“Me? Willow? We’re the lucky ones. Extremely lucky. I was practically an adult, and she had my grandparents, and you, to lean on.”

I don’t know what to say back. As for me, I was hardly much help to Willow when their parents died, I was barely ten and she was three. I occasionally played with her while my mother tended to the Queen’s needs, but it wasn’t until I was teen that I was given a job as her sometimes sitter and then lady in waiting.

Instead of focusing on the death of Jude’s parents, I inquire about Ottiline and hope that Jude will continue to open up to me about the girl a little more.

“She’s been in and out of the hospital more than any of the others. And each time, she’s there alone. There isn’t enough staff at the orphanage for someone to accompany her, and no one seems interested in volunteering either. I try to stop by a few times a week. Usually when Kathie is working.” His voice drops and he nearly whispers, “I would be there every night if I could.”

Still avoiding eye contact with me, Jude stares straight ahead while he goes on to tell me more about Ottiline’s story. The more I learn, the more my heart aches for her. And I wonder, once we’ve married, will there be anything I can do for the young girl.

“That hymn. I’ve heard it in church before. Do you always sing to her?”

“I would really rather not discuss this further,” he snaps, and I instantly feel myself retreating into a shell of my own.

But, then he reaches over and takes my hand in his. He gives my hand a gentle squeeze and blows out a breath. The gesture is sweet, intimate, and completely out of character for him, but I welcome it as a small step in the right direction.

“Sorry. That came out harsher than I intended.”

“Thank you. For apologizing.”

The car rolls to a stop in front of the hotel and as promised, there is a reporter waiting outside like a dog waiting on a bone.

“Show time,” Jude whispers. “I’ll get out first then reach back to help you out.”

“Okay.”

He grins. “Just in case I haven’t said it enough, you truly do look stunning tonight.”

That’s the comment he leaves me with as the car door opens for him and he gracefully steps onto the concrete.

Even from inside the car the camera flash is nearly enough to blind me. But, because of Jude, I’ve got a genuine smile on my face as he reaches inside the car and offers me his hand.

With my hand in his, I slid out of the car and stand proudly beside him. His face moves closer to mine until he’s so close that his lips brush against my cheek. “I’m going to kiss you. Go with it,” he whispers then presses his lips to the corner of mine.

The camera flashes again and the reporter calls out a bunch of questions.

“The prince is not taking any questions tonight. You’ll get your story later, as promised,” Oscar tells the reporter and escorts us inside the hotel.

We’re immediately ushered into the ballroom where the party is in full swing.

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