Page 2 of Royally Scr*wed

There have been many times over the years when such extravagant luxuries have seemed absolutely absurd to me. Who needs an entire full-service hospital at their disposal? Just ready and waiting forsomethingto happen. Job security for the staff here? Yes. But also wasted resources. Men and women simply sitting around and getting paid to wait on us, the monarchy who serves them.

Right now though, I’m fucking grateful. Some of the best doctors and surgeons are at the ready to handle this catastrophe and we’re not taking those resources from another hospital or shutting things down in a place where our country’s citizensneedmedical attention.

“Your Royal Highness, I’m Morgan. Come with me, right this way.” A woman in a nurse’s uniform greets us and quickly whisks me and Charlie through the hospital to a waiting room that rivals one of the less formal living spaces at the palace. “Her Majesty should be arriving momentarily. The doctor will be out to speak with you soon. In the meantime, if you need anything at all – please do not hesitate to ask.”

Nigel and Theo stand guard at the door even if it’s unnecessary here. This hospital is as secure as the palace itself.

“Theo,” I call out and the young blonde man turns to me.

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“I need someone to retrieve fresh clothes for me and my wife. While you’re at it, have them pick up clothes for Willow and The Queen as well.”

He nods. “As you wish.”

“Nigel, I need more information about what happened back at the church. And on what’s going on with my grandfather.”

Nigel’s lips set in a grim line. “I’m afraid initial reports are that the king was attacked.”

So much for thinking the palace was secure. Maybe the fucking walls really have fallen and we’re all under attack.

“Attacked?” I manage to stutter. I must have heard him wrong. “Where?”

More security rushes into the room with my grandmother and Willow in tow before Nigel has a chance to answer.

Willow runs to me and throws herself into my arms. “Thank God you’re okay!” she sobs. “Have you heard anything about Papa? They wouldn’t tell us anything!”

I hug her tightly and take a deep breath. “I’m working on finding out the details now. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she lets me go to hug Charlie. “I’m so glad you’re both okay.”

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, a moment, please.” Nigel clears his throat and cocks his head to the side for us to follow him.

“Anything you have to say to them, you can say in front of me,” Willow straightens and sticks her chin out, showing just how mature shecanbe, even at thirteen years old.

“Willow,” Charlie wraps an arm around my sister, “why don’t we have a seat and let Nigel talk with your grandmother and your brother. Jude can fill us in after.”

“But…” she hiccups, still visibly upset.

“It’s okay, Willow. We won’t be but a second, go on now,” Nan encourages her to go on with Charlie.

I expect her to protest more but she does as Nan says and lets Charlie guide her over to one of the couches.

Sebastian, a member of my grandfather’s personal detail joins us with a grim look on his face.

“Your Majesty. Your Highness,” he immediately begins. “I’m afraid His Majesty was brutally attacked in his office. Motive is unclear at this time.”

“Oh heavens,” my grandmother covers her mouth.

“What the hell do you mean, attacked – in his office? Where were the guards?” I question. “Was anyone else with him?”

“Wade and Brian where both overpowered by whoever did this. The house doctor pronounced Brian dead at the scene. Wade is in surgery right now.”

My grandmother whimpers and shakes her head then begins praying.

Flexing my hands at my sides in anger, I ask, “and where the hell were you when this happened?”

“I was granted the day off, Your Highness. I was at my residence when I was alerted to the distress signal.” Sebastian immediately clarifies.

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