Page 152 of Hawthorne

Joshua nods to someone behind me, and I take that as a green light to follow, however it’ll be that will take me to where Vincent is.

“That guy, you got him?” He nods in response, and I add, “Find out why he did this. I want him brought to me as soon as I get back.” Joshua nods once again, letting me know hehas it under control, and I start to step inside the back of the ambulance. Just when I am about to climb in, someone calls for me, “Here, Your Majesty, I’ll drive you.”

I hesitate for a second. What if…

“He’s safe,” Joshua speaks. “And won’t leave your side.”

Then, he closes the ambulance’s back doors and taps twice. It immediately drives off, speeding out of the garden and heading to the main gates.

“Go,” he’s the one ordering now, opening the back door of the sleek black car. I don’t think twice before I thank him and get inside.

The drive goes by quickly. I’m in too much of a daze to care about anything other than him. Anxiety eats away at me, that uneasy feeling settling in every crevice of my body.

By the time we arrive at the hospital’s back entrance, a team of security guards is already there. One entire floor has been cleared for Vincent’s treatment and my presence, where only necessary hospital professionals can freely circulate.

Joshua works quickly.

“Any news?” I ask one of the nurses coming with a big plastic box in her hands.

“He’s in surgery. No exit wound. We need to get the bullet out,” she informs me quickly. “Sorry, I need to take this inside.”

And she scurries off with a small bow.

The white walls and floor do nothing to ease my anxiety.

Breathing is a struggle as my mind races with unwanted and intrusive thoughts.

Vincent didn’t even hesitate to jump in front of me.

And that man…I can’t even remember his face, but I don’t recall seeing him before. Have I?

Was this Sarah Byron’s plan, after all? To kill me just so her son could become king?

And why the hell did he jump at the opportunity to save me?Stupid man!

What if he dies?

No.He can’t die!

What would be of Edgar if he lost his…

Edgar!

“How the hell do I call him? I don’t have my phone with me. Bloody hell,” I hiss the curse out.

“Your Majesty?” A wide-eyed guard, fully dressed in black, peeks from around the corner. “Do you need to call someone?”

“Yes, can you help me?”

He simply walks to me with his arms stretched out and a smart phone in his hand.

“Code?”

“No code. Work phone,” he responds, and I hastily open it and dial Edgar’s number.

“Camilla?” His voice sounds breathless from the other side. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I answer. “But, Edgar–”

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