Page 57 of Royally Benevolent

“Ma’am, we need to transport you somewhere until the roads are clear and we can get you a new car. It isn’t safe for them to come yet.”

“Well, that won’t work. We have to go home,” I said, frustrated, tears welled.

“I am sorry, Your Royal Highness, but the ice caused this. There is no other way. We can get to the next town and finda place to wait.”

“But we need to get home.”

I felt such guilt. Wyatt needed to see Theo. I was responsible for this, wasn’t I? I should have made a choice sooner. Again, it was entirely my fault. This is what I did. This was how I hurt people. I began to sob, unable to make a decision—as if there was one to be made.

33

SOONER THAN EXPECTED

WYATT

Odette broke into tears over our complicated situation. She was in a dress, shivering with bare legs. We were on the side of a perilous, icy road. She appeared paralysed. I had been, too. Until I realised we were all okay, I had seen it all flash before me. This was how it ended, right? It was okay, though.

“Odie, it’s going to be okay.” I rubbed her back.

She turned, looking so broken. Her walls came down.

“Wyatt, you need to get home to Theo. It’s my fault. This isallmy fault.”

“Do you control ice storms now?” I asked. “Odette, it’s not your fault. Sweetheart, it’s no one’s fault. We’re okay—a little shaken but safe. We need to venture to town slowly. Grieg will freeze out here.”

I knew mentioning the dog would help. If I could keep her focused, she would come back down.

“I need my bag! I need my bag immediately!”

It was more panic. I recognised the signs. She was having an anxiety attack. Odette’s breathing picked up to the point of wheezing. Unfortunately, her security team couldn’t do anything.

“Where is her luggage?” I demanded.

“In the tailer car,”one answered.

“The Princess asked for a bag. Someone needs to get it.”

“Sir, we?—”

Odette descended, crouching on the ground, unable to breathe. Did no one understand she was having a panic attack? These people had zero compassion. It was my number one frustration with Neandians. Here was one of their own, flailing. I sensed what was in her bag was a medication she needed to take.

I handed the dog off to the nearest guard. “Keep him warm. Take him to the car with the bags, and we will follow.”

He didn’t argue.

I dropped to Odette’s level, rubbing her back, and spoke calmly. “Odette, sweetheart, let’s get you to the car. You can decompress in the warmth. We will get your bag, okay? You’re just in shock, and you’re having a panic attack. Come on.”

“I cannot… I cannot,” she gasped.

I ignored all logic and picked her up, gingerly carrying her to the car while she sobbed. It was ridiculous, and I’m sure she felt embarrassed, but staying out in such cold on an icy road wasn’t safe. I settled her into her seat and turned to security again. They’d found her hand luggage, knowing somehow what this was about.

“Medication?” I asked. “I assume you have something?”

One nodded and handed me a strip of tablets.

“Water?” I asked. They scrambled to produce some.

Odette swallowed the tablet and rested in the foetal position with Grieg in her lap. She held onto him so tightly. He remained steady, looking up at her very protectively. He knew she needed him. No wonder she preferred to take him everywhere. Sensing her embarrassment, I wanted her to know there was no reason to worry.

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