Page 10 of A Valiant Prince

“I’m not sure the hospital is the best place to chat,” I say.

“No, I agree,” he says.

“Perhaps when we get to Hans’s home,” I say. “I do have questions for you.”

My father gives me a small smile.

“Good, then I have answers,” he replies.

“I should get back to Anna,” I say to him, standing and glancing over at Sten again.

“He’s tired,” my father says.

“We all are,” I say as I walk toward the door.

“I’ll see you in the morning, Logan,” my father says as I walk through the door and head back to see my princess.

King Michael stands when I enter her room.

“I take it your father’s well?” he asks.

I nod. “Yes, he is,” I answer.

“Good, good. Well, I’ll leave you two to get some rest. I want to check in on my sons,” he says.

We say our goodbyes. Lucas walks to the door behind the king and pauses.

“I’ll be sitting just outside if you need me. I believe Dr. Vanker will be moving you to a more comfortable room soon,” he says. I ponder if that means we’ll be in separate rooms because that is not happening.

I turn to Anna. Even in a hospital gown with wild hair, and soot smudges, she is still the most gorgeous creature I’ve ever seen.

“What?” she asks me, tilting her head with curiosity. I sit down on the edge of her bed, but she scoots over and pats the space next to it. I move up next to her and lean back on her pillow, she curls against me the best she can in the confined space. I wrap my arms around her and gently kiss her forehead.

“Logan?” she says.

“What is it, Anna?” I ask her.

“I…I’m scared,” she whispers.

“Oh, baby, I know. I’m scared too. But I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise,” I say to her, and I mean it. I will move heaven and earth if I have to in order to keep her safe. She relaxes a little in my arms, and I know it was hard for my fierce princess to admit her fear to me. Hell, it’s hard to admit my fear to her, but I don’t want anything between us, no lies, no hidden truths.

Slowly, I feel Anna’s body go limp in my arms. Her breathing slows, and I feel the soft puffs of her breath against my neck. I squeeze her more tightly to me. I’ve never felt this protective of another being in my entire life. I’m petrified of losing her.

I take a deep breath and her scent fills my nostrils and my soul. This woman completes me.

Chapter Four

“Logan,” Pete’s voice wakes me. Anna is wrapped around me like a vine, my arms still securing her to my body.

“Yes,” I say.

“There’s a room ready upstairs. We should move you out of the ER,” he says. I look down at the sleeping Anna.

“Grab her IV. I’ll carry her,” I say.

“Are you s—” Pete starts.

“Yes, I’m sure,” I hiss, cutting him off.

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