Page 8 of A Valiant Prince

“Thank you,” I reply as I hurry back to Anna.

Anna’s sitting up in bed when I return. King Michael is perched on the edge of it. A nurse stands in the corner as does Pete and Victor.

The king rises when I enter the room. There are tears in his eyes as he walks over to me and pulls me into an embrace.

“Thank you, Logan. You saved my baby,” he says.

I awkwardly hug him back as I’m not sure what the protocol is for hugging a king.

“You’re welcome, Your Majesty,” I say as I pull back.

He places a hand on my shoulder. “I think we are well past the point of formalities, my son. You may call me Michael,” he says.

I nod, knowing that there is no fucking way I’m referring to a king as just “Michael.”

“I just spoke with Dr. Vanker. He’s going to get rooms for everyone to stay the night here,” I say.

“I have asked the same. I’m afraid we can’t go back to the palace. Hans has offered his estate, and Victor is having my security sweep it right now. Everyone…who is able, will go there tomorrow,” he says. I notice the pause before he says the last part.

“Any word on your sister?” I ask him.

He shakes his head. “She’s still in surgery,” he says quietly. “But Dr. Lasson isn’t just our physician, he’s one of our country’s best surgeons.”

I nod again as I’m not quite sure what to say.

Anna takes her father’s hand in hers. “She’s strong,” Anna says.

King Michael turns back to her. “Yes, she is, sweet pea, just like you,” he says giving his daughter a warm smile.

“Daddy?” she asks.

He cups her cheek. “Yes, love,” he replies. I can see the absolute love between them, and I know in this moment that there is one hundred percent absolutely no chance the king was involved in anything that might have hurt his precious daughter.

“I need Pete to grab a few things from the palace for me. Can I send him? Lucas can stay with me,” she says. Her words make me think that she trusts Lucas as well.

The king nods to Pete. “Please ask the others. Victor knows what I need and will accompany you,” the king says.

Anna looks at Pete, and he gives her the slightest nod, acknowledging that he is to keep her requested item a secret.

“How is my father?” I ask him.

“He’s sore, but he’ll survive. Why don’t you go visit with him? Pete can escort you to his room on his way out,” the king says.

“Thank you. I will,” I answer. I turn at the door and look back at Anna. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

“OK,” she says and blushes a little. I can see from the look on her father’s face that he suspects there’s more than a friendship between us, but he remains silent.

Chapter Three

Ipause outside the door to my father’s hospital room.

“I should go,” Pete says, glancing over at two armed guards that stand on either side of the door. “I think you're fine.” My father’s secretary, Gregor, sits in the hallway next to the guard. He stands.

“Yes, thank you,” I say. Pete puts a hand on my shoulder.

“I think you’ll do,” he says and walks away without giving an explanation.

“Are you alright?” Gregor asks me as I step toward the door.

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