Page 75 of Iron Unicorn

“Just like your squirrel thought you were available?”

Damn it. I found the humor in his comment, shrugged, and grinned. “Probably. Are the empaths doing better?”

“Yeah. Olivia has made her happy.”

Olivia made everyone happy. “Did someone contact the restaurant that we’d be a little late?”

“Your reservation was moved to an hour from now, and I’m in charge of making sure you get there. Melody is going to come fetch her in a few minutes. Dad called and told her to get in the air. The royal plane is already on route to the nearest airstrip. He’s sending a royal physician along to help with the op. Unfortunately, he’s on the move with Mom, and he’s going to meet with Jane’s parents personally. He’s upset.”

I winced. “He’s unhappy about the situation?”

“That’s putting it lightly. He’s going to see if there’s anything we can do to prevent future issues like that. Ifwehad the heart, we could have gotten someone in from Maine for cheaper, but the waiting list for hearts is long, and our laws try to put a heart with someone who might live a long time.”

“For the good of most,” I murmured, shaking my head. “Have we found out about the service pony yet?”

“Carl located the person responsible for the animals, and he’s armed with a Royal decree; that service pony is going to Maine. Compensation will be offered, and Dad will help with sourcing more ponies for the job. He’s probably going to help train future service ponies and horses. He hadn’t known ponies could be viable service animals. Mom is going to have to talk him down from a guilt trip over not realizing he could work with service animals.”

“Please remind your dad that he has to run an entire kingdom.”

“I will try, but I doubt he’s going to listen. I just wanted to warn you that he’s going to be unreasonable once you reach the palace.”

“Eddie, he’s letting me make a run at the palace, understanding I might trash the electrical system in the palace to kidnap his wife. I’m good. Please convey that I’ve been offered my personal version of heaven. But do have him keep Olivia near his wife during the scenario window, okay? I want to nab both of them.”

Eddie snickered. “I’ll pass that on, and it’ll make him feel better. Yams and chicken are on the menu.”

When wasn’t it? “How does your dad do at lobster bisque?”

“It’s good. I’ll tell him you’re seeking revenge on all crustacean kind. I’ve been recruited to warn you that when Olivia finds out what you’ve done, she will cry.”

“It’s all right to cry for a good reason, Eddie. And that little girl getting a chance at a good life, one where she might even be able to ride the horses she loves? That’s a good reason to cry. And she’ll have her own story to tell one day about the honorary dad who bought her a service pony for no reason other than he could.”

“Terry, you’re getting her a newheart. That’s even more important than a service pony.”

I considered the girl, who did her best to pet the mare despite her body’s reluctance to do what she wanted. “Is it, Eddie?”

Movement out of the corner of my eye drew my attention, and Princess Melody of Maine, who wore hospital scrubs and had a mask hanging under her chin, came my way with Jack in her wake. He was also dressed for the operating room, which warned me the pair expected to be heading to work the instant the plane touched down.

“Everything all right?” I asked.

“Our donor is being transported to our hospital in Portland as we speak. She’s in Boston. We have a four hour window once they remove her from life support. We need to be at the hospital as soon as possible. The other recipients are being transported. If we’re going, we’re going now.”

Eddie gave my shoulder another clap. “We’ve got a van capable of hauling the pony and the girl already ready. It’s outside on standby. If you need an ambulance, we can get one.”

“We don’t need an ambulance until we’re on the ground in Maine,” Melody replied. “Terry? She’s your girl now. Do you want to tell her the news? I’ve talked to her primary, and Jane knows she needs a heart and will die without it. She’s down to six months, and they’ve been honest with her about it. Jessica is trying to calm the primary down, because once he found out there was a heart and Jane’s getting it, he broke down. I would have stuck around, but we’re on a timer.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

I inhaled, braced for the surge of emotions, and headed for the group of sitting children. I caught Olivia’s attention and lifted my hand to indicate I needed a moment. I went to Jane’s side, leaned over, and said, “I’m sorry for interrupting your story time, Jane, but a donor heart is available. Your service pony is going to go with you to Maine for the operation, and she’ll be with you the entire time, all right?” I turned and waved Melody over, and to my relief, she came over. “This is Princess Melody from Maine, and she’s going to be one of your surgeons for the operation. This is Prince Jack, her consort, and he’ll also be accompanying you.”

I had expected the shock, but the hope that followed in its wake would stay with me long after I sent the girl off to get the chance she needed at a good life. As I didn’t expect her to say anything, I continued, “I know this is going to be a bit scary, but Princess Melody is going to be with you the entire time, and when she has to step away, Jack will be nearby. Princess Melody is going to explain everything to you on the way to Maine, okay?”

While it took her a minute, she nodded.

Then, much like Olivia had upon finding out her brother wasn’t angry at her over her nose, the relief and hope became too much for Jane to bear, and she wept.

I did the only thing I could. I hugged her, gave her a kiss on her brow, and promised everything would be all right before handing her over to Princess Melody.

All I could do was hope that my promise became the truth.

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