Page 20 of Trained Royal
Frederick nodded. “Every person who goes through a scene has the potential for a ‘drop.’ A drop is when the adrenaline and endorphins leave the body, causing an imbalance. There are many ways this can show in a person. It could be feeling lethargic or cold, nausea, headaches, and so on. A conversation about aftercare is an important part of a scene and always happens before the scene begins.”
Kieren frowned. “Patrick didn’t discuss much with her before doing this. Not that I heard anyway.”
Frederick smiled. “Patrick and Cecily have played many times together. He probably spoke to her briefly as he was setting up the scene to check nothing had changed from the last time they played.”
That made sense, although that tendril of unease at Patrick being with someone else wouldn’t quit.
“What Patrick probably didn’t tell you was that those drops don’t happenjustto the subs.”
Kieren stared at Frederick, letting the words run around his head to make sure he understood what he was saying. “How do I help him?”
The knowledge in Frederick’s eyes should’ve worried Kieren, but all he cared about was the potential drop Patrick would feel when he finally stopped caring for Cecily. He needed to do something.
“I booked room four for you when I saw Patrick on the stage. He never thinks to do it himself, but usually, one of us is there with him, and we help.” Frederick pointed to a hallway at the back of the room. “Go through there and turn right. The doors are numbered, and your fingerprint will get you into the room. Settle him on the sofa or bed and get him to drink something from the fridge in there. Try to get him to eat if you can. If you’re feeling up to it, a massage on his back or arms will help the ache in his muscles. There are some oils and creams on the shelves which you can pick from.” Frederick sighed. “Just be there for him. He tends to withdraw into himself more than anything, becoming quiet and easily distracted. Oh, he might fall asleep, too. It’s fine if he does.”
“Okay. I can do that.” He wasn’t sure he’d be any good at it, but he’d do his best.
“One more thing.” Kieren glanced at him. “He might fight you on it, to begin with. He’s never been one to admit he goes through it. We’re used to it and don’t bring attention to it any longer.”
Kieren nodded, his mind already planning how to get him to the room without causing a scene. He could tell Patrick he needed to talk through what happened on the stage and that he wanted somewhere quiet to do it.
“Why me?” he asked suddenly.
Frederick glanced around the room, seemingly collecting his thoughts. When Frederick squinted at him, Kieren felt exposed. “It’s none of my business, Kieren, but I’ve seen how you both look at each other when you think no one’s looking. Most of the time, no one is, but I look out for my family, and I see a lot of things other people don’t. I have no problem with your relationship—if you decide to have one—because I think you’re both perfect for each other. I can’t see your journey being easy, but it will certainly be worth it.”
Kieren’s heart pounded, and his mouth dried up. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
“You don’t need to say anything. Just know I have your back, and if you ever need anything, come to me. No matter what it is.”
Kieren focused on Patrick’s back, blinking away the stinging in his eyes. Frederick’s hand rested on his nape and squeezed, helping to centre him. “Thank you,” he rasped.
“You’re welcome. Now, I’m going to disappear before Patrick sees me and gets angry at me for being here. I’ll be around for a few hours. If you need anything, use the phone in the room to call Clarice, and she’ll get a message to me.”
Kieren nodded, inhaling and exhaling when Frederick let go of him. “Have a good evening, Your Highness.”
Frederick chuckled. “Please call me Freddie. I’m tempted to abolish the titles if I ever become king.”
Kieren snorted. “Good luck with that.”
Freddie clapped him on the shoulder and pivoted away, disappearing into the crowd. Kieren crossed his arms over his chest and waited, watching over Patrick and Cecily until Patrick finally moved. His actions were slow but methodical, and he helped Cecily to sit upright, holding onto her until she nodded at him a few minutes later. He grabbed her clothes and dressed her, then pulled her to standing. He held onto her again, then wrapped his arms around her. When he let her go, he pressed his lips to her forehead, smiled and helped her from the stage.
Cecily gave Kieren a small smile as she disappeared, but Kieren focused on Patrick. His face appeared drawn, lines etched onto his features that hadn’t been visible beforehand.
“Patrick?” He waited until Patrick faced him, a glassy look in his eyes. “Come with me.” He held out his hand, and Patrick stared at it for several seconds before slipping his hand into it. Kieren said nothing, just tugged Patrick towards the room Freddie had pointed out.
His thumbprint opened the door, and he pulled Patrick inside, closing the door behind them. The room wasn’t huge, but it had a two-seater sofa and a double bed, plus some other furniture items. At that quick glance, Kieren chose the bed and guided Patrick towards it.
“What are you doing?” Patrick asked.
“I’m taking care of you.”
Patrick shook his head. “You don’t need to do anything. I’m fine.”
“I want to.” Plain, simple words.
Patrick lifted his gaze to Kieren’s, staring at him for an eternity before nodding once. Starting at the top of Patrick’s shirt, he unbuttoned the shirt, pulled it free of the waistband, and pushed it off his shoulders. He grabbed his hips and settled him onto the edge of the bed, kneeling in front of him and removing his shoes.
“Scoot up to the headboard.”
