Page 52 of Trained Royal
“But he’ll still be by your side, won’t he?” Patrick had nothing to say to that. “He’s in love with you, you know?”
“I hope so,” Patrick whispered. “I feel the same.”
Zane sighed. “I won’t say I didn’t wish he was with someone less…exposed, but I’m glad you have each other.”
“Thank you.”
“Does this mean I need to add a plus one to Kieren’s invite?”
Patrick frowned. “Invite?”
“I’ve just returned from a holiday that turned into a honeymoon. We’re arranging a reception as soon as we can.”
“A holiday turned honeymoon?” Patrick chuckled. “Congratulations?”
Zane laughed. “Thanks. A little impromptu, but we’re happy. Should I add a plus one?”
“You better speak to Kieren about that. It might be a security problem, and I don’t want to take away from your joyous celebration.” Patrick gasped. “Not that I think I will take the limelight or anything.” He palmed his face.
Zane chuckled again. “I know what you mean. Okay, I’ll speak to Kieren about it. What’s the plan for him now?”
“He’s staying here for a few days to make sure there are no complications from the surgery. Then I’ll take him home and arrange for physical therapy and anything else he needs. It’ll be a few months before he can even consider returning to his job.”
“That’s going to be difficult for him to process,” Zane murmured.
“I’ll get him whatever help he needs. I promise.”
“I know you will. Right. I’ll leave you in peace, but could you get him to call me when he’s up to it, please?”
“Of course.”
They spoke for a few more minutes, and then Patrick ended the call. He checked if Kieren was still breathing—it was stupid because the monitors would go off if he wasn’t, but he couldn’t help it—and wrote a quick note and left it in Kieren’s hand just in case he woke before Patrick came back.
He exited the room. “I’m just fetching some tea. I’ve left a note for him, but if he calls, can you tell him I’ll only be a few minutes?” he asked Nina, the bodyguard they’d put in place for Kieren. She nodded. Patrick thanked her and wandered down the corridor to the cafe, which was on the same floor, his new bodyguard, Jade, following him.
He bought four cups of tea and headed back the way he came.
“Are you okay, Your Highness?” Jade asked.
Patrick gave a small smile. “Yes, thank you. It’s been a stressful day. And please, call me Patrick.”
“I’ll try.” She grimaced.
He knew it was ingrained in them to stick to titles, but he hated it. “I need to arrange for some clothes to be brought over. I can’t stay in this for much longer.” He chuckled, plucking at his tuxedo shirt. He’d taken off the tie and jacket hours ago.
“I believe Prince Frederick is on his way with something for you,” Jade said.
Patrick raised his eyebrows. “Oh, okay. Thanks.” He paused at the door to Kieren’s room and handed Jade and Nina a cup. “I never thought to ask, so it’s tea. I apologise if you don’t like it. I’ll get to know you better as soon as I can.”
“This is fine. Thank you for thinking of us,” Nina said.
“It’s only right. After all, you’re putting your lives on the line for us. Tea is the least I can do.”
He entered the room to see Kieren staring at him, his hand gripped around the note, sweat beading on his head. Patrick rushed forward, putting the cups on the table.
“I’m sorry. I thought I’d be back quicker than you would wake.” Patrick slipped his hand into Kieren’s and squeezed.
“It’s okay,” Kieren rasped.
