Page 55 of Trained Royal
“He won’t talk to me. I’ve tried.”
“Try again. Or do you want me to try?”
Freddie shook his head. “I honestly don’t know. I feel…out of sorts.”
Patrick knew how he felt. It was easy to see on his face and something Patrick could understand. It was also plain to see how uneasy Freddie was. It made Patrick believe his cousin and best friend were on a journey neither expected nor prepared for. At least on Freddie’s side.
They spoke for a while longer until Freddie made his excuses. Patrick hated seeing him like that. He’d arrange for them all to get together again and cheer him up. He needed to speak to Mav or Randall to get a date when all their calendars allowed. It was getting harder and harder as they gained more responsibilities.
Hopefully, Charles would let some information free, and they could take Aunt Charlotte down once and for all. It was all he could wish for.
****
It had taken some talking from Timothy before Kieren felt comfortable letting Patrick out of his sight the following day. Nina had stayed outside Kieren’s room, and Jade had followed him when he wandered down the corridors and to the exit. He’d told Kieren he was going home for a short time to see his parents, but he’d be back in a couple of hours. Timothy had agreed to stay until he returned.
Jade sat in the front seat of the car—Kieren’s usual seat—and Patrick felt adrift not having the man with him. It was a strange sensation. He wasn’t sure if Kieren had realised that as they were now in a relationship, he would have a guard himself. Or maybe they would just give them one guard between them. Patrick wasn’t sure.
The journey wasn’t long as his parents were meeting him at Clarence House instead of home because he hadn’t wanted to be too far from Kieren. When they stopped outside the large white house, Jade jumped out and opened the door for him. He nodded his thanks and headed straight inside.
Clarence House was home to Uncle William and Aunt Lou and two of Patrick’s cousins, Louis and Helena, and their partners. Uncle William was the image of Uncle Andrew, and they were of the same minds when it came to a lot of things, which had helped considerably when things with Aunt Charlotte began getting worse. Uncle William had supported Uncle Andrew in his decision and had helped several of them through tough times.
“Patrick!” His mother came towards him, holding out her arms, and for the first time in a long time, he buried his head in her neck and clung to her. His entire body trembled as he tried to withhold his emotions. “My dear, dear boy.” She stroked his head, and Patrick breathed in her perfume as deeply as he could, letting it soothe him.
“I love him, Mother.”
“I know you do, sweetheart. I can see it. I’ve seen it for a long time. Everything will be fine. I’ve already prepared your father for another addition to the family.” She chuckled, making Patrick smile.
He lifted his head, and Victoria wiped her thumbs under his eyes, catching his tears. “Thank you,” he whispered.
“You don’t have to thank me for anything. I’m glad he was there. I can’t even think about what the outcome might have been if he hadn’t been close. I owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.”
“He won’t accept it. He’ll say it was all part of his job.”
Victoria winked. “You’re more than a job to him.”
“I know, but he’s proud of his job. He needs to protect those he cares about, especially after everything that happened to him.”
“We’ll all be here to help him. Whatever he needs will be given without question. He’s family, and you know what family means.” She raised her eyebrows.
“Everything,” he murmured.
“Exactly. Unless he proves to be a loose cannon like someone we know, he’ll be fine.” She slid her arm into his and tugged him towards the living area. “William has been chomping at the bit to talk to you about everything, but tell him to mind his own business if you don’t feel like talking. He can take it.”
Patrick chuckled, the smile staying on his face as he greeted his family.
“I hear I have a new son to welcome to the family,” his father said.
Patrick ducked his head, his cheeks heating. “Yes, Father. He’s amazing.”
Patrick Senior threw his head back and laughed. “I know he is, son. You wouldn’t have chosen him if he wasn’t. Plus, I know him, remember?”
“Come sit down, Patrick,” Lou said. “You must be tired after such a tedious couple of days.”
“Thank you. It has been trying to say the least. Kieren is doing well. The doctors say there haven’t been any complications, and they’re pleased with his progress. I’m taking that as a huge win. Kieren doesn’t want to be in there any longer than he has to, though.”
“Understandable. Having someone poke and prod at them throughout the night must be annoying,” William said. “Congratulations, Patrick, and send them to Kieren, too.”
“Thank you, Uncle.”
