Page 26 of Trained Royal
He slept like shit and felt even worse when he woke to find Patrick had left the house without him. It didn’t matter that he was only visiting Windsor. He was still supposed to have a guard with him. When he’d spoken to Brett briefly, explaining what had happened, his boss had assured him it was okay—Patrick was with Freddie, who had guards on him constantly. It didn’t alleviate his worry and, if he was being honest with himself, his anger. If Patrick didn’t want him around, that was fine, but to risk his own life just because they were on an out wasn’t good. They would be having words later.
He spent several hours in the gym, working his body to exhaustion, hoping to get rid of all the tension before he saw Patrick again.
But Patrick didn’t return. He stayed at Windsor all day and overnight. Kieren had next to no sleep again, but as he dressed for his journey to Windsor, he knew there was no chance of him falling asleep during the day. His body was strung tight, and he was on edge. All because he hadn’t seen Patrick for over twenty-four hours. Because he didn’t know where Patrick’s head was at. Because they hadn’t talked through what had happened the other night. It was ridiculous.
He put a set of workout clothes in a bag to take with him. Depending on what Patrick’s plans were that day, he might get the opportunity to train Patrick or just get a workout himself. Checking he had everything he needed, he strode through Bagshot Park and to the car he’d been given as part of his job. He didn’t know if Patrick planned on going into the office that day, and until he knew for certain, he’d take his own car, and they could call for a driver if and when he decided.
The car was a sleek, black machine that probably cost twice as much as his annual salary, but it was a nice drive. He showed his ID at the gate to Windsor and parked in a vacant spot. He left his bag in the car for the time being and headed for Randall’s office.
Randall was the king’s personal assistant and the head of the household staff. He kept everything running smoothly and often appeared to know what he needed before he asked for it.
Kieren knocked on his door and entered when asked. “Morning, Randall. I just wanted to drop in to let you know I was on the premises, and if Prince Patrick needs to go anywhere, I will be with Brett for the morning meeting.”
“That’s great. Thanks for letting me know. I’ve already arranged for a suit for him if he goes straight to work from here, and a car is on call ready for if you need it.”
“On top of things as always, I see.”Kieren grinned.
“I hope so.Too many balls in the air to drop any.” Randall chuckled. “If you need to see Patrick, he’s with Douglas.”
“Thank you, but I think I’ll leave them to it unless he needs me.”
“Understood. I’ll let the guards know to call if Patrick tries to leave without you.” Randall smirked.
Kieren felt his cheeks heat. “That would be much appreciated. Have a good day, Randall.”
“You, too, sir.”
Kieren trailed down the corridors and hallways until he reached the wing of the castle that held the security team’s base of operations. It was just as grand as the rest of the property, but it was easier to ignore due to the sheer number of computers and gadgets the room held. Not to mention the number of people.
“Kieren! You made it,” Brett said, coming over and clapping him on the shoulder.
“Morning. How is everything?”
“All running smoothly, though we’ll go over that in the meeting. What’s on your mind?” Kieren raised his eyebrows, and Brett chuckled. “I know you. I can tell when something’s bothering you.”
He sighed. “We have to do something, Brett. We can’t keep living in the stasis of not knowing. Something’s got to give.”
Brett sighed. “I know. Even though we’re just the bodyguards, we’ve been working with everyone involved and trying to help how we can. It’s crazy how organised it all seems to be. So many leads heading to dead ends.”
Kieren frowned. “Almost like busy work.”
Brett’s forehead creased as he stared at him, then his eyes widened. “As if they’re trying to keep us busy…”
“So we don’t see whatever’s coming next. Fuck.”
Brett shook his head. “I’ve never seen anything like this, Kieren. And you know how long I’ve been in security.”
“I need that list.”
Brett stared at him. “You don’t have clearance.”
Kieren rubbed his hands over his face. “Can you get me it?”
Brett’s jaw clenched. “I don’t know. I’ll try.”
Kieren nodded. “Okay.
“Brett!” He lifted his head when Felix called. “Christian called. They’re ready to go as soon as we’re finished here.”
