Page 25 of Trained Royal
“True. Maybe we can ask Uncle Andrew tomorrow.”
Freddie was quiet again. “Do you know what? Let’s get everyone together on Monday evening, including Damon, and go through everything. I know you said you were feeling out of the loop, but we’ll go through everything. I’ll get Father to come as well if he can. Maybe we can get to the bottom of it without making you take over where you don’t want to.” He chuckled.
“I don’t mind at all. You know that.”
“Not minding doing it and not wanting to do it are two different things.”
“Are they?” Patrick feigned ignorance. “I’ll let you get back to your work.”
“I’m not working. I’m reading.”
“Reading about something regarding work?” Freddie stayed silent, and Patrick laughed. “It’s still work, no matter how you couch it.” He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. “You need to rest, Freddie.”
“I try. There’s just so much…” He didn’t finish, and he didn’t need to. With everything that was going on with their family at the moment, it was a surprise any of them slept anymore.
“I know.”
When they finally ended the call, both were tired, which Patrick took as a good sign, at least for Freddie. As for himself, he wanted to lose himself in the land of his dreams, but the problem with that was that it hurt all the more when he woke the following morning. In his dreams, he could have everything he wanted. In reality, life was throwing more hurdles his way than someone taking part in the Olympics.
All he wanted was to protect his family, but that seemed less likely than ever. Despite his training, he would never be at the stage where his ability was of any use. Especially if he cancelled their training sessions because he couldn’t stand not being able to be in the same room as the man he wanted in his bed and not have him.
Life wasn’t fair.
****
Chapter 8
Kieren
When Charles started talking to Patrick at the club and stopped him from leaving, it took everything in Kieren not to intervene. Not only as his bodyguard but as his…whatever Kieren was pretending wasn’t happening. He had seen Patrick trembling under the pressure of the conversation, but Kieren wouldn’t do anything to make Patrick look weaker than he was, even if that meant keeping quiet. But he hated every minute.
He’d wanted to talk in the car because he’d looked worried, but Patrick hadn’t given much response. Leaving him in the hallway when Patrick had snapped at him had been the last thing he wanted to do, but Patrick would’ve beaten himself up if his temper had got the better of him and he’d hurled words he hadn’t wanted to, and Kieren refused to let him do that. It was the only reason he’d walked away.
He hadn’t gone far, and as soon as Patrick had shut himself in the music room, Kieren crept back and listened at the door. The haunting song had him holding back tears, and he wished he could go to him. Lifting his head, he stared at the handle. Freddie had given them permission of sorts, and after what they’d been through at the club, could Kieren allow himself to give in to how he felt? He wasn’t sure he was brave enough.
Resting his forehead against the door for a moment, he closed his eyes and wished for courage. Just not for tonight. He pivoted away and headed for his rooms.
“Kieren.”
He whirled around at his name and paused. “Yes, Your Highness?”
Princess Victoria, Patrick’s mother and Kieren’s employer, closed the distance between them, stopping outside the music room and staring at it with pain in her blue eyes—the same blue as Patrick’s. “He’s hurting.” Kieren didn’t reply, not knowing what to say. “I’ve tried everything I can think of to help him, but nothing works. He just locks himself away and ‘plays’ his pain.” She transferred her gaze to Kieren. “What can I do?”
Kieren’s heart broke for more than one reason. She was hurting because her son was in pain, and Kieren wished he had someone who cared that much for him. It was selfish, but he’d missed out on much by losing his family. He cleared his throat.
“I don’t know, Your Highness. I know it’s not my job, but I’m trying to figure that out, too.”
She sighed as the notes changed and rose, eliciting a sense of happiness in the air, but Kieren knew it wouldn’t last. “We all feel helpless, but he seems to be taking it harder than I expected. Do you know why?” Kieren had an idea, but he wasn’t sure it was his place to say. “Please. If there’s anything I can do to help him…”
Kieren stared at the music room door. “He feels weak like he can’t be of any help in this fight. It’s why we…” He stopped. Patrick hadn’t told his parents about his training.
“It’s why you’re training him.” Victoria gave a small smile. “I have my sources.”
He blew out a breath. “I apologise if I shouldn’t have agreed, but I didn’t know what else to do.”
She waved her hand. “You’re not in trouble. If my son needs to train to feel better about the situation, then let him. God knows I haven’t been of much help.” She sighed again. “I usually have more instincts to go on with these things, but this time…I feel as lost as everyone else.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry to have kept you. Thank you for what you’re doing. Whatever he needs, if it’s within your power and will help, give it to him. And pass that on to your colleagues, too. Times are fraught with uncertainty, and we need to keep those on our side as close as we can. I believe it’s only together we can fight my sister.”
Kieren made sure he kept his expression neutral at her words. As the music grew sombre, Victoria placed a hand on her stomach, nodded and retraced her earlier steps. He watched her go, wishing he could do more. He needed to speak with Brett. There had to be something. He wouldn’t interrupt him tonight, and tomorrow was Sunday, so he’d wait until their Monday morning meeting.
