Page 153 of Rags to Royals

I pull her into a hug. “And you’re going to come with me.”

“Well, Henry said that was a condition of him sending the plane.”

I grin as I’m hugging her, so she can’t see it.

I don’t think the British bodyguard is quite done with my sister no matter what she might think.

Chapter 34

Cian

We’ve been in Cara for nearly two hours by the time everyone has arrived, settled in their rooms, and had a chance to see my grandmother. The king is sleeping, and the doctor asks us not to go in to see him. At the moment he is stable, however.

We’re now all finally gathered in the most comfortable sitting room where there is enough space for all of us. It is a less formal room where the family never entertains, yet the high, arched ceilings, ornate trim, polished floor with the expensive rug, and the antique furnishings still screamRoyal Palace!

Additional couches and chairs have been brought in by staff, a long table is laid out with food and drink, and everyone is trying their best to relax and just chat.

But we were all just here together a little less than two weeks ago for a truly joyous occasion and the difference between that and this is stark.

I’m trying to eat, though I don’t feel hungry, and I’m watching Torin across the room. My brother looks haggard. I’msure the last several hours have been a lot for him. He will be the new king much sooner than he expected and that’s hitting him on top of the emotions around possibly losing our grandfather.

Of course, we all hope Torin’s coronation will occur because Diarmuid steps down to take better care of his health rather than because Caramusthave a new king, but none of us can shake that real possibility. I’m sure Torin is no exception.

I watch as Abi comes to his side and Torin wraps his arm around her, almost seeming relieved. His expression relaxes and he leans into her. She says something softly for his ears only, and he even manages a smile before pressing a kiss to her temple.

My heart aches watching them. I am so damned happy my brother has her. And it makes me miss Scarlett with an intensity that surprises me.

“Hey.”

I look to my right and give Astrid a smile. I knew she and her family would be here. Linnea and Jonah arrived about an hour before we did. Astrid and her brother, Alex, were already here as well.

“Hey, how are you?” I ask.

We both stand looking at the room full of family.

“Um…okay,” she says. “How about you? I’m so sorry about Diarmuid.”

I nod. Astrid and her family are close enough to mine that I’m sure this feels almost like her own grandfather had a heart attack. That’s how we all felt when Alfred got sick at the end and when he passed. “Me too. I…don’t know why, but I didn’t expect this.”

She smiles sadly. “Me either. I think it’s because he’s larger-than-life. I know he’s had three other heart attacks, but they were like nothing happened. He was up and around practically the next day. I can’t imagine anything short of a bolt of lightning from Heaven itself could actually take him down.”

I laugh softly. “I think that’s exactly it.”

Astrid turns to face me. “So, have you had a chance to think about anything else? Like maybe you’ve come up with a plan?” she asks. “I’m worried about the king, of course. But I’ll be honest. I’m freaking out.”

I shake my head. “A plan?” But a trickle of trepidation snakes down my spine. “For what?”

“They haven’t talked to you?”

“Who?”

“Your grandmother. Or mine.”

“I’ve talked to both of them,” I say. “But only about my trip to get here and my grandfather’s health.”

“Great,” she says. “So they’re hoping to not give us enough warning.”

“Warning for wh?—”

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