Page 14 of The Prodigal Prince

She shook her head. She’d been watching too many news magazines.

Mac walked at her side as they followed the king and queen to another conference room. Gabe was nowhere to be seen.

“We have some news,” the security member said as they took their seats. “Tinsley has been found. She’s being taken to the hospital as a precaution. You’ll be able to see her soon.”

It only took a second for what he didn’t say to sink in. “Gray wasn’t with her?”

He shook his head. “No. Just Tinsley. We haven’t had a chance to talk to her yet, but officers have been dispatched and will meet her at the hospital to find out what she knows.”

“Bring her here.” King Edward’s voice rang with authority. “Bring her to the hospital suite here. Unless she’s severely injured, they should be able to monitor her in the palace.”

An aide left the room, already placing a call on his phone.

Fear constricted her heart again. She hadn’t forgotten Gray’s kidnapping, but had been slightly distracted by everything with Mac. With her focus squarely back on Gray, the fear returned.

Only worse.

Now sheknewGray didn’t have his beloved nanny with him to comfort and protect him.

Would this nightmare ever end?

Or would it continue for eternity?

The aide returned. “She’s on her way here.”

Fiona played with the ear of the bear. “When can I see her?”

“After my physician has looked her over,” King Edward said. “It won’t be long.”

Another aide walked into the room. “The press has caught wind of the story. There’s never been any confirmation that Ms. Westgate has a child, but the photos someone leaked a little while ago, along with the speculation about the kidnapping will be hitting the internet and airwaves shortly.”

“Then what do we do?” Earlier, they’d said she wouldn’t be asked to give a statement to the public unless word leaked out. Now that it had, would she be expected to stand in front of a bank of cameras and plead for her son’s life?

“A press conference is being called in an hour,” the aide told her. “Queen Esmeralda is unable to attend personally, but she would like to make a statement claiming the child as her nephew and promising that the full force of two countries will be brought to bear until he’s found.”

Nodding took all of her effort. It made sense. Fiona had never met the queen before. Just Mac.

She glanced his direction to see him sitting with his head bowed. His eyes were closed. Could he be praying? Or simply trying to bolster himself before his inevitable reunion with his sister?

Conversation continued to swirl around her, but Fiona couldn’t concentrate. She’d say what they told her to, do what they asked of her, but she might do it all on autopilot.

Before long, they were taken to an area outside of the room where the king typically held his press conferences.

She could hear the din of voices talking over one another from where she stood. Would Mac see his sister prior to this? Or would their reunion be public? If so, would they be able to keep their emotions from getting the best of them?

The king’s press officer came to stand next to Fiona. In quiet tones, he told her what she’d need to do and say.

She wouldn’t let go of the stuffed bear. She also wouldn’t lean on Mac like she might have if they were a conventional couple rather than a parent and the one who walked away.

Except she found herself wanting to. Wanting to have him as her partner rather than her adversary.

Earlier, alone as they waited, he’d simply wrapped his arms around her and held her to him. Comforted her without blame or questions he knew she couldn’t answer.

He hadn’t approached her this time. Rather, he hung back as though he didn’t know where he should be.

Alternately looking awkward and sad, he didn’t exude the confidence and charm she remembered from the scattered weeks they’d spent together. The last years had tempered him, it seemed.

“Do you have any questions, ma’am?” The aide brought Fiona’s attention back where it needed to be.

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