Page 27 of Royal Love
I shrug. “Here and there.”
“Liar,” she says, but there’s affection in her voice.
“Lia, I don’t think?—”
“Since when does the King of Haldonia worry about hospital protocol?” She opens her arms up to me. “I’ll sleep better with your arms around me.”
It’s all the invitation I need. I carefully pull her to me, mindful of the IV in her arm, and she nestles against me with a contented sigh. I press a kiss to her temple, breathing in the scent of her hair, and for the first time since she collapsed, I feel the knot of fear in my chest begin to loosen.
“Parker will have a fit if he finds us like this,” I murmur against her hair.
She laughs softly. “Let him. Even he wouldn’t dare separate us.”
I finally drift off to the steady rhythm of her breathing, waking only when the nurses come to check on her, holding my breath each time until they confirm that everything is still stable.
Morning brings Dr. Bennett, who reviews Lia’s chart with an approving nod. “Your blood pressure is back to normal, and all your other labs look good, Your Majesty,” she tells Lia. “I think we can discharge you today, provided you follow my instructions about rest.”
“She will,” I say before Lia can respond. “I’ll personally see to it.”
Dr. Bennett smiles, turning to me. “I’m sure you will, Your Majesty. I want her on bed rest for the next three days, limited activity for the week after that, and then we’ll reassess. Sheneeds to stay hydrated, keep her stress levels low, and rest.” He gives Lia a pointed look. “That means delegating some of your charitable work, ma’am.”
Lia opens her mouth to protest, but I squeeze her hand. “We’ll make it happen,” I promise.
Two hours later, after signing discharge papers and navigating through the hospital with Parker creating a security bubble around us, we’re in the car heading back to the palace. Lia leans against me, looking exhausted just from the short journey from her room to the car.
“Kate called while you were getting dressed,” I tell her, my arm around her shoulders. “She’s rescheduled all my appointments for the next three days.”
Lia looks up at me, surprised. “Tristan, you don’t have to?—”
“Yes, I do.” My tone leaves no room for argument. “The country can survive without me for a few days. You and our child are what matter most to me.”
“But the education reform bill?—”
“Will still be there next week.” I press my lips to her forehead. “Nothing is more important than you. Nothing.”
She relaxes against me, too tired to argue further, and I silently thank whatever gods might be listening that she’s not fighting me on this. The thought of returning to meetings and royal duties while she recovers alone is unbearable.
At the palace, I carry her from the car to our private apartments despite her protests that she can walk. Parker follows discreetly behind, his eyes constantly scanning for threats, though he says nothing about my breach of royal protocol. Even he knows better than to get between me and Lia right now.
Shannon meets us at the door to our suite, her face lined with worry. “Your Majesties, I’ve had the staff prepare?—”
“Thank you, Shannon,” I cut her off gently. “Can you please ensure we’re not disturbed for the rest of the day unless it’s an emergency? And have some light food sent up in about an hour?”
“Of course, sir.” She steps aside, allowing me to carry Lia into our bedroom.
Once I’ve settled Lia in our bed, propped up against pillows, I sit beside her, taking her hands in mine. “What do you need? Anything at all?”
She smiles softly, reaching up to touch my face. “Just you. You look exhausted, Tristan.”
“I’m fine.” I catch her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “I need to make a statement to the public. They’ve been worried about you.”
“You haven’t made one yet?”
I shake my head. “Parker’s been handling the press. I wanted to wait until I had good news to share.” I don’t tell her about the hours I spent pacing in the hospital corridor, praying to a God I’m not sure I believe in, making bargains with the universe to keep her and our baby safe.
“Go,” she says, squeezing my hand. “Make your statement and then come back to me. I’m not going anywhere.”
I hesitate, reluctant to leave her side even for a moment.
