His Royal Regret: Royals of Lochland Book 2 Page 14

  I walked next to Meg while the group followed behind us. I could hear cameras clicking and prayed it would all go smoothly and the press would accept that David, Serena, and Vanessa were friends visiting and not dig deeper. Only time would tell.

  I went through the motions of giving a short speech before the president of the hospital then together we cut the red ribbon with comically large scissors. A few reporters called out questions but I only took two before thanking them for coming. I didn’t want to give them the opportunity to get personal. Luckily, both questions were related to the renovation so we were off and out of their sight without complication.

  “Can we meet the children?” Serena asked, looking hopeful.

  I glanced at Meg who nodded. “We can stop and see a few, but it’s not visiting hours.”

  “Thank you.”

  Meg walked away and found a nurse who seemed overwhelmed and nervous to be talking to us. “This is the head nurse, Kelly.”

  Kelly smiled and bowed before staring at me, then Aiden then Isla. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  I nodded. “The pleasure is ours. We greatly appreciate what you do for the children here.”

  “Oh, thank you, your—”

  I cut her off. “Cian.”

  She beamed. “Of course. It’s quiet time for the kids, but I know someone who would love to meet you guys.”

  We followed her down the hall and to a room with a crown and unicorns decorating the door. Kelly opened it. “Hi Avery, I have some people that would like to meet you.”

  I stepped into the room and the young girl lying on the bed tried to sit up but cringed and fell back. My heart immediately snapped in two. She was so tiny, so frail. Her hair was gone and I could see her veins through her skin, but her smile could have lit up all of Ballivaughn.

  “Prince Cian?” Her tiny, weak voice barely reached us.

  I walked forward until I was next to her. I reached out and took her hand in mine. “Hello, Princess Avery. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Her eyes widened and she gazed around the room. “Prince Aiden? Princess Isla? Am I dreaming?”

  I laughed and shook my head. “Absolutely not. We wanted to come say hello.”

  My brother and sister stepped forward, and Isla bent over to hug the little girl. “I’m so happy to meet you, Princess Avery.”

  She blushed. “I'm not a princess. You are.”

  Isla shook her head. “I do believe I know a princess when I see one. There’s a crown on your door and everything.”

  Avery giggled then eyed Aiden. “Hi.”

  She was suddenly so shy. I had to cover my laugh. She obviously had a favorite prince. Aiden winked at her. “Hello, my princess.”

  I turned to Serena and saw her wiping away tears. Charlie had her phone out taking pictures or videos. Aiden began talking to Avery while I moved back to Kelly. “She’s very sick, isn’t she?”

  Kelly nodded, looking pained. “She’s not responding to treatments. Doctors think she has a week, maybe less. Her little body has been fighting for a long time. I think she’s tired.”

  I had to turn away. It wasn’t fair. A beautiful girl like her should have a long, full life of love and laughter. I wanted to do something, anything to help. “Are there other treatments? Trials?”

  Kelly shook her head. “Not for her form of cancer. It’s too aggressive. Avery’s been here for three of her four years. She’s at peace with it.”

  It wasn’t right. No child should be at peace with their untimely death. I peered at Avery, beaming up at Aiden like he was the sun and stars and moon. “Does she have something she wants that she hasn’t had?”

  Kelly smiled. “She said she wanted to be a princess, so I think this is as close as we can get.”

  I frowned. It wasn’t enough. I needed to do more.

  Serena joined me with tear filled eyes and a sad smile. “She just asked Aiden if he’ll make her a princess.”

  I turned around. “Then there will be a coronation.”

  Kelly seemed surprised. “She can’t leave her bed.”

  “So, we’ll bring the coronation to her.”

  Serena nodded. “I’ll see what we can gather.”

  She hurried away grabbing David and Vanessa on her way out of the room. I moved back to Avery. “I hear there is a princess to be crowned?”

  Aiden nodded and looked down at Avery. “We’re going to make you an official princess.”

  Avery’s eyes widen. “I’m going to be a real princess?”

  It would be as real as I could make it.

  Serena and her siblings returned just a few minutes later each with their hands full. She moved to Avery and handed her a small bouquet of white and pink flowers. “For the princess.”

  Avery was amazed as she held them in her hands. Vanessa stepped forward with a piece of lace fabric that she twisted into a dainty crown. She placed it on Avery’s head and positioned it so it flowed around her.

  Avery giggled and David held out a plate with several slices of cake stacked on top of each other. “And your princess cake.”

  “It’s beautiful!” Avery said with a reverent voice.

  “Alright, let’s have your fellow princesses on this side, and the princes on this side.” I directed everyone around the bed and stood at the foot so I could officiate.

  I took Avery’s small in mine and started. “Avery, do you promise to be truthful and good and always kind?”

  Avery smiled. “I do.”

  “Do you promise to love your country and your family?”

  She nodded. “I do!”

  I removed my pin of the Lochland flag and pinned it to her pink pajamas. Avery gasped like this truly made it official.

  I smiled at her before turning to the rest of the room. “I present to you, Avery, Princess of Lochland.”

  Avery dropped her flowers and clapped.

  Aiden bent over and kissed the top of her head. “Congratulations Princess.”

  There were several sniffs and I looked around to tears in everyone’s eyes. Kelly mouthed thank you and I nodded. I wish there was more I could do, but fulfilling Avery’s dream was the best I could come up with on a whim..

  “It’s time to rest now, Princess Avery,” Kelly said softly.

  Avery didn’t put up a fight. I could tell she was fatigued. We’d caused too much excitement and tired her out.

  “Goodbye princess,” I whispered then walked out with Serena.

  She wiped at her eye. “That was so perfect. You just made her dreams come true.”

  I bit my cheek to keep my emotions at bay. “I wish there was more I could do.”

  She tugged on my hand. “Sometimes you can’t. All you can do is make them smile and forget for a little while. You definitely did that.”

  I pulled her in, holding her close. “I want to do more. I understand why you feel so tied to the hospital and shelter. I want to be doing more for them.”

  She tilted her head up. “Then let’s do it.”

  I didn’t want to read too much into her choice of words, but it made my mood lift to the sky. Maybe she was thinking there was a future for us. Maybe there was a chance.

  Once everyone else had joined us, we walked back to the elevator and down to the waiting car. The mood was somber. We were each lost in our own thoughts, and it remained quiet until we were close to the palace.

  “That was wonderful,” Isla said, glancing around. “Thank you, guys, for coming.” Do you have plans for the rest of the day?”

  Serena met my eyes. “I don’t think so.”

  I widened my eyes at Aiden who seemed to pick up on my begging. “I was actually wondering if you guys would like to join us…for…”He shared a panicked look with Charlie.

  “A ride on the lake,” Charlie blurted out then immediately reddened. There were no boats to take out on the lake. She’d never been out on it either. Where that idea came from was a mystery.

  Aiden nodded like she wasn’t insane. “Doe
s that sound good?”

  Serena nodded, and Vanessa smiled. “Sure.”

  I let them continue to discuss the nonexistent boats and turned to Serena. “I was wondering if you’d like to spend the rest of the day with me. I’d like to show you the city.”

  She froze, glancing at Vanessas who widened her eyes. She peered back up at me and gave a shy smile. “Sure.”

  I couldn’t wait to have her to myself, but it would require a few measures to be taken to give us the privacy we needed and the ability to move through the city without the risk of being spotted.

  “How do you feel about motorcycles?” I asked, with what I hoped was a devilish grin.

  19

  Serena

  Part of me hoped he was joking. There was no way his security would let him take off by himself on a motorcycle. It was too much of a risk. Right?

  When we got back to the palace and headed up the stairs, he grabbed my hand. “Did you bring any pants?” He asked with a twinkle in his eye. He wasn’t joking. We were doing this.

  “Um...yeah.”

  “Good. I’ll have Isla bring you a jacket. Meet me back here when you’re ready.”

  I nodded and turned down the hallway toward my room, in a bit of a daze. I’d only been in Lochland for a handful of hours and my emotions had been pulled, twisted, wrung, and stretched. I went from crying in a hospital room at the bed of a beautiful little girl to getting ready for a ride through the city.

  I opened my door. Amazingly, I got the right one at first try. I’d memorized the paintings on either side of it so I knew which one was mine out of about twenty on this side of the hall. From my suitcase, I pulled out a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt, and my Converse sneakers. I wished I had a cuter, motorcycle outfit but this was not something I could have planned for. I quickly changed, tucked my hair into a braid, and hung up my dress. A knock sounded and I called for them to come in.

  “Hi, I was told you’d need this.” Isla came in, still in her blue dress from the hospital, holding up a black leather jacket. It was boxier and sturdier than a jacket just meant for fashion.

  I took it from her and felt the thick shoulders.

  “It’s got a bit more protection than a normal jacket,” she confirmed.

  “Thanks.” I sighed out the word.

  “Are you nervous?”

  I nodded. “Not only about riding. I’m sure Cian’s a great rider, but won’t it be dangerous for him to be out on his own? What if someone follows us?”

  She shrugged. “Don’t worry. Cian’s never alone. You’ll be trailed from a safe distance. Security will only get closer if they feel there’s a threat.”

  Of course. I should have realized that. “Oh. That’s good.”

  She winked. “You’ll have privacy, but if you need anything, they won’t be far away.”

  Her words made me feel better. Cian was the next in line for the throne. I knew that came with risks and pressure. I’d been naïve to think we’d go off on our own.

  I slid the jacket on and looked to her for approval.

  She beamed. “Perfect.” She turned and I followed her out of the room and down the hall. Cian was waiting for us at the top of the stairs. He smiled when he saw us.

  “You look ready to ride,” he said, gazing with undisguised admiration at my outfit.

  I smiled and eyed his clothes that almost matched mine. My shoes were white while his were black.

  “You two have fun, and be safe.” Isla blew a kiss and walked down the stairs leaving us alone.

  “Ready?” He offered his hand but I paused.

  “I’ve never been on a motorcycle before, so take it easy on me.”

  His expression turned serious and he placed his hands on my shoulders. “I would never do anything to endanger you. I promise I’ll always keep you safe. If you’re not comfortable with this, I can have Lewis prepare a car.”

  His concern melted my heart. I knew he would keep me safe, but knowing he would change his plans for me put me at ease. I shouldn’t have been surprised by his offer, but it meant a lot to me.

  “No, I want to see the city from your perspective.”

  His expression relaxed. I was glad I could give him a chance to cut loose. “Let’s go.”

  I followed him down the stairs and outside where an all-black motorcycle was waiting. It wasn’t the type I was hoping for. The ones that covered the highways back home, where you sat up. Nope, this was one meant for speed. It looked like something out of a secret agent movie. He’d have to lean forward to reach the handles which meant I’d be basically lying on his back. No holding onto his belt loops.

  He casually walked up and threw a leg over, straddling the machine and watching me. “I’ll hold it steady so you can climb on.”

  I frowned at the small leather seat meant for me and cringed. This was it. I put my hands on his shoulders and swung my leg over scooting myself onto the seat, although my feet no longer reached the ground.

  “Put your feet here, and here.” He pointed to two, tiny pegs. I followed his instructions and found myself sliding down closer to him.

  “Sorry, I’m slipping.”

  He laughed. “You’re fine. Keep your legs tight around me and when we turn, don’t try to fight it. Lean into it with me.”

  I nodded then realized he couldn’t see me. “Okay.”

  “This is for you.” He passed me an all-black helmet. I slid it on and flipped the black visor down. He put his on at the same time.

  “Make sure you clip the chin strap.”

  I heard his voice as loud and clear as if we were talking face to face without two helmets between us.

  “Okay. Wow. How can I hear you?”

  He chuckled. “Bluetooth mics.”

  Right. Of course. That would make perfect sense.

  “You ready?” His low voice soothed my nerves.

  “I think so.”

  “Just put your arms around me, and hold on. If you want me to stop at any point let me know.”

  I didn’t need another invitation to hold him. “I will.”

  With that confirmation, he started the bike and the vibrations quickly made my legs go numb. I focused on pressing them against him and holding onto his waist as we left the palace grounds and turned onto the main road to Ballivaughn were the hospital had been.

  The first turn made me tense and try to stay upright, but I remembered Cian’s warning and followed his lead. After a few more blocks I felt like I was getting the hang of it.

  His voice came on. “This is the church my cousin got married in just a few weeks ago. It was Charlie’s first public outing with Aiden.”

  I turned to the impressive church and gasped. It was a classic, stone Gothic with intricate stained-glass windows. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

  “It is. Most members of the royal family get married at Christ Cathedral in Tarramore, but I always wanted to get married here.”

  That shouldn’t have made my heart race, but it did. I could see us walking out the large, wooden doors together as husband and wife.

  I blinked away that mental image before I got too carried away. “That would be a dream.”

  We sped past street after street of colorful buildings, each different from the one next to it. Hand-painted signs swung over each business. It felt like a fairytale. The more I saw the more I wanted to see. It was like an addiction had formed. I couldn’t get enough of this enchanting city. It was like a page from a storybook.

  People lined the sidewalks, something you rarely saw in Los Angeles. Flags waved from the second and third story windows adding color to the already vibrant scene. There seemed to be activity everywhere I looked. Part of me wanted to ask Cian to slow down, to even stop so I could take it all in, but I knew that wasn’t the safest option for either of us. Maybe tomorrow I could come back with Vanessa and David.

  After about thirty minutes of driving and Cian pointing out his favorite shops, pubs, and locations from his youth, he turned around to hea
d back the way we came.

  “Are we already done?”

  “No, but I thought you might be hungry.”

  He was right, and I hadn’t even realized it.

  “We’re going back to the palace?” I tried to hide the disappointment from my voice but knew I’d failed.

  “Not yet, love. I’m taking you to my favorite pub first.”

  My heart rate peaked. “Is that safe? What if you get recognized?”

  We’d be mobbed within minutes of arriving. The locals might be used to seeing royals out and about, but this was a major city packed with tourists. As soon as word got out things would get dangerous.

  “I have a place.”

  I didn’t ask more questions. He turned down a small side street and stopped in front of a black metal door. “You get off first, I’ll hold it steady for you.”

  I leaned over to get one foot on the ground then swung my other leg over and hopped back. My legs felt like jelly so I put a hand on the brick wall to steady myself while unbuckling the helmet with the other.

  “Do you need help?”

  Cian already had his off and resting on the bike. I nodded and he slipped his fingers under my chin, expertly releasing the buckle and sliding the helmet off for me. He placed it next to his then smiled. “I’m going to smooth your hair a bit.”

  I cringed. I didn’t want to know how I looked right now. He ran his palms over my hair, flattening the undeniable flyaways and making my heart race at his proximity. When his eyes met mine, I couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you.”

  He bent down and placed a feather-light kiss on my lips then pulled back. “Thank you for today.”

  Speechless and still buzzing from the feel of his lips, I nodded. This just made his smile grow. He reached behind me and pulled open the metal door. “After you.”

  I turned and walked through the door that led to a darkened hall.

  “Straight down the hall.” I followed his instructions and pushed back the black curtain that revealed a dimly lit pub with only a few customers.

  “Ey! Cian.” A gruff voice called out, saying his name like ‘keen’.