15. Chapter 15
~ELLIE~
“ Y our Highnesses, we’ll be landing in thirty minutes.”
The voice of our pilot over the speaker system sounds tinny. I don’t reply. Callum reaches over on his chair and presses a button.
“Thank you, Richard,” he says.
Callum’s never nervous. At least, I’ve never seen him that way in all of my almost twenty-six years. He’s as sure of himself as anyone I know.
But he’s nervous now. He’s been fidgeting in his seat, checking the time, and muttering to himself during the whole flight.
It’s very unlike him.
We’re all worried.
After the call from the palace last evening, I called my father’s direct line, but it was my brother, Frederick, who answered.
“What’s happening?” I asked.
“I’d rather you and Callum got here first, and then we can have a family meeting together.”
“Where’s Sebastian?”
“He and Nina are also on their way.”
I swallowed hard. Freddy sounded tired. “Is he gone?”
“No. Just get here, Eleanor.”
And with that, he hung up. We left Montana first thing this morning.
Liam stayed with me last night. He held me, and even though neither of us spoke about it, we knew that our special time together was at its end.
I’m worried about my father, and I’m sad at the same time. I feel selfish for the emotion, but I can’t help it.
Since boarding the plane, Liam has resumed the role of my security detail. He’s been on the phone with someone at the palace, and then in conversation with David.
He’s barely looked my way.
He certainly hasn’t touched me.
Which, if I’m being level-headed, is the right thing to do. My brother and his security are with us, not to mention two pilots and a flight attendant.
But I already miss him. I need him to hold my hand and reassure me. To be here with me as my lover and friend, not only as my bodyguard.
London rises below us, and within minutes, we’re safely on the ground. We taxi to our hangar, and Callum and David deboard the plane ahead of us.
Before we follow, Liam pulls me aside and into his arms for a strong hug. It almost takes my breath away.
“I needed this.”
“Are you okay, babe?” He rubs circles on my back. He can soothe me with just a simple touch, and I realize that it’s this, right here, that I’m sad about. I’m not ready to lose it.
“No,” I whisper and swallow hard, wishing we could freeze time and stay right here for an hour or two. But I know we can’t. “I want to know what in the bloody hell is going on with my father, and I already miss you.”
I hadn’t intended to say those last few words, but they tumbled out all the same. And I’m too much of a mess to be sorry for it.
“I’m right here,” he replies softly before kissing my forehead. “Phillip is still on leave with his newborn, so you’re stuck with me for a while yet.”
“That’s not what I meant.” But I’m relieved. Phillip does a wonderful job, but I’m not ready to be separated from Liam yet. Once he goes back to Montana, I don’t know when I’ll get to see him again.
“I know. We’ll talk later, I promise. Let’s go find out what’s going on.”
Once we’re in our cars—Liam and I in one, and Callum and David in the other—we set off for the palace.
The family is at an estate that we’ve visited many times over the years, not far from the airport, although it feels like it takes hours to get there. Finally, we pull through the gates and stop next to a back door. I don’t wait for anyone to open the car door for me. I hurry around the bonnet and inside, where Frederick and his wife, Anne, are waiting for us.
“Where is he?” I demand. Callum joins us and sets his hand on my shoulder.
“He’s resting,” Anne says. Her eyes are tired. Freddy looks exhausted, as well. “Your mother’s with him.”
“And Sebastian?” Callum asks.
“They just arrived,” Freddy says and holds his arms out for me. I walk into them and hug him tightly. “It’s going to be okay, little one.”
“You’ve scared us all.”
“Trust me, we’ve all been scared. Come into the parlor, and I’ll fill you all in. Sebastian and Nina are waiting for us.”
We walk through the ancient home to a large parlor that’s already set up for afternoon tea, which I decline.
I hurry to Sebastian and hug him, then Nina. I see Liam out of the corner of my eye where he stands with David, Nick, and the other members of security across the room. They murmur to each other, and then his brown eyes shoot to mine.
This isn’t going to be good news.
“Okay, we’re all here,” Sebastian says impatiently, refusing to sit down. “Talk to us.”
Freddy swallows hard. “Last night at about eleven, Father fell in the bathroom. He’d had a shower and was dressed for bed. We think he just finished brushing his teeth and was about to walk into the bedroom. Mum heard him fall.”
“He hit his head,” Anne continues, holding Freddy’s hand as she talks. “On the edge of the vanity.”
“Oh, my,” Nina whispers, covering her mouth.
“Of course, the medical staff was called right in. He has quite a bruise on the left side of his head, and he required a few stitches. The doctor says he has a mild concussion.”
“Why did he fall?” Sebastian asks.
“Heart attack.”
I blink, not sure I understand.
“Pardon me?” Callum says.
“He had a heart attack,” Freddy repeats. “It wasn’t a massive one, and after an angioplasty and a stent, he shouldn’t need additional surgery. He will, however, have to change some of his lifestyle habits, including his diet and exercise, but he’s going to make a full recovery.”
“He’s been resting comfortably,” Anne continues. “Your mother hasn’t left his side, bless her heart.”
“Has this gone out to the press?” Sebastian asks as he paces the room.
“No,” Freddy says. “We’re going to give it a day or so before we release any statements. I don’t want to give false information.”
“Good idea,” Nina says with a nod.
“When can I see him?” I stand, ready to run up to the bedroom right now.
“You can see him now.”
I spin at my mother’s voice and hurry to her, wrapping her in my arms. She cradles me close and kisses my cheek.
“Oh, my darling girl.”
“I’m so sorry, Mum.”
“He’s going to be okay.” She kisses my forehead and pulls back, pasting a fake smile on her lovely face. “But I’m so glad all of my children are here. And your father will be happy, too.”
“I’m going up,” I announce and hurry up the stairs, moving down the hall and into his room. A nurse tries to stop me, but I ignore her, searching for my father.
“Well, hello.”
I feel tears well at the sound of his weak voice. I hurry over, sit near his hip, and take his hand. My father has never been one for big displays of affection, but I don’t care.
He could have died.
“You’ve given us all quite a fright.” I sniff as he reaches up to catch a tear.
“There’s no need for tears, poppet.”
“Yes, there is a need for tears,” I say and collapse onto his chest. “What would I do if you left me? You’re a young man.”
“I’m in my sixties, Eleanor.”
“Young,” I insist. “You need to take care of yourself.”
“I’ve already heard your country needs you .”
“Blast the country,” I say, impatience rolling through me. “This isn’t about duty. Not this time. Your family needs you, Father.”
“I’m not going anywhere, darling.”
He holds me for a long moment, just like he did when I was a child, despite having wires connected to him, and an IV in his arm.
“I love you, Daddy.”
I haven’t called him Daddy in years. He was never fond of the term, he thought it was too casual.
But he doesn’t scoff or reprimand me. He simply kisses my head and pats my back.
“I love you too, poppet.”
“I’ve told him twice that he shouldn’t go,” Mum says as I help her decide which tiara to wear to the state dinner tonight.
I’ve been home for a week, and each day, Father has grown stronger and healthier.
But we all agree that he should sit this one out.
Of course, he’s stubborn and refuses to send his regards.
Mum reaches for the Queen Victoria tiara, and I nod. This has always been her favorite, and it fits her well.
As an unmarried woman, I can’t wear a tiara to an official event. But I already have a favorite.
The Cartier Halo tiara is one that’s always drawn my eye. Of course, when the time comes, it will be up to the Crown which tiaras I’m given to wear. Upon my death, they’ll be returned to the vault for future generations of royals.
I help Mum fit the tiara on her head, and she smiles at me. “It looks like we’re ready. You look lovely, darling.”
I glance down at my sequined green dress and smile. It’s a mermaid silhouette that hugs my curves but doesn’t show too much skin.
It’s skirting the line of appropriate for a member of the royal family, but Mum didn’t say anything, so I assume it will work for tonight.
This is an annual dinner the palace puts on each year for the heads of state from all over the world. Everyone from the President of the United States to the Prime Minister of Israel will be here.
And Father is determined to attend, as if he didn’t just have a heart attack last week.
Of course, he’s not about to show weakness in front of the world’s most powerful leaders. And, part of me understands that, of course.
But I wish he’d have had more time to heal.
Mother and I are escorted upstairs to the family parlor, where the rest of the family is waiting.
My sisters-in-law, Nina and Anne, look lovely in their dresses and tiaras. And my brothers are handsome in their tuxedos.
“I must say, we’re an attractive family,” Mum says with a smile. She takes Father’s hand, and he kisses her cheek.
“They take after you,” he says and gives her a wink. “Let’s go meet our guests, shall we?”
Our security is very much present but discreet. Liam is also in a tux and sticks close to me, but I don’t get to walk with him on my arm, or include him as my guest.
I haven’t told my family about our relationship yet. It’s not that I’m embarrassed, I’m wary.
What if they don’t approve?
I’d rather keep our affair to myself and enjoy it, than have it pulled out from under me.
The family is introduced as we enter the room, and we greet each of the guests.
Finally, we sit and have a meal, which is always the easiest part of the evening because I can really only talk to the people on either side of me.
I’m fantastic at small talk, after many years of coaching. But I hate it.
And once we’re finished with our dinner, we mingle.
This is the part I don’t love. It’s boring to me, and inevitably, someone asks about my relationship status or tries to introduce me to someone appropriate.
“Ellie.”
I turn at the sound of my name and smile at Gretchen, a woman I don’t know well, but who walks in the same circles of society that I do.
I don’t trust Gretchen as far as I can throw her, which isn’t far. She loves to gossip, and when the mood strikes, she’s happy to show her claws.
“Hello, Gretchen.”
“It’s lovely to see you.”
We exchange air kisses and offer fake smiles.
“And you.”
“Oh, your necklace is just beautiful,” she says. “Is that the Queen Mary?”
“It is.”
Gretchen knows a lot about royal jewelry. She’d hoped to marry one of my brothers so she could wear it herself. Sebastian was always her favorite, and she was beyond miffed when he married Nina last year.
She still has her eye on Callum.
“So, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in quite some time.”
“I’m doing well, thank you. I was in Montana for a few weeks until recently.”
“Well, that would explain it then, wouldn’t it? I was so sorry to hear about you and Beauregard separating.”
“There wasn’t much to separate.” I reach for a flute of champagne, taking it off a serving platter. I’ll need a few of these if I’m to speak with this woman for long. “He and I weren’t ever really together.”
“I must have misunderstood.” She clutches her pearls and tries her best to look contrite, but it’s all an act. “I beg your pardon.”
I nod and sip my champagne, ready to move on. Liam’s about six feet behind me and can hear every word of every conversation. I’d rather not talk about other men that I may or may not have been seeing when he’s within earshot.
But Gretchen isn’t finished.
“So, are you seeing someone new, then?” she asks.
“No.” The answer is short and curt. “I’ve been in Montana, Gretchen. Of course, I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, don’t despair, darling. Someone will come along.”
“Why on earth would I despair? I’m young, famous, and rich. I have nothing to worry about.”
I wink at her and walk away, leaving her to open and close her mouth like a fish out of water.
My comment was tactless, but I was sick of listening to her. And how dare she pretend to pity me?
I absolutely will not stand for that.
I take a deep breath and continue around the room, chatting with some of the world’s most important people while keeping an eye on my father.
He’s starting to fade. His face is pale.
He should go to bed.
But he might have me beheaded if I recommend it in front of all of these people. He even refused to allow a press statement to be released on his behalf.
He said that he’s fine now, and there’s no need to worry the citizens.
As much as I love him, my father is as stubborn as they come.
“How are you, sweet girl?” Nina asks as she sidles up next to me.
“Tired.” I smile over at her. “How was your trip to Africa?”
“The best trip I’ve taken in a long time. I got to see an elephant being born. I’ll never forget it.”
“I’m glad.”
“How long have you and Liam had this thing going on?”
I frown and glance over my shoulder. Liam is scanning the room, pretending that he didn’t hear Nina’s question.
He heard it.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure.” She grins and nudges me with her elbow. “You may be discreet, but I can feel the sexual tension from across the room.”
“I haven’t even spoken to him since I came into the bloody room.”
“But you haven’t seen the way he looks at you,” she says softly. “If you ever need to talk about it, I’m here. Sebastian and I will be here for another couple of weeks.”
“Thanks.”
She nods and walks over to where Sebastian stands. She slips her arm through his, and they stare lovingly at each other.
What would it feel like to have that kind of freedom with Liam? To not feel that I have to keep how I feel about him to myself?
Bloody great, that’s how it would feel.
And why shouldn’t I have that? Liam’s a wonderful man. I’ll speak with my mother later about him.
That decided, I feel lighter as I survey the room. My father has just finished posing for a group photo with all of the heads of state, and some are starting to filter out, giving the king their best wishes before they go.
Despite his health, my father will be the last to leave this party.
I want to stay and keep an eye on him, and it seems I’m not the only one. Sebastian, Freddy, and Callum are all nearby, as well.
We’re a family unit, keeping vigil around our father.
Just as it should be.