“My privacy is very important.” I shook my head. “I’m going to take that bath and then go to bed. If Max needs me or something changes with Selene, wake me; otherwise, I’d like to sleep for a few hours.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Tabitha turned and walked over to the kitchen table without a curtsy or head bob.
It wasn’t that I needed that show of respect, nor did I really want it, but it felt odd to work with someone so new who treated me as if she’d known me forever. Selene came and went as she pleased, had a way of telling me something in a motherly fashion while still maintaining protocol. Apparently working with Tabitha was going to be a very different experience. Sighing, I shook my head and went into the room. When I shut the door I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.
My head was pounding, but it was probably from the stress. Stripping my clothes off, I made my way to the bathroom and felt my first smile in hours. The smell of lavender and the warm water went a long way to easing the tension in my neck and shoulders.
By the time the water was cold, I could barely hold my eyes open. Thankfully there was a fresh housecoat hanging on a hook from the door. I barely took the time to dry off before wrapping myself in the thick softness of the bathrobe. I shuffled to the bed and flopped onto the down comforter and was fast asleep before I realized I had closed my eyes.
It felt like it had been only moments when Max’s voice woke me. Groggily I looked at the clock in confusion. Why was he making so much noise at midnight? I scrubbed at my eyes and tucked the robe closer to my body. One leg was almost frozen because I hadn’t taken the time to climb under the blankets. Sitting up, I pulled the robe tight and looked around my temporary room. There was a small clock sitting on the bedside table and I blinked. The little red dot on the side said it was p.m., not a.m.
“For the love of all that is holy!” I jumped out of bed and dashed across the room to yank the door open. “Why did you let me sleep so late? How is Selene?”
My eyes scanned the room for Tabitha but landed on David instead. He was sitting on the small sofa with a book perched on his leg, but his eyes were trained on me. It was in that moment that I realized I was still wearing a bathrobe that was barely held shut by the loose belt.
“Good morning.” His deep voice sent goose bumps over my skin. Everything in the room seemed to disappear, and for a moment it was just the two of us staring at each other.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Hi,” Chadwick piped up from his seat at the dining room table. His laptop was open and he shot a smile over the screen. “Nice to see you too.”
“Chadwick! Why did you let me sleep so late?” I started to put my hands on my hips as I glared at him, but thought better of it. Instead I pulled my belt a little tighter and glared at my friend.
“I was instructed to let you recuperate after your trying day.” He stressed the one word in such a way that it became a language of its own.
“Where is she?” I looked around the room for Tabitha but she was nowhere to be seen.
“I believe she’s taken it upon herself to contact your appointments and reschedule. She’s also sent a message to Samantha.”
“She what?” My voice dropped to a whisper and I could feel my temper brewing just under the surface. “Why? Why would she bother Sam?”
“She just wanted to alert the princess of the unfortunate events.” Chadwick raised an eyebrow. “Of course, Sam and Alex were ready to come back to help out, but I’ve made them promise to wait until they could speak with you directly.”
“Is that why you’re here?” My eyes shot from Chadwick to David and back.
“Well, partly.” Chadwick shrugged. “David and I were worried about Selene . . . and you.” He closed his laptop gently. “And I wanted to have a talk with Tabitha about contacting my charges directly. That’s against protocol.”
“There is a protocol for who can contact Sam?” David asked from his seat. He had closed his book and was watching the exchange between Chadwick and me with interest.
“Yes. All correspondences should be delivered through me or my staff. Tabitha should know this.” Chadwick leaned back in his chair. “I’ve never said anything before, but she’s—”
“Overzealous?” I sighed. The last thing I needed right now was an assistant who couldn’t manage her job. Trying to find another that I could trust during a time like this would be nearly impossible. “I was going to call Alex today. He’s known Selene longer than I have and figured that he would want more information. There was no need for her to upset either of them on their honeymoon.”
“Especially considering how recently Sam lost her father,” David spoke up. “I know she seems tough, but she’s sensitive.”
“We know,” Chadwick and I responded at the same time.
“I forget that she’s been here for so long. It still seems weird that she is royal. You guys got to see the transformation firsthand. For me, she’ll always be the girl that got crapped on by a vulture.” David shrugged.
“Sam got crapped on by a vulture?” I laughed loudly. “Oh, now that’s a story I need to hear.”
“I’ll save it for our date.” He smiled at me and my knees went a little wobbly. It didn’t sound like he was upset about our date. “Whenever you’re ready for one, that is.”
Oh, I was ready. Until I remembered Selene and the help she would need. “It might have to be pushed back a little.”
“You two are a little disgusting, you know that?” Chadwick said. “I think I might drown in the pheromones floating around. And your scheduled interlude is not going to need to be pushed back.” Only he would be able to get away with such a comment without getting sacked. “I spoke with the doctors this morning and Selene is doing very well. She’s sleeping a lot, but they expect her to heal quickly. And if you think you’re going to be nursing her back to health, think again. I’ve seen how you cook, and your chicken noodle soup would land her back in the hospital.”
“Hey!” This time I did put one hand on my hip while I stared him down. Despite my pose, I was too happy to hear Selene was doing well to be truly offended by his jab at my cooking skills. “It’s not that bad. Okay, it’s bad, but it wouldn’t land her in the hospital. You can live on my cooking!”
“Of course.” Chadwick opened his computer back up. “If you also order takeout every night.”
David chuckled. “It can’t be that bad.”
“It’s not!” I sat down in the chair across from him.
“Oh really? Why don’t you tell him how you make macaroni and cheese?” Chadwick never looked up from whatever he was working on.
“I’m never telling Sam anything again.” I shook my head. Apparently my new sister had shared my cooking mishap.
“How do you mess up macaroni and cheese? You just boil noodles and add the cheese!” David leaned forward in his seat, a twinkle in his eye letting me know that he enjoyed seeing me shift in discomfort.
“It’s not a big deal.” I picked at the terry-cloth robe and didn’t meet his eyes. “I added the wrong stuff.”
“Oh, Catherine. Don’t lie. You didn’t add the wrong stuff. You boiled the wrong stuff.” Chadwick snorted.
“You forgot the water?”
I met David’s confused eyes and shook my head. “No. I skipped water completely and boiled the pasta in milk.” Sighing I decided to go ahead and tell the whole story. “Not only did I boil the milk, I refused to not eat my food just because it smelled weird, and ended up with food poisoning. I missed my first two days of classes.”
Chadwick was trying so hard to stifle his giggles that he ended up snorting loudly.
“But I make a mean cup of coffee.” I added in my defense.
“This is important information.” David scratched his chin. “I’ve just learned that I shouldn’t eat anything you cook; and you’re so stubborn that you would rather make yourself sick than admit defeat.”
“I’ve gotten much better at cooking.” Dav
id’s eyes shifted to over my shoulder and I turned just in time to see Chadwick touching his nose in agreement. “But yes. I am that stubborn.”
“Good to know.” David’s eyes ran over my body to where my leg peeked out from under my robe.
“I should really find some clothes.” I stood up, careful to keep the material in place.
Chadwick stood up from his seat and grabbed a bag that was hidden behind a chair. “I believe this is yours.”
“Thank you.” I took the bag and headed to my room. Before I closed the door I looked at David and then Chadwick. “How long are you two staying?”
“I’ve moved our schedule around so that David could attend some of his meetings in town.” Chadwick didn’t have to tell me why. I knew he was worried about leaving me with Tabitha. And as much as I loved having him here, Tabitha and I would be fine. We just needed to find our groove.
“Once I’m ready I’m going to the hospital. You’re welcome to come with me.” I meant the offer for both of them, but it was David I looked at when asking. “It would be nice to have a friend along.”
“I’d like that.” He flashed that charming smile and my heart picked up just a little more.
When I closed the bedroom door I caught a glimpse of my hair and makeup-free face in a mirror and frowned. I needed to do something about that and quickly. Reporters would be camped outside the hospital waiting for my arrival. Not to mention David would be with me. I was vain enough to admit that I wanted to look nice for him. So I threw my bag on the bed and got started. As a royal there were certain things expected of me, and looking nice was one of them. I enjoyed yoga pants and T-shirts as much as the next girl, but it would send the wrong image to people if I showed up to visit a beloved aide looking like I had just been to the gym.
I also didn’t want to look too professional or serious, so a suit or dress was out of the question. Instead I opted for a designer top and jacket to pair with jeans and my boots. The key to packing an emergency bag was to include pieces that would work well for different occasions and things that you could mix and match.
And if there was one thing I knew how to do, it was to look the part of a princess.
TWELVE
WITH SAM AND Alex out of the country and on a private island, the paparazzi had nothing better to do than hound me and Max. It was frustrating, but also a part of life I’d come to expect. There would always be someone wanting my picture, and there would always be another person hoping for something embarrassing.
Security had been deployed at the hospital to make sure patients were able to enter and leave as needed without being harassed. It was a sad day when you had to tell television vans to move out of the ambulance lane, but today was one of those days.
Chadwick and David had ridden in a separate car, while Tabitha, Max, and I rode together. I hadn’t been able to find time to speak with my new, temporary assistant, but I would soon.
“I think you should take a minute to address the crowd.” Tabitha flashed me a large smile. Her sweet voice made the words sound innocent, but I didn’t like being told what I should and shouldn’t do.
“I had planned on it.” I shot Max a look and he shrugged.
“Excellent. I’m sending you some key points now. Check your e-mail.”
I froze, unable to find words for a moment. I knew she was trying to be helpful, but that was a bit over the line. “Thank you, but I already know what I am going to say.”
“You should look them over, just in case. These cover every contingency or possible question.” She explained her reasoning slowly and I felt myself growing even more annoyed. I wasn’t stupid, I just didn’t need her help for this.
“Tabitha, I know you mean well, but I’ve been speaking to the media for a very long time.” I ground my teeth before continuing. “The only thing they need to know is that Selene is in good hands and making positive movement toward recovery. I’ll express our pain and sorrow at seeing such a close friend in so much pain and then walk on. Nothing else matters at this point.”
“I released a statement explaining that you saved Selene’s life in the car, so it’s well known that you were a big part of her survival. I’m sure there will be questions about what you did.”
“You what?” My voice was much louder than I had intended. Max stilled in his seat and I could see the anger working behind his eyes. “You released a statement without consulting me?”
“I didn’t want to bother you, but time was of the essence. Besides, it’s my job to do that stuff.” Tabitha cocked her head to the side. “Don’t worry, I made sure that you looked good.”
“That I looked good?” My hands shook in my lap. I was so angry I was vibrating in my seat. I’m sure she meant well, but this was inexcusable. I opened my mouth to tell her off, but Max beat me to it.
“Your job is to do what Her Royal Highness directs you to do.” Max’s deep voice cut through the car. “Your job is to make sure she’s awake at a time she sets. Your job is to follow her orders and to make prudent suggestions when the time calls for it. Your job is not to make assumptions or to do what you think is right without asking Catherine first.”
Silence filled the car and I tried to keep the shock from my face. Max was never one to mince words, but I’d never heard him correct someone so thoroughly.
“I apologize.” Tabitha frowned, her eyes going wide. “I was only trying to handle things the way Selene would.”
“Selene and I have worked together for a long time now and have a better sense of each other.” I searched for diplomatic words. “Suggesting that I saved Selene’s life is not true. It also diverts the attention from those who truly deserve the praise; like the doctors, nurses, and other staff. They are the ones who saved Selene and they are the ones who will benefit from the praise. It would instill trust from the surrounding community in their medical team. Pretending that I saved Selene will do nothing for me, but make me look as if I’m asking for a pat on the back, when all I really care about is my friend healing.” I took a deep breath. “Besides all of that, if Jameson had not walked me through it over the speakerphone, I would have had no idea what to do for Selene.”
“I see.” Tabitha adjusted her skirt and I fought the urge to shake her. She was hurt by being corrected, but if she had come to me first, all of this would have been avoided. Her chin jutted forward and her eyes took on a hard gleam.
Not only had I just responded to her mistake as kindly as possible, I was not taking out my anger on her. Despite my growing desire to do so. For a brief moment I had a mental image of Sam’s face if Tabitha had done this to her. It went a long way to cooling my anger. Watching my new sister tear her a new asshole would be satisfying. Too bad I didn’t have it in me to do it as well. All I could hope was that the media would understand that she was new to her current position and take that into consideration.
Mark was out of the car and opening my door as soon as we pulled up to the hospital. The press moved close as I exited the vehicle with Max’s help.
“Princess Catherine, how is your aide?”
“Princess, will your friend make it?”
“Highness, how does it feel to know you saved your assistant’s life?”
Taking a deep breath, I turned and pulled my sunglasses off so that the reporters would be able to see the honesty in my eyes as I responded to their questions. Max moved to stand behind me, but what was truly surprising was that David had also moved to flank me. The logical part of my mind knew that people would draw conclusions about his relationship with me, based solely on the fact he was standing near me. The emotional part of my brain simply enjoyed the fact that he was showing his support for me during a difficult time.
“The last day has been very trying for everyone involved. My dear friend Selene is still recuperating after a very serious health issue and surgery, but seems to be doing much better. All of the credit for her current situation belongs to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff that work here. I’ll never be a
ble to thank them enough.” I smiled softly, careful not to show any teeth. “I’d also like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. They mean a great deal to all of us.” I waited for a moment, while the photographers took pictures.
After a moment, Max guided me through the automatic doors and past the throngs of people that had gathered inside to see my statement. It was mainly people waiting to see doctors or waiting on family members to have their appointments. Tabitha walked beside and slightly behind me as we made our way down the hallways. She was quiet and I wasn’t sure if I cared that she was upset. No, that wasn’t true. I didn’t want her to hurt or be angry, but I also wanted her to stop trying to be Selene.
Just thinking of my longtime assistant sent a pang through my heart. The closer we got to Selene the more anxious I felt. Talking to the media didn’t make me sweat, but the worry for my friend made me feel short of breath.
There was a guard at her door, which I appreciated. Selene wasn’t royalty, but because she worked so closely with me she could easily be targeted by royal stalkers, news reporters, treasure hunters, and random nosy people. A nurse was taking notes when we walked in and motioned for us to be quiet. Selene was sleeping and I was shocked by how frail she looked lying in the hospital bed. It was painful to see and I turned around to hug Max, but bumped into David instead.
His arms didn’t hesitate as they wrapped around me, and the warmth of his chest seeped through his shirt to warm my cheek. With one hand he tucked my head under his chin and murmured reassuring words that I didn’t quite understand in his deep Southern American accent. It was sweet, though, to have him comfort me when he barely knew me.
But he was trying—trying to get to know me, even after I had hastily thrown myself at him. And I liked what I was learning about him.
Once I had myself under control I let go of David and turned to watch the nurse change the IV bag before checking Selene’s pulse.
“She’s doing really well,” the nurse told me in Lilarian.
“Will she wake?” I moved to touch her arm.
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