AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Where’s my father?” James asked a nurse in desperation, his voice cracking slightly.
“Your Majesty, they’re taking care of him now. Please wait here,” she replied gently, guiding him toward a row of chairs in the waiting area.
As James sat down, he silently prayed for his father’s recovery. He couldn’t help but feel a wave of guilt wash over him. Had he been too wrapped up in his engagement with Amanda to truly appreciate the time he had with his father? James shook his head, trying to banish the negative thoughts that threatened to consume him. Right now, all that mattered was his father’s well-being.
“Stay strong, Dad,” James whispered to himself as he waited. “Please, stay strong.”
The hospital’s fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting an eerie pallor over the bustling emergency room. Doctors and nurses darted from one bed to another, barking orders and hastily scribbling notes on clipboards. The cacophony of beeping monitors and hushed whispers filled James’s ears as he anxiously wrung his hands, pacing back and forth in front of the waiting area.
“Your Majesty, please take a seat. We’ll update you as soon as we can,” a sympathetic nurse urged, her eyes full of concern for the distraught prince.
“Thank you,” James replied, forcing a smile despite his unease. He sank into a chair, the cold vinyl pressing against his legs as he tried to focus on taking deep breaths.
As he sat there, watching the chaos unfold around him, James couldn’t help but feel the weight of his newfound responsibilities bearing down on him like a crushing wave. With his father’s condition uncertain, the future of Theron now hung in the balance—and it was up to James to ensure its stability.
“Isn’t this just peachy?” he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “I never imagined I’d be planning my wedding and preparing to take the throne at the same time.”
“James?” A familiar voice cut through his thoughts, causing him to jump in surprise.
“Dr. Reynolds!” James exclaimed, recognizing the royal family’s trusted physician. “How is my father? Is he going to be okay?”
“Your father is stable for now, Your Majesty,” Dr. Reynolds said gently, his eyes searching James’s face for any signs of distress. “He had a severe heart attack, but the medical team was able to stabilize him quickly. He’s not out of the woods yet, but we’re doing everything we can.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” James whispered, relief flooding through him as he clutched his chest. But that relief was short-lived, replaced by a fresh wave of anxiety as the reality of his situation began to sink in.
“Doctor, I...I need to be honest with you,” James confessed, his voice trembling. “I’m terrified. What if I’m not ready to take on this responsibility? What if I fail Theron and my father?”
“Your Majesty, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed in times like these,” Dr. Reynolds said kindly, placing a comforting hand on James’s shoulder. “But let me remind you that you are your father’s son, and you have been raised for this very moment. Trust in yourself and in the love and support of those around you.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” James replied, taking a deep breath and nodding. As he watched the medical staff continue their tireless work, he realized that the fate of Theron now rested on his shoulders—and he couldn’t afford to let fear hold him back any longer.
“All right,” he murmured to himself, determination flaring in his eyes. “For my father and for Theron, I’ll do whatever it takes. I won’t let them down.”
IN THE DIMLY LIT HALLWAY of the hospital, James paced nervously, his heart pounding in his chest like a wild horse galloping through a storm. He finally stopped and looked up, spotting his siblings, Theodore and Eloise, rushing toward him with concerned expressions on their faces.
“James, how is Father?” Theodore said, his voice steady despite the worry etched onto his face.
“Dr. Reynolds says it’s too soon to know,” James replied, trying to keep his own voice from cracking. “But they’re doing everything they can.”
Eloise wrapped her arm around James and pulled him close, offering a comforting embrace. “We’re here for you, James,” she whispered. “Whatever you need, just say the word.”
“Thank you,” James murmured, grateful for the support of his siblings. “I don’t know what I’d do without you two.”
“Likewise, brother,” Theodore said, giving James a reassuring pat on the back. “Now, let’s go get some coffee. You look like you could use it.”
“Where’s Mom?” James asked. He knew his mother rarely left the palace, leaving most of the public appearances to him and his father. But surely she would leave to be in the hospital to find out what was happening with her husband.
“She and Amanda were meeting with the florist this afternoon. They’ll be here as soon as that’s done,” Eloise said.
As the trio walked toward the hospital’s small cafe, they passed by a television broadcasting the latest news about the king’s condition. A reporter stood outside the hospital, relaying updates to the anxious citizens of Theron.
“Breaking news from the royal family: King Albert has suffered a heart attack and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Hospital. The kingdom awaits further updates on His Majesty’s condition, as concerns over the stability of the government arise.”
“Great,” James muttered under his breath, his fingers gripping the edge of the table where they sat. “Just what I need—the entire kingdom watching my every move.”
“James, you can’t focus on that right now,” Eloise said gently, placing her hand on his. “You need to be here with us and Father.”
She was right, of course. James knew that he couldn’t let the weight of the kingdom’s expectations crush him—not when his father needed him most.
