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“Of course, Your Majesty. It’s an honor to take care of King Albert.” Nurse Hathaway’s eyes sparkled as she smiled. “He’s always been a kind and just ruler, and we all want to see him back on his feet.”
“Thank you,” James repeated, feeling tears prick at the corners of his eyes. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. “It’s just...I don’t know what I would do without him.”
“Your father has raised a strong and capable son,” Nurse Hathaway assured him, her gaze steady and reassuring. “You will be able to face whatever challenges come your way. But I have to admit, there is something comforting about him leading our country. No one wants to see you become king before your time.”
James smiled. “I’ve been receiving notes and letters from people all over the kingdom, telling me that they are praying for him. It feels so good to have the whole nation at my back.” Except for the would-be assassin, he told himself. “Thank you for your kindness, Nurse Hathaway,” James whispered, touched by her words.
“Think nothing of it, Your Majesty,” she replied with a slight bow before excusing herself to attend to her other patients.
A gentle, floral scent wafted through the air as Amanda entered King Albert’s room with a bouquet of freshly picked flowers. James looked up from his father’s bedside and his face lit up at the sight of her.
“Hey, you,” he greeted warmly, taking in her radiant smile and the colorful blooms in her hands. “You didn’t have to bring flowers.”
“Of course, I did!” Amanda countered, placing the bouquet on the side table. “Nothing brightens up a room like fresh flowers.” She turned to King Albert, who was propped up against a pile of pillows. “How are you feeling today, Your Majesty?”
“Better than yesterday, thank you,” King Albert replied, his voice weak but steady. “It seems I have an excellent medical team looking after me.”
“Indeed, you do,” Amanda agreed, sitting down next to James. She leaned in conspiratorially, whispering loud enough for them both to hear, “I heard a rumor that they’ve got the world’s best Jell-O here. How does one even become the best at making Jell-O?”
King Albert chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Well, there must be some secret recipe involved. Perhaps it’s an ancient royal tradition passed down through the generations.”
“Ah, that must be it,” Amanda nodded sagely, giving James a playful wink. He couldn’t help but laugh along with them, grateful for the light-hearted banter that lifted the heavy atmosphere in the room.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been able to spend more time with you leading up to the wedding.”
“Your mother and I are doing a fine job of planning it. Do you think you’ll still be able to take off for a two-week honeymoon?”
“I think we can. I’m looking forward to it,” James said. “Are you sure I can go? Even with all my royal responsibilities?” James asked, his brow furrowing in concern.
“Especially with all the royal responsibilities,” Amanda replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “After all, who wouldn’t want to help decide on the best Jell-O recipe for the kingdom?”
“Speaking of which,” King Albert interjected, a teasing glint in his eye, “I do believe there’s a cake tasting scheduled for later today. You two should make sure you save some room for dessert.”
“Ah, yes! The great cake debate,” Amanda exclaimed with mock seriousness. “Your Majesty, we promise not to let you down in our quest for the perfect cake.”
“I appreciate that,” King Albert responded. “I’m waiting rather impatiently for that wedding reception.”
“Always,” she promised, giving his hand another squeeze as they shared a tender moment amidst the laughter and light-heartedness that filled the room. Together, they knew they could build a bright future for themselves and their kingdom.
The sun filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over King Albert’s recovery room. James sat in a plush armchair next to his father’s bed, his eyes scanning over the neatly stacked get-well cards and bouquets that adorned the room. He felt an odd mix of gratitude and determination, knowing he had a duty not only to his father but also to his kingdom.
“James, I must say, I’m impressed by your commitment,” King Albert remarked, his voice sounding stronger than the previous day. “You’ve barely left my side since the surgery.”
“Father, it’s the least I can do,” James replied earnestly, his eyes meeting the king’s. “I want to be there for you during your recovery, just as you’ve always been there for me. Although it’s not easy to take care of the business of running a kingdom from a hospital room.”
King Albert smiled fondly at his son, clearly touched by his words. “Thank you, James. Your dedication means a great deal to me.”
James nodded, his resolve to support his father growing even stronger.
“Excuse me, Your Highness,” a nurse said as she entered the room, carrying a clipboard in her hands. “We need to go over some of your post-operative care instructions before you’re discharged.”
“Of course,” King Albert replied, motioning for her to join them.
As the nurse went over the details, James listened attentively, taking mental notes on how best to help his father during his recovery. He knew he couldn’t do everything himself, but he was determined to play an active role in easing the king’s transition back to full health. Thankfully, there would be a private nurse doing most of the work.
“James, don’t forget that you have Amanda and your family to lean on,” King Albert reminded him gently, sensing his son’s growing determination. “You don’t have to do this all by yourself.”
“Thank you, Father,” James acknowledged, feeling a swell of gratitude for his father’s wisdom.
