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I feel like the loveseat will tip over from my trembling.
“I didn’t realize that when the preeminent Dr. Lawson was performing surgeries and teaching at World Clinic, it was you. Little Ellie.”
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I was so busy, it barely registered that you’d be there. There are so many locations. And besides, it seemed crazy to assume that little Prince Ricky would be head of a huge NGO. I figured you’re hands-off anyway.”
“I wish,” King Francis interjects.
“It’s hard to leave such important work day-to-day. I like keeping my hands busy.”
I think of how I’d like him to use those hands on me, providing a different kind of healing. Ellie, shut up.
I can feel a wave of heat seizing me, starting from below.
“I know the feeling. As I advance in my career, I just get busier because I don’t want to leave the other work behind.”
I smile and instantly glance down. But the pull of his eyes brings my head back up. I catch him smiling at me with that steady gaze. I lean back further from him, afraid of what I’d do if I get too close. And he leans in toward me.
“So are you based in Solvaria?” I ask.
“No. I never stay in one place long. I always say ‘I’m a citizen of the world.’”
My jaw drops. “Me, too. I say that all the time. I have fellowships and research, but I can do that while going around the world seeing patients.”
“I get it completely.”
We exchange smiles, and it feels like meeting a kindred spirit. No. Remeeting.
7
CEDRICK
Ihead back into my father's room once I see Ellie out the palace. My head sways back and forth to recalibrate as I walk up the grand staircase. I’m imagining Ellie making her way back to wherever she’s staying, and I could have spent all day talking to her.
Which is not common.
My father gives a wave once I’m in his chamber. “That wasn't so bad after all, now was it?”
I heave myself back into the loveseat near his bed, in the same spot she had occupied less than ten minutes ago. I lean forward and steeple my fingers.
“Could have gone worse. But that was quite unexpected. Summoning me back and springing this woman on me after I’ve already said I’m not interested.”
He holds up a palm.
“I only want to discuss calming topics. Nothing stressful. Remember that.” He positions himself against the pillows as if to find a comfy spot.
“I’ll try. But you know that’s not fair.”
“It’s not fair that I have to get old, but here we are. Where does the time go?”
I try to roll my eyes just to myself, but I don’t know if I’m pulling it off. I think about what to even say. I haven’t even sorted through my own thoughts. But I absolutely do not want to get married now, when I’m only in my twenties. That I know.
I open my eyes and look at my father. Why does he have to complicate everything? “I have a lot of concerns, Dad.”
“Such as?”
“I see her as a little sister. You know that.” I’ll see how believable it is, given how much her physical presence affected me. But I’m pretty good with poker faces. You have to be in medicine.
“Don't be a child. People fall in love with their childhood playmates every day. I’m not buying it. Did you see her? She’s beautiful.”
