Page 52 of The Prince Falls First
It was risky, he knew it. Even as his worry for Genevieve clouded his judgement, he knew being seen was a risk. But he had to know. He’d deal with the fallout if he were recognized.
The hospital administrator who had met them as they arrived had confirmed Genevieve was hurt but not as seriously as Miss Kaur, and was now leading them towards the intensive care unit.
The administrator stopped in front of two swinging doors. “The waiting room for family members is just inside to the left. Per your request, we’ll see about moving Miss Kaur if the doctor allows it.”
“Thank you.” Gabriel pushed the door marked “IN”. A slight gust of air brushed against his face as he stepped through and he took in the area around him. A large circular nurses station was up ahead, patient rooms just beyond. Washrooms to the right, and the waiting room to the left. He peeked inside first and his heart jumped, then dropped.
She was there. She was safe.
He put a hand over his heart as he repeated those words to himself.
Yet, she was also alone. He could see the Kaurs with what must be their extended family taking up the majority of the room. But Genevieve had no family. She was sitting in a corner, bandages on her hands and smaller ones on her face, her hands holding two purses tightly.
She looked so sad and alone.
He took a deep breath, pasting on his ‘formal face’, and stepped inside, timing it when families of other people were distracted by the television in the room.
Mr. Kaur noticed him first and stood. “Your?—”
He shook his head. “Please, no formalities here. I don’t want my presence to distract. I heard about the accident and wanted to come by and offer my personal support. How is she?”
“Thank you, Your…Thank you. She’s come out of surgery but they still don’t know. They don’t know.”
Mrs. Kaur started crying again.
“I’m very sorry. I’ve asked the hospital to check with the doctor if she might be moved to the Royal Wing, where you might have some more privacy.”
Mr. Kaur pressed his lips together and nodded, emotion heavy in his eyes. “Thank you.”
“Please let me know if I can do anything else to assist you. I’m going to check on Miss Ruffin as well.”
He walked slowly to Genevieve but she didn’t notice until he sat down next to her.
She blinked a few times, frowning. “Are you really here or am I seeing things again?”
He glanced around, then reached for her hand and kissed it. “I’m here, my dear. How are you?”
She must have been dazed because she didn’t pull her hand away. “Okay?”
“What did the doctor say?”
“I didn’t really ask to see one. They put bandages on me but that was it.”
“What? Why not?”
She turned her head away, and he came to a quick conclusion.
“Your mother?”
Her voice grew even quieter. “We don’t have the money to deal with hospital bills.”
For fuck’s sake. When he became king, he was going to implement fully covered healthcare for everyone, even if that was the last thing he did. “Come with me.”
He started to rise, tugging her with him, but she pulled back, shaking her head. “Sam…I need to stay.”
“She’s only just come out of surgery. They won’t know anything yet, but we need to check if you’re okay, my love.”
The endearment had just slipped out but he’d meant it. That she didn’t react to that either told him something was wrong with her. “Let’s go.”
