Page 81 of Bitter Lies

Chapter 31

Isabel

A loud noise startles me, and I jolt upright, my eyes darting around the dimly lit hospital room. The nurse from before stands on the other side of my grandmother’s bed, looking rather guilty.

Holding up a large water bottle, she frowns. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s fine.” Blinking off the haze, I turn to the clock on the wall and notice the time. “I need to get going, anyway. Why hasn’t she wakened yet?”

Setting the bottle back on her cart, her attention shifts to the IV. “It’s hard to tell. Your grandmother’s body was probably exhausted. I doubt she’s been sleeping like she should.”

“Makes sense.”

As I collect my belongings, I tell her where I’m going and who’ll be with my grandmother. “Aiden should be back in a few hours. I’ll return as soon as I can. I’m hoping my leave gets approved and kicks in right away. If not, I’ll call and update the staff.”

“That won’t be a problem. I’m sure your husband can handle things until you return.” She gives me a side-eye, looking mischievous. “He looks like a man who can handle anything thrown his way. You included.”

I should correct her—tell her he’s not my husband—but if I do, they won’t let him back in.

“He’s more than capable.” My gaze settles on my grandmother’s sleeping form, and I bite my lip. “She may not remember him. Or she might mistake him for someone else. Earlier, she thought I was five and believed he was one of my guards.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “One of your what?”

Not everyone knows my brother. Our country is small enough that we can still go places without drawing attention, so I’m not surprised she doesn’t recognize me.

“My guards.” Extending a hand, I offer her my polite royal smile. “I’m Princess Isabel of Hermosa Islas. King Antonio’s baby sister. Have you heard of him?”

“Shut the fuck up!” she says a little louder than I believe she meant to, then covers her mouth. “Seriously?”

“Yes.” It comes out in a laugh.

When she hesitates and pulls her hand back, I step forward and take it. “I know it’s considered taboo here in England to shake a royal’s hand, but in my country, we don’t bother with those silly rules.”

Her hand trembles slightly in mine as she regains her composure. “I know who King Antonio is. I’ve followed his story since he shocked the world and married an American. So, you’re his baby sister? I don’t think I’ve seen many pictures of you.”

“You wouldn’t have. Antonio kept a tight lid on any getting out. We have strict laws against tabloids and unsolicited attention toward anyone under the age of eighteen.”

When she releases my hand, I fold both in front of me.

“And when my niece, Princess Nicolette, was born, they lost interest in me rather quickly. The future queen tends to draw more attention—especially when she’ll become our first ruling queen.”

“She has big shoes to fill. What is she now? Seventeen?” She reaches for something on her cart and gets back to checking my grandmother’s vitals. “When will she take over the throne?”

“Yes, she’s seventeen. She has a couple of years before university.” I watch her closely as she slips the blood pressure cuff onto Gram’s frail arm. “They haven’t decided when she’ll reign yet. Traditionally, it’s been handed down to the heir apparent or, in her case, the heiress apparent somewhere near their thirtieth birthday. My brother became king shortly after he turned twenty-five, because of King Ramon’s unexpected passing.”

A heavy silence settles between us, filled with words neither of us say. It’s no secret how the king died, leaving me without both my parents. It’s old news and not something I care to talk about.

“Sounds like your family has a plan, though. I’m sure when it happens, your brother will have made sure she’s well prepared.” She listens with her stethoscope, then makes a few adjustments to the machine while Grams sleeps.

Needing to steer the conversation away from my family, I say, “She might not remember Aiden. Or be confused about who he is.”

“I’ll let the staff know in case that happens. We’re used to that around here, unfortunately.” She grabs a tablet and begins typing.

“Has she asked about my grandfather?”

“I’m not sure.”

“If she does, could you not tell her he’s… gone? I think it would be better if it came from me. It might confuse her, and I’d rather be around to help her understand.”