Page 58 of Royal Pain

“Yes. Thought I’d give the adult thing a try. For a few days at least. Probably won’t hold.”

Why do his words bring a lump to my throat? I think it’s because once in a while I can see he’s trying to become a more responsible person. It’s never held. Maybe this time.

“That’s good, brother. I think we’re all looking closer at our own lives now that Dad is gone.” His sigh says what we both are feeling.

“Okay. I’m going for a swim,” he says abruptly.

“Yeah, good. Talk later.”

When we disconnect I pause for a moment to absorb what just happened.Is Kwai seriously considering being more than a party boy?It gives me a good feeling to think it may be happening. And then I hear an odd sound coming from the direction of the palace.

It’s just far enough away I can’t make it out. Is that screaming? No, it’s crying, wailing. It’s Mother!! I take off running. Oh God! The fastest way back is through the foliage.

The stone path winds too much around gardens of flowering bushes, plants, and trees. The branches of the smaller trees scratch my arms, and at one point I trip over the edge of a tiled bench. A three minute journey seems like three hours. The animal like wailing gets louder as I approach. What’s that? The strobing lights of police cars line the road leading to the house. My heart’s pounding so hard I think it might explode.

Then I see her. She’s clutching the arms of the Chief of Royal Security, but her body is slowly collapsing to the ground. He’s trying to keep her upright, but he’s losing the fight. Her body’s gone limp. The sound coming out of her and the anguished look on her face chills me.

“What’s happening!?” I yell, running up to where she lies crumbled.

I’ve never seen someone cry so uncontrollably, her face changed completely.

“Tell me!” I yell, bending down to her side. I take her in my arms, trying to soothe the beast I can’t see.

“Prince Zan,” the Chief’s voice is tight. “Your beloved brother, Prince Tarik, was killed in an explosion at the hospital today. There are many victims.”

The world pauses.

The words just said have no meaning.

I can’t put them together to make sense. Or any of the words coming from the security, police, and house staff that surround the fountain in front. It’s odd how all the sound has quieted. I see my mother, mouth wide, face contorted. It looks like screaming, but sounds like a whisper. It’s just background noise in this moment. I feel as if I might die.