Page 38

CHAPTER 37

DECK

DOWN ONE WOMBAT.

It was an honor—and a relief—to be named Prince Regent. I was happy for Lambert. He had taken the place he’d been raised to occupy, and he was well fit for the position. In a way, I thought the commitment he’d shown to Celeste—to sacrifice his own reputation to protect her—signified his ability to put himself last. To do what needed to be done for others. And I had no doubt that Celeste would make an excellent queen.

More importantly, they were in love, just as my mother and father always had been. I thought that made a great difference in a monarchy, that those charged with responsibility for loving their people understood what love looked like in many forms, and nurtured it in their hearts and homes.

I looked for Lizzy after the ceremony, but the family was rushed out to our apartments in an abundance of caution since the mood of the people was exceedingly jubilant. We’d have time to spend together and to prepare for the festivities that evening.

Dad and Mom looked especially happy, I thought. Part of it was certainly the news they’d received from Dad’s doctors.

I still needed to update Lizzy on that development. After congratulating Lambert once again, I went to my room for a bit, eager to talk to the woman I loved. Things could finally be decided, and we could set forth our own plans for the future. I lifted my phone, confused when it began ringing before I could even unlock it.

Coach.

That was a bit of a surprise.

The Wombats had been winning. I’d followed the news online, and we’d even snuck away to watch a game on Lambert’s massive television set, but I’d found it less fun than I’d thought it would be.

Honestly? I was jealous. I was supposed to be there. Those men flying across the ice, fighting for glory? Those were my brothers too. And I missed being with them, being a part of a team. I’d told my brother my head hurt and left before the game had even ended.

It was too hard to watch, too hard to realize that they really didn’t need me.

“Hello?” I sat up straight, a reflex. I knew he couldn’t see me, but I couldn’t slouch while I was talking to Coach.

“Deck? How are you, son?”

He was still calling me “son.” That was a good sign. “Good, thanks. Looks like the team’s doing well.”

The coach made a grumbling noise on the other end of the line that sounded like agreement, but wasn’t altogether happy. “Listen, you think you’ll be back any time soon? I’ve been trying to give you time, let you work out all the… hell, I have no idea what the heck a prince needs to work out,” he said. John had texted to let me know Joey had told him the truth and he’d shared it with the coach when he’d grumbled about my absence. “The thing is, Deck, we need you here. Or else I’m gonna have to go looking for a new winger, and I’ll be honest, I don’t feel like whipping some new guy into shape. I finally got you where I wanted you…” he trailed off.

“The team looks great,” I told him. “You’ve been winning. Without me.”

“By the skin of our teeth, Deck. We need a full bench. Look, I don’t want to pressure you, but are you coming back or not?”

I didn’t have a good answer. I hadn’t sorted through all the details yet with my family or with Lizzy. If she wanted to stay here, with her mother, I wasn’t going to leave her. “I want to.” It was the only honest thing I could say. “Could you give me a little more time?”

There was more grumbling on the end of the line, and then the coach agreed. “Couple more weeks is the most we can spare. Can you keep me informed, please?”

“I will,” I promised. “I’ll let you know soon.”

The coach hung up without saying goodbye, and I found myself smiling. I never thought I’d actually miss his gruff nature, but I knew it was just his way. And I did miss it. A lot.

I tried to sort through my thoughts then, and went to speak to my parents. When we’d all agreed on a plan, I felt lighter. Now, I just needed to talk to Lizzy.