Page 15 of Trained Royal

“We shouldn’t—”

“I don’t care,” he said more forcefully than he intended if Kieren’s expression was any indication. He inhaled. “Sorry. If you don’t want to go, that’s fine, but I’m going. I need…” He wasn’t sure what he needed, but he needed something.

Kieren nodded. Whether that was in agreement to join him or just that he understood what Patrick was saying, he didn’t know. Maybe it was the release of endorphins that impact play gave him that he needed. He was willing to try anything because playing his musical instruments wasn’t cutting it.

Patrick wandered off to say goodbye to everyone. It was earlier than he’d planned to leave, but not early enough to be rude. Besides, his family knew him well.

He found Christian first. “Hey, I need to head off. Happy birthday and congratulations.” He pulled him into a hug.

“Thanks for being here.” Christian held his shoulders and stared at him. “Are you okay?”

Patrick smiled. “I’m good. Just a little tired.”

Christian placed his forefinger under Patrick’s chin and lifted slightly, raising his eyebrow. “You know where we are, all right?”

“Yes. Wherever there’s trouble.” He laughed with Christian. “Will you say goodbye to Oscar for me? I’m going to find the others before I go.”

“Will do.”

Patrick made his goodbyes to each of his cousins, but his brother wouldn’t let him leave without an inquisition.

“Where are you going?” Henry asked.

Patrick sighed. He had never been able to outright lie to his family. Divert the topic and smudge some details, yes. Lie, no. “I’m going to the club.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“No. You stay here. Enjoy the party. I’ll be fine on my own.”

“I’ll be with him, Your Highness. You don’t need to worry,” Kieren said from behind him. Patrick’s heart missed a beat, and his stomach started with butterflies.

Henry wanted to argue, but he nodded. “As long as you call me when you get home. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

Patrick shook his head. “I won’t call you, but I will send you a message. I’m not purposefully waking you to tell you to go back to sleep again.”

“Fine, but don’t forget, or I’ll be waking you.”

“Deal.” He hugged him and turned to leave.

“Kieren,” Henry said. Patrick glanced over his shoulder as Henry murmured, but not quietly enough, “Keep an eye on him, please.”

Kieren gave a nod and followed Patrick through the remaining guests until they reached the entrance, which Kieren held open to allow Patrick to exit. The night had a slight breeze, which brought a chill to the air, but it was refreshing after being cooped up inside for so long. Patrick inhaled and exhaled as he wandered towards his car.

“Kieren, leaving the premises,” Kieren said into his earpiece, then paused. “Understood.” He pulled the earpiece out and slipped it into his pocket.

He glanced at him. “Are you okay to leave?”

Kieren nodded. “Yes. I spoke with Brett before I came to find you.”

Patrick unlocked the car and climbed into the driver’s seat, starting the engine while Kieren made himself comfortable. They said nothing for the first part of the journey, though Kieren’s fingers were never still. He tapped each fingertip on his thumb, over and over again, while looking out of the window.

“Are you sure about this?” Patrick asked finally.

“I’ll join you, but I won’t take part in anything.”

“Watching is just as good as taking part sometimes.”

Silence descended again, and thoughts of what he planned to do when they got to the club distracted Patrick. When he pulled into the underground car park, he stopped the car and glanced at Kieren.