Page 54 of Trained Royal

“And to me.” Kieren glanced at Patrick, and Patrick scooted forward and grabbed his hand, making his eyes widen.

Patrick smiled. “Trust me,” he whispered. Kieren nodded, and Patrick faced Freddie. “We’re together.”

“Glad to hear it. Took you long enough.” Freddie grinned.

Patrick backhanded him. “Leave us alone.”

Freddie laughed. “It was a long time coming, Paddy. George had even picked out a new name for us, knowing it was inevitable.” He tilted his head. “Well, after I’d pointed it out, that is.”

Patrick covered his face with his free hand and groaned. “Oh, god! Is it bad?”

“It’s been worse. We will be called the ‘Thirsty Thirteen.’”

“When will he stop?”

“When no one else joins us?” Freddie raised his eyebrows, then focused on Kieren. “Welcome to the family.”

Kieren swallowed hard enough for Patrick to see the bob of his Adam’s apple. “Thanks.”

“Brett came to see us earlier and told us what was happening with Charles,” Patrick said, trying to divert Freddie’s attention.

With a knowing glint in his eye, Freddie nodded. “Commissioner Thomas was still interviewing Charles when I last heard, but Aunt Charlotte had been on the phone several times to him and Father.”

“She called your father?” Patrick gaped.

“Yes. I can’t believe it myself. After everything she’s done, and after Father practically disowning her, at least privately, she called him, telling him to get Charles out.”

“I’m assuming he declined.”

“He just said no and hung up on her.” Freddie snorted.

Patrick gasped. “He did what?”

“I bet she’s causing havoc at the station. She wouldn’t go down there because the media are all over the place with them arresting Charles publicly.”

“I can imagine. I’ve not checked the news or anything,” Patrick said.

“It’s not pretty. For Charles, anyway.”

“Good. It might do him some good to have a stressful time of it,” Patrick said. He glanced at Kieren when he yawned. “Are you doing okay?”

“A little tired, but I’m good.”

Freddie rose. “I’ll leave you to get some rest.”

“You don’t need to. You can visit while I sleep. I don’t mind,” Kieren said.

Freddie glanced at Patrick, then back again. “Are you sure?”

Kieren nodded. “I’ll still sleep.”

Freddie resumed his seat. “If we disturb you, let me know, and I’ll come back later.”

Patrick stood and leaned over Kieren, whispering, “Sleep, sweetheart. I’ll be here when you wake.” He pressed their mouths together briefly, then brushed his hand over his head and sat again, retaining Kieren’s hand. “How are things with Damon? I’ve not had the chance to speak to you properly about it.”

Freddie sighed. “Well, we spent those few days together, but it was exactly what Damon said it was. We were in meetings for the most part. I don’t know, Paddy. Something’s not right.”

“You need to talk to him. Really talk to him, Freddie. If something’s wrong, he might need help.”