Page 60 of Trained Royal

And maybe it did.

Kieren had a feeling he was going to need Patrick to ground him in the days to come, and he hated being a burden.

“We’re here, sweetheart,” Patrick murmured.

Kieren blinked several times, groggy from having fallen asleep. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, having to let go of Patrick to do it. The sight of Bagshot Park had never been as welcomed as it was right then. Jade and Nina climbed out of the car, then Patrick did, and Kieren slid over the seat to get out of the same door. Patrick helped him to stand and then threaded their fingers together.

“Okay?” Patrick asked.

“Yep.” His legs were a little wobbly, but nothing he couldn’t stop with locked knees.

Princess Victoria exited the building and came to them. She kissed Patrick’s cheek and turned to Kieren.

“I have many things to thank you for. I would like to welcome you into the family officially and want to let you know that if you need anything, anything at all, just let one of us know. You’re one of us now. And we take care of our own.”

She carefully wrapped him in her arms, rubbing a hand up and down his back. That was what broke him. He hadn’t had this maternal caring in so long that it came as a shock. His body shut down, and it was only Patrick’s strength that stopped him from taking Victoria to the ground with him.

“Oh, my sweet boy. I’m here. We’re all here.”

****

Chapter 18

Patrick

When Kieren broke down in his mother’s arms, Patrick felt like crying, too. After a brief stop at Kieren’s room to get him freshened up, Patrick guided him down the hallways to the dining room. As they walked, Patrick commented, “I’ve just realised. We can’t hold hands properly.”

Kieren glanced down at their bodies, then frowned. “Shit, we’ve both hurt our left arms. No matter which way we stand, we can’t.” He shook his head. “We should’ve planned this better.”

Patrick cracked up. “I know a solution, though.” He took Kieren’s right hand in his own right hand and took it up over his head until Kieren’s arm was around his shoulders, and they linked their hands at Patrick’s collarbone. “I can snuggle into you at the same time.”

He was much happier now Kieren was back home, where he belonged. The hospital was excellent in that they looked after him, but it wasn’t as good or as comfortable as being home. And it wasn’t even Patrick that had been in there.

Patrick paused them a few steps away from the dining room. “Are you okay with this? I know you had reservations, to begin with.”

Kieren quirked his mouth. “It’s fine. I suppose it’s a bit easier because I have met them all before, just not as your boyf—” He stopped.

“My boyfriend?” Patrick finished. “Because that’s what you are. At least, I hope you are.”

Kieren lowered his mouth to Patrick’s, kissing him soundly. “I want that. I just didn’t want to presume.”

“Presume away,” Patrick said, stealing another kiss.

“Ewww! Don’t be doing that here! Gross!”

Patrick glanced over his shoulder. “As if you don’t do this, Your Highness.”

George grinned. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” He waved his hand. “Come on. We’re waiting.”

They followed his cousin into the dining room, which was more crowded than it usually was. The five immediate family members that had adorned the seats during his childhood had morphed into a lot more as they’d grown.

“Happy birthday, Henry,” Patrick said, hugging his brother.

“Thanks. I’m glad you’re here. I wasn’t sure if they would let Kieren out in time.” Henry turned to Kieren. “I’m glad you made it.” Henry pulled him in for a hug carefully.

Kieren seemed taken aback but returned the hug. “Happy birthday, Your—” He swallowed and pulled back. “Happy birthday, Henry.” He winced.

Patrick laughed. “It’ll get easier. I promise. Your present is in my room. I’ll grab it for you in a bit, if that’s okay?”