Page 80 of Trained Royal

“It’s what I went to university for,” Kieren admitted.

“What? I didn’t know you’d been to university.”

“I didn’t finish because…” Kieren swallowed. “Afterwards, I chose security and worked my way through the various aspects of the job until I landed here.” He pulled Patrick closer to him. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“Me either.” Patrick closed his eyes and snuggled his head beneath Kieren’s chin, resting his hand over his heart.

“Knock, knock!”

Patrick chuckled at Henry’s announcement. “Come on in!” he called back, not moving from his spot.

The door opened to admit his brother. “Good afternoon, brothers. How fare thee?”

“Good, thanks,” Patrick replied. “Has Robert finally kicked you out of the shop?”

Henry frowned and straightened. “No.”

“That’s a yes, then.”

His brother settled on the sofa opposite, his eyes dropping to the drawings. “My word.” He reached for one, hesitating and glancing at them. Patrick lifted his head and asked Kieren without asking him. Kieren nodded at Henry, who picked up the drawing of Kieren’s parents. “This is magnificent. Who did them? I’d love to get someone to draw one of these of Robert and me while I’m in puppy form.” He picked up another picture.

Patrick said nothing, waiting to see if Kieren wanted to acknowledge the truth, but he didn’t disappoint, making Patrick proud of him.

“I did them,” Kieren said.

Henry’s mouth gaped. “Oh, my god! You’re amazing!”

“Told you,” Patrick said, poking a finger at him and making Kieren jump and wince. “Shit, sorry!”

Kieren laughed. “It’s okay. I should’ve expected payback.”

“Payback for what?”

“Letting you work when you wanted to see them.” Kieren nodded towards the drawings.

Patrick chuckled. “Idiot.” He climbed off his man’s lap and settled beside Henry. “I love this one,” he said, reaching for the one of him at the piano. “Kieren says it’s incomplete, but I don’t see it. When I get my business running, I want this as part of my logo or poster or something.”

“I agree. It’s unique and eye-catching. People would flock to you just from seeing the happiness and excitement on your face in this.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Henry glanced at Kieren. “Do you just do pencil drawings, or can you add colour as well?”

Kieren’s face reddened. “Mainly pencil, but I can do colour if I need to.”

“I bet Robert would love a picture of someone holding a bunch of flowers. I can just see it. A person in pencil, then the bouquet blooming with colour.”

Patrick laughed. “Do you think maybe you should ask before you start filling his calendar?”

Henry ducked his head but peeked up. “Sorry. I get a little excited.”

“That’s why you’re a puppy, I reckon,” Patrick said, hugging an arm around him. “It’s adorable.”

Henry pushed him away and asked, “Do you think I could commission you to do one for him?”

“You don’t need to pay. I’m happy to do one,” Kieren said.

“I am paying. No arguments, either.” Henry narrowed his gaze at him.

Kieren sighed, and Patrick snorted. “Good luck with that. I’ve already asked him to do a drawing for Mother and Father and Uncle Andrew. I thought it would make a nice Christmas gift.”