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“The thought of losing you hit me hard,” I said as my eyes filled. “So much so that I could barely breathe on the way here in the taxi. Before you fell into the ditch, I was just about to tell you I had forgiven you for everything and was ready to leave our past behind us. But really, more than anything, I wanted you to know that I should have given you a chance to explain your side of things, and for that, I’m truly sorry.”
August’s eyes brightened with a mix of relief and joy, the corners crinkling in a genuine smile as he squeezed my hand. “That means everything to me, Veronica. Hearing you say that ... It’s all I’ve been hoping for. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, August,” I said as emotions surged inside of me. I smiled as best as I could through the tears and leaned across the hospital bed to kiss him.
Suddenly, he groaned, the sound muffled between our lips. I pulled back instantly, concerned I had caused more injury to him.
“I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed, my hand flying to cover my mouth. “Are you okay?”
August managed a wry smile at the discomfort. “I’m fine. Really. I guess I’m going to be a little tender for a while, but never let that stop you from kissing me.”
“I think I’m going to cry,” Daphne said. “That was a beautiful moment.”
Caleb leaned against the doorway with a grin plastered on his face. “Looks like the prince survives another day. Were you a cat in a previous life? How many lives do you have left, man?”
“Enough to keep us all on our toes,” Daphne said with a smile. “I’m glad you are going to be okay.”
“Thank you,” August said. “Never a dull moment with this woman. But, you know, this never would’ve happened if you’d made that August-proof checklist you talked about.”
“You’re right,” I laughed, “but now I’m thinking of scrapping the entire list and just going with one item: ‘August never leaves the palace. Ever.’”
“That’s no fun,” he protested, his eyes twinkling before he glanced down at our intertwined hands. “And just so you know, you’ve been holding my hand for quite a while now. Be careful, or people are going to speculate that we are back together.”
“Let them,” I retorted with a smirk. “And speaking of talking, you need to call your mother. She was very worried and said she expected a call from you as soon as you’re physically able. I’ve been keeping her updated. Only about today, so you know. The rest is up to you.”
“Thank you for that,” he said. “I’ll call her.”
“And, for your information, she expects you to be on the royal jet back to the palace as soon as they discharge you,” I said.
“That’s not a surprise,” August said with a chuckle. “She doesn’t want anything else happening to her future king.”
“Neither do I,” I added quietly as I squeezed his hand.
“It looks like I’ll only be in here for one night,” August said with a reassuring smile. “The doctor’s just being cautious and wants to monitor me overnight. But if the tests come back like he expects, I should be out of here by tomorrow morning.”
“That’s fantastic news!” Caleb said.
“Tomorrow, I’ll have the pilot drop the three of you off in Kastonia first, before he takes me home,” August thoughtfully said.
“That won’t be necessary,” I assured him, my voice firm.
August arched an eyebrow. “You want to go back to Verdana with me?”
I nodded. “Of course.”
“I certainly could use a vacation after this vacation, and I can’t even remember the last time I was in Verdana,” Caleb said. “Wouldn’t that be an amazing trip, Daphne?”
“I agree with you wholeheartedly.” She nodded enthusiastically, playing along. “I would be thrilled to visit. If only we knew someone who lived there.”
“If only …” Caleb nodded, scratching the side of his head, pretending like he was trying to think of somebody.
I shook my head in amusement at them. “You two should start your own comedy show.”
August chuckled. “Fine. You all can join me in Verdana. The entertainment will help me recuperate faster.”
“Yes!” Caleb exclaimed, then high-fived Daphne. “By the way, the reason Veronica said it won’t be necessary to drop her off is because she boldly told Queen Annabelle she’d be accompanying you back to the palace and she wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
I sighed. “I did not use those exact words.”
