The Curvy Rogue

Chapter 10

**LORRY SPRINGSTONE / KELLY THOMPSON’S POINT OF VIEW**

After discussing arrangements for a permanent room at the castle with Tina, the head housekeeper, Jason turns his attention back to me. But he surprises me again with an even more unexpected proposal.

He suggests it would be best if I stayed with Eden in the royal chamber to monitor him closely through the night. For a moment, I’m stunned, completely unsure of how to respond.

“I… I’m not sure that’s appropriate, Your Majesty,” I stammer, trying to maintain my professional demeanor.

“Perhaps it would be better if I stayed nearby, but not in the same room, I think,” I clarify.

Jason shakes his head firmly.

“No, Dr. Springstone. I insist. Eden’s health is paramount, and I want you here if anything changes during the night. There’s a comfortable armchair by the window where you can rest. Please, for my son’s sake, stay!” pleads the ruler of the Southern clan.

I glance at the sleeping boy, my heart aching at his fragility in the vast royal bed. Despite my reservations, I know I cannot refuse.

“Very well, Your Majesty,” I relent.

“I’ll stay with him tonight,” I affirm.

Jason nods, relief brightening his eyes.

“Thank you, Doctor. I’ll have Tina bring you everything you need,” he says, his voice filled with gratitude, before adding softly, “I… I haven’t seen Eden this calm in months. Your presence seems to soothe him.”

A lump forms in my throat at these words, but I manage a slight nod and reply, “I’m glad I can help, Your Majesty.”

With one last look at his sleeping son, Alpha King Jason reluctantly heads for the door.

“I’ll be in my office if you need anything. Don’t hesitate to wake me if there’s any change in his condition,” he insists from the threshold.

When Jason finally closes the door behind him, I’m left alone with little Eden, whom I increasingly believe is my son. The silence of the room is broken only by his soft breathing. I approach the bed, my eyes studying his small form.

In the dim light of the bedside lamp, I notice details I’d missed: the way his chest rises with effort at each breath, the slight tremble of his hands even in sleep.

I gently brush a lock of hair from his forehead, and my fingers graze something unexpected: a small, raised scar just above his eyebrow. Frowning, I lean closer to inspect it. The mark is subtle but unmistakable. How did I not notice it earlier?

Filled with concern, I carefully lift the blankets, searching for other signs of injury or mistreatment. To my horror, I find several small scars scattered across his arms and torso. They’re old, mostly healed, but visible on his pale skin.

My mind races, trying to make sense of what I see. These aren’t the typical scrapes or bruises of an active child. Some of these marks look intentional, almost surgical.

A wave of fury surges through me as I carefully cover Eden again. What happened to my sweet, healthy boy? Rumors over the years painted a thriving young prince, cherished by his father and the entire clan. But the reality before me tells a far darker, more dramatic story.

How could this have happened? I left my son in Jason’s care, trusting he’d be safe and loved. Yet here I find a sick, scarred child who barely resembles the robust baby I remember.

My thoughts spiral, imagining terrible scenarios. Did Jason neglect our son? Or worse, in his desperation to cure this strange illness afflicting the heir, did he allow others to experiment on him? The thought makes my blood boil.

I pace the room, trying to calm my racing heart. Everything I thought I knew about the past six years crumbles around me. The carefully crafted facade of the caring father Jason showed earlier now feels hollow and deceitful. How could he let something like this happen to our child?