13
1078 Words
Pearl Gem
Kade King Majesty stood there, unmoving, as I stood beside Royce, away from him. It was almost unreal how swiftly he shifted emotions. A second ago, he was trying to apologize. Now, he looked every inch the angry, ruthless king.
“Let’s get you out of here,” Royce said softly, and I nodded.
Together, we bowed briefly before the Alpha King and turned, walking out of the Keeps, leaving Kade King frozen behind us. When we stepped into the road, I saw Royce’s car already waiting. He guided me to the passenger seat beside his, and I settled in.
He pulled out of the Keeps without delay. The silence between us was oddly comforting, and I found myself relaxing until I suddenly realized something odd.
“Royce?” I asked in surprise.
“Yes?”
“How did you know I was… with His Majesty?”
A pause followed. Royce focused on the road ahead for a moment before glancing briefly at me.
“I didn’t know you were with him.”
“You didn’t?”
“No.”
“Then why did you come to the Keeps?”
“You mentioned this morning that you were visiting Bright,” He replied. “I happened to be in the neighborhood and thought to check on him too. But when I arrived… it was you, struggling with His Majesty.”
I let out a quiet sigh and nodded.
“Thanks,” I muttered, almost under my breath. I leaned back, closing my eyes in an attempt to calm the storm within me. When I opened them again, I caught Royce stealing a glance at me before returning his focus to the road.
“You have been crying,” He said gently.
I straightened and dabbed my face quickly.
I didn’t answer at first, but he raised a brow at me, and I knew he wouldn’t let it go.
“It’s nothing,” I murmured.
“What is it?”
“Royce…” I whispered his name, hoping he would drop the subject. Instead, he pulled over and turned off the engine. His dark eyes settled on me, sharp and unwavering.
“Start talking, Pearl. What happened? His Majesty never shows up unless it’s absolutely necessary. And he came to the Keeps for you. That says a lot. Why?”
I searched his eyes and then swallowed hard before looking away.
“Bright was sent to the Underground Shallows,” I said quietly. “They put a silent collar around his neck. They wouldn’t let me see him. I had no choice but to call His Majesty.”
Royce was silent for a long moment. When I finally glanced up at him, his eyes flickered with restrained anger.
“I didn’t know you have his contact.”
“Royce…”
“You think he did it?”
I shook my head slowly.
“It’s his mother. That’s her way of sending a message. She wants me away from her son… and she’s won, again,” I said bitterly. “I will stay away from Kade King Majesty. I will spend the rest of my days regretting ever meeting him… and loving him.”
Royce didn’t speak. He just sat there, offering comfort with his quiet presence, his soft gaze.
That was until my cellphone ringtone shattered the silence.
I reached into my bag and pulled out my cell phone, my heart sinking when I saw the caller ID. Doctor Sarou.
***
It was under the pale afternoon sky that we arrived at the public hospital where omegas could receive treatment, if they had the money to pay for it.
Royce parked in the lot, and we both stepped out. Together, we headed toward Doctor Sarou’s office. My heart pounded as I approached the neat door.
He had said over the phone that he had something important to tell me. Even with Royce’s reassurances, I couldn’t keep the nerves at bay.
I knocked.
“Come in,” Came the voice from inside.
I entered the cozy office, immediately catching the strong scent of hospital-grade disinfectant.
“Pearl,” The doctor greeted, walking over to his desk and sitting down. He was a man in his late fifties, his gray beard neatly trimmed.
He smiled warmly at Royce. "Oh, son. How’s Mr. Yallas these days?”
“Fine, Doctor Sarou.”
“Good. As he should be,” The doctor nodded, then gestured toward the chairs in front of him. “Please, have a seat. I actually needed to speak with Pearl, but…”
He paused, glancing at me with concern. I smiled nervously and cut in before he could continue.
“If it’s about my dad, please go on. Royce is family to me now.”
“Oh, alright. Yes, this is about your father, Pearl. You both may sit.”
Royce pulled out a chair for me, then took the seat beside mine. I sat tensely, nerves writhing inside me. The fear of what the doctor might say clouded my thoughts.
“Pearl… I will be direct. Your father needs surgery.”
I frowned in confusion.
“But he’s in a coma and…”
“Yes, he’s been in a coma for five long years. But that doesn’t mean he can’t undergo surgery,” The doctor interrupted gently. “Earlier this week, we noticed some minor responses in his vitals and brain activity. After further examination, we discovered a tumor in his brain. It’s likely what’s preventing him from waking.”
A chill spread across my skin, and I rubbed my hands together in panic. Royce reached out and gently took my hand in his, offering silent reassurance.
“So this surgery… what will it do?” I asked.
“We will remove the tumor. I can’t promise he will wake up immediately, but if the surgery is successful, he stands a real chance of regaining consciousness.”
The chill turned into a tremble as I turned to Royce. His eyes lit up with a hopeful smile.
“When can you start?” I asked quickly.
“That depends on you, Pearl. We’d like to begin preparations next week and perform the surgery fifteen days from now. But…” The doctor’s expression grew grim. “Without the fees, we can’t proceed.”
“How much, Doctor Sarou?” I asked quietly.
He paused, his voice measured when he finally responded.
“Fifteen thousand Golden Moon Coins.”
- Writer
