Elder Born

2. Regent-3

Elizabeth nodded at the proposal, one of the few sensible ones and the only one that could be implemented forthwith.

“Yes, Lord Stanton, we can at least move forward with planning for the coronation. If you could look up the protocols and get back to us all?” Elizabeth smiled her thanks at the lord for the breath of sanity he conveyed.

Elizabeth looked up expectantly as her servant appeared at her elbow.

“Your Highness, Crown Prince William is back in his rooms.”

Elizabeth nodded her thanks and stood, Kyle but a moment behind her as the councillors followed suit, flustered at being caught flatfooted.

“Thank you for your input, my lords and ladies. That will be all for today.” Elizabeth turned and left the stunned councillors with Kyle on her elbow and the Elite following.

She nearly groaned thinking about the absolute panic that had ensued when William had disappeared from his bed. Even though it had only lasted for a few minutes, it would not help. Nothing could be more certain than yet another rumour spreading about the prince’s disappearance.

She didn’t have far to walk down the wide opulent stone corridors, since the meeting room she’d been in was just off the Royal Wing. She ignored the framed paintings on the walls, and the cool breeze that wafted through the large windows showing the manicured gardens of the palace beyond them. It was normally restful. Today she was intent on getting to William.

The Elite on duty outside his rooms snapped to attention and the attendants pushed open the doors for her, allowing her to breeze into William’s rooms unhindered. She halted just inside the doors to see her twin being berated by Jess and the healer, much to Alex’s obvious amusement. She gathered her little brother was enjoying the fact that for once it wasn’t him getting yelled at for being irresponsible.

Elizabeth realised, seeing them standing there side by side, how much alike they looked with the same dark brown hair, piercing blue eyes, tanned olive skin that showed off their well-honed muscular bodies. That had been one of the few differences between them: William had always had a little more flesh on him than Alex. It seemed with his recent illness the extra flesh had dropped off William’s frame, making the resemblance between the brothers unmistakable.

“William, sit down before you fall down.” Elizabeth hadn’t raised her voice, yet it was enough to command the attention of those in the room. In the silence that fell, William smiled apologetically and sat down with a sigh.

Alex waved Aaron off as he approached with what looked like one of his sleeping draughts.

“William’s fine for now Aaron, I have him. Be assured I will let you know if his pain levels increase. William just burned off your last potion and without a mind barrier in place, well, between his nightmares, pain and newfound powers, the confusion that creates is enough to make anyone flee into the veil.” Alex settled into one of the chairs near William, still grinning.

“William, I know you didn’t mean to, but please try not to do that again. The guards were in an uproar.” Scolding him might have been more effective if she hadn’t been grinning in relief to see her twin alive and well.

“Sorry, honestly everyone. I have no idea what I did or how I got there. If Alex didn’t show up to rescue me I’d probably still be sitting there not knowing how to get home.” William at least had the grace to look contrite.

Jess shook her head and placed her hand on his shoulder as she took a seat on the armrest of his chair.

“As soon as the rawness in your mind recedes, we’ll teach you how to shield.” The anger had drained from Jess as soon as she’d realised that William was fine.

Elizabeth walked over to William and kissed him on the cheek.

“Take all the time you need and get better, William. We can manage until the healers clear you. Please at least try to follow their instructions.” Elizabeth smiled at him, and then with a nod to the others turned to leave, with Kyle but a step behind.