“We’ve been having a good chat, Scottie and I.” The queen shifted back to her daughter. “I can’t believe she’s here.”
Scottie gripped her mother’s hand tighter, her eyes full of tears, and pressed her forehead to the edge of the bed. Gemma walked around John and touched Scottie’s shoulder.
“Is there anything I can do?”
She raised up and wiped her face, smiling amid the tears. “Just coming with me was enough. More than. Order whatever you want at the hotel, please, and charge it to the room.”
“Hotel?” The queen’s eyes sparked with life. “What’s this? John, aren’t they staying in the palace guest quarters?”
“Scottie preferred the Delafield.”
“Absolutely not. Scottie will be moved into the Family wing immediately. Gemma may move with her if she likes or remain at the Delafield, but Scottie will transfer at once.”
“Perhaps you should let Scottie weigh in on this one, Kate,” Edric said.
“Why? She belongs at the palace. Scottie?”
“I thought, well, it would be easier for all if I stayed at a hotel.”
“And what did easier ever do for you?” The queen laughed and raised Scottie’s hand to her lips. “Please, for me. Move to the palace.”
“Only if Gemma agrees.” Scottie looked over, hopeful.
For a flash second Gemma resented this decision being thrust upon her. But her answer was clear.
“Yes, of course. We’ll move to the palace.”
“Good. Well done. I like you, Gemma.”
With that royal approval, Scottie handed over her room key as Edric rang someone named Broderick to arrange for their things to be moved.
Outside, John led her to his car, Gunner heeling behind. “The queen is a force, even in her hospital bed.”
“Very much. She didn’t seem down for the long count. Is she improving?”
“This morning they diagnosed her with Guillain-Barré, a rare condition that causes extreme weakness, hinders breathing among other things. All the symptoms she’s been battling. Now that they’ve caught the culprit, they can plan the proper treatment.”
“Will she be all right?”
“Yes, with time. But recovery will be slow.” At his car, John opened Gemma’s door. “I shouldn’t say it after our conversation, but it comforts me to have you here. Don’t ask why or tell me I’m wrong, because it won’t change how I feel.”
She gave him a long, even look. “We all feel more confident in the company of friends.”
“Well then, friend, are you hungry? I am. Let’s eat.”
North Sea Island Nations Summit Begins Wednesday.
— the News Leader
“Stone, it’s just been confirmed the queen has a rare condition called Guillain-Barré. I’m told by experts this syndrome is a rare disorder which attacks the body’s immune system. Symptoms are weakness and tingling in your extremities, shortness of breath, prickly sensation in fingers and toes, and double vision, among other symptoms. Recovery, I’m told, is long, but the queen is in top physical form and the medical staff and doctors predict a full recovery.”
— Melissa Faris, the Morning Show
A palace source leaked information on the queen’s mysterious daughter, Scottie O’Shay. Can we believe she’s come to meet her mother?
— @RoyalWatcherOne
I’m gobsmacked! Out to dinner the other night with my dad at Clemency Pub and look who I saw! Prince John. Who’s with him? Anyone know?
