After a moment of discussion with the Queen Mother, the doctor joined his team who’d moved to the entrance. They all gave a final bow or curtsy then left.
Frederick looked at both of them, but his gaze came to rest on his mother. “Mum, I told you I was fine. After a short nap, I’m much better than I was even when I woke this morning.”
The Queen Mother arched one eyebrow and didn’t wither under his gaze. “And I’m your mother. If I feel a call to the doctor is warranted, I will make it, even if you are the king.”
Elise tried not to shift uncomfortably as he turned to her, but she looked him straight in the eye. “Don’t look at me. I agree with her. We’d both do it again if we thought it the right call to make.”
It took him three tries to get the recliner closed and four more to stand.
Elise shared a look with her mother-in-law. He clearly wasn’t feeling his best.
With a glare at both of them, he stalked to the stairs and then up them.
More slowly than normal.
This time when Elise looked at the Queen Mother, the other woman shook her head. “His father was the same way. Refused to admit when he was sick and hated to take time to the see the doctor. I often had to go around him to make it happen. Perhaps my son will eventually come to his senses a little easier than my husband did.”
Elise turned that thought over in her head. It was definitely something to keep in mind, but she really hoped it would be a long time before she had to override his wishes on something like that.
A very long time.
17
Lying to your wife on your honeymoon probably wasn’t the most auspicious start to a marriage.
As an adult, Frederick had always been able to admit when he was sick, though sometimes he would take whatever medications necessary and power through. A king was never supposed to be sick and canceling events or meetings because of a head cold simply wasn’t done.
But this time…
The doctor said he wasn’t running a fever, but by the time he made it upstairs to the room his mother kept ready for guests, he felt like he’d been run over by a truck.
Without taking time to turn the covers back, he managed to grab the quilt from the nearby chair and control his flop onto the bed. Pulling it up around his shoulders, he struggled to keep from falling back asleep.
Kings did not nap.
“Where did you get that idea?”
Had he said that aloud?
Frederick didn’t open his eyes at his mother’s voice.
“Kings can nap.” She sat on the edge of the bed next to him. “And they can be sick, too.” Her fingers gently brushed his hairback off his forehead. “Your father napped. He got sick. You’re hardly the first king to be under the weather.”
“I know.” He kept his eyes closed, but rolled onto his back.
“Please let the doctor take you to his office in the resort and do a few tests, just to be sure it’s nothing serious.” She used her gentle mom voice, the one that almost always worked.
“If I don’t feel better tomorrow, I will.” He didn’t even want to promise that much, but he was certain it wouldn’t be necessary. A day of rest and another good night’s sleep, and he would feel much better.
Frederick could sense hesitation on his mother’s part, but when she patted his leg, he knew she’d acquiesced.
“Very well, but you be certain to let me or Elise know if you need anything.” He felt her stand and then a soft kiss on his temple, the same as she’d done for his entire life. “Get some rest.”
The snick of the door closing was barely audible, but it gave a sharp stab to the same temple she’d kissed.
Maybe he did need to get the doctor to run some tests. A noise that soft shouldn’t have that result.
Before Frederick could decide if he wanted to call her back, his limbs began to feel the heavy pull of sleep.
