I paused mid-sentence as Prince James’s head came to rest heavily on my shoulder, almost startling me out of my skin. Now, when had he fallen asleep?
I’d been told I had a soothing voice. I’d often read to my nieces and nephews to put them to sleep. Perhaps my voice had been enough to lull him too? Prince James clearly struggled with nightmares—we’d all caught hints he wasn’t sleeping well—and my heart broke for him. Of course he couldn’t confide in just anyone about dreaming of a past life. You couldn’t just blurt something like that out to people. Plus, he was in a completely new environment, with people he had only recently been introduced to. He had no one to confide in.
I let him rest against my shoulder, strangely comfortable with the closeness, which was uncharacteristic of me. I tugged the blanket over his chest and let him be.
I’d have to wake him once the town woke up, which was only an hour or so off, and I was already loath to do so. He needed every bit of sleep he could get.
He was such a gentlehearted man. Once we got closer, perhaps I could offer to read to him at night to help him relax? I couldn’t do so now—that would be presumptuous of me—but maybe in the near future such an offer would be appreciated.
For now, I let him sleep.
Twelve
James
After my very early morning conversation with Edwin, I felt like I’d taken three steps forward in closing the gap between us. He reinforced the feeling on the way home from Berengar by not being as stiffly formal, to start with, actually riding alongside me a good portion of the trip. Granted, we talked about work-related things, but still.
I’d take the win.
Once back in the palace, I immediately arranged a lunch with my three siblings. I’d grown up an only child, so the idea of having siblings still seemed a bit odd for me. In my first life, Victor had gotten himself tragically killed about a year into my adoption, forcing me to take the throne. Royce had holed up in his lab, so I’d barely had any interaction with him. Helena had disappeared because her first marriage was so horrible. I rarely saw her after she got married the second time because she’d avoided the palace like the plague. I’d never had a chance to form any kind of relationship with any of my siblings in my first life.
I was determined to do a better job on the second go.
It took a few days to find the right timing. Helena, at least, had things on her schedule. Our lunch was catered in the palace garden—specifically the Queen’s Garden, but we had access. Queen Beatrice wasn’t really a garden type person; she preferred her activities indoors to protect her pale skin. Six knights were posted around the garden’s edge—far enough away to give us privacy to talk, but close enough to respond in case of an emergency. Not that any of us expected a fight to break out, but I never knew with this family.
The garden was lovingly kept, with thick shade trees and flower beds lining the walkway. The beds were in full bloom, a mix of snapdragons, daffodils, hyacinths, daisies, and neatly trimmed hedges as borders. It smelled fantastic back here, the floral scent notable but not overpowering. I took in a deep breath and enjoyed the scent in my nose, the sunshine on my face. Having lunch outside today was an excellent idea.
Helena was already sitting at the table under the portico when I arrived. She’d always fancied bold colors, and today was no exception, as she wore a day dress of emerald green. Her smile looked polite more than genuine, but hopefully that would change by the time lunch ended. I wanted to be on good terms with her.
“Hello, sister mine,” I greeted, drawing my chair back so I could sit next to her. “I’m sorry we haven’t had a proper conversation before this. The awful dinner we were subjected to doesn’t count, in my book. I actually wanted to talk to you before I got adopted, but…well.”
“Our parents rushed the process,” she admitted with a wry face. “Not your fault. How are you, James?”
“Settling in well. My staff is impeccable, which is reassuring. I’m still juggling my business while learning the ropes here.” Orwould have been, if this was my first time doing all of this. “How are you, Helena?”
“I’m fine.”
Again, her smile wasn’t at all genuine. She masked a great deal, which didn’t surprise me. That would change, though. I was determined to be a better brother to her this time around.
I deliberately looked at the two empty chairs. “Either both are running late, or…”
“I doubt very much Victor will show. He’s normally hungover and asleep at this time.”
I’d be shocked if Victor showed. He partied all night and wasn’t exactly happy I was here.
“I take it him sleeping all day and partying all night is why I’m saddled with most of his responsibilities?”
Helena sighed, looking off to the side. “Yes. I keep hoping our parents will finally remove him from the position of crown prince, as he’s not fit for it. They seem inclined to give him another chance, though.”
“They shouldn’t. He’s had too many as it is.”
“On that, we agree.”
Royce came scuttling up with a notebook clutched to his chest. Unless I was mistaken, he’d been in his lab—he still wore the stark white overcoat on top of his stained shirt and black pants. His bedhead was epic, his black hair sticking straight up in the back, so at least he’d slept? Hadn’t shaved, though. His oval face sported a good four-day growth.
He gave something that might have been a “good day,” then sat and guzzled a glass of water down straight. Since he was very much the type to forget to eat when engrossed in his projects, I wasn’t surprised by his thirst.
“Royce,” I greeted. “How are you?”
