Chapter 63

Julian

"We don't think it was an accident, your highness." The detectives voice echoed in my brain but I couldn't quite make sense of it yet. It was like my brain couldn't make sense of everything at once. There was just too much going on.

"Come in and close the door." I managed to snap and some how my voice was strong. Turning to the doctor I nodded my thanks at him. "Thank you doctor but could you give us a few minutes?"

"Of course your highness." He nodded his head politely. "I will go and check in with the other patients. If you need anything or are in any pain just press the buzzer and someone will come for you."

Again I nodded my head in thanks but this time I didn't say anything. Motioning for the old cliched detective to take a seat I waited until the door had shut before giving him my attention.

"Would you care to explain what you mean by that?" I asked finally. "Why do you think this wasn't an accident?"

He ran his fingers over the salt and pepper scruff on his chin, his eyes averted. "You're highness , the -" He stuttered and for a fleeting moment his eyes met mine before skipping away. I had seen a lot in that look. He didn't just think it, he knew it. He had some sort of proof that this wasn't an accident and that someone had tried to kill me.

Again.

It was happening more and more often.

Only this time they had killed someone. My baby. My unborn child's life was just as important as mine. More important actually and for that alone they would pay.

I just needed to find out who was behind it all. My family had so many enemies but this had begun to feel personal.

"You're telling me it wasn't an accident and that someone planned this?" I asked casually because I already knew the truth. "How is that even possible. How would they know where I was and when?"

Again he didn't answer me but I could tell by the look on his face that he had some hunches.

"I can't go into details on an ongoing investigation, Prince Julian but you have my word that we are working tirelessly to bring the culprits to justice for you and your people. I am already liaising with your security team , although-"

"You think I have a rat in my midst don't you?" Suddenly I was exhausted. But it all made sense. Only those closest to me knew my movements. "An enemy close to me?"

"Don't you?"

"Yes." Pinching the skin between my eyebrows I took a deep breath and then another one. It was pointless. I was completely on edge. "I want your department to deal with this detective. Any news you come to me first and no one else. Is that understood?"

"Yes, your highness. Is there anyone I can contact for you?"

"My wif-" I began to say. Cassie. Her name popped into my mind right away and almost slipped out of my mouth. But very few people knew we were married. I knew there were rumours because of the functions we had been seen at but no one had said anything to make it official. I didn't want that to happen now. It would put her in unnecessary danger.

The thought almost made me laugh. She was already in danger. Just hearsay she had been kidnapped and assaulted.

"No." I said quietly with a shake of my head. "The most important people in my life are already here." That wasn't exactly true but the King would have been told already and Cassie? Well Cassie I would tell myself once I had checked on Megan and seen Ian for myself.

Once I had made sure they were ok I would let her know and work out somewhere for her to go which would be safe for her. I had to believe that the man I had placed as her driver and security would do his job until then.

If I was lucky she would be at home.

More than likely still in bed and living it up after her ordeal. If I had stayed with her last night and this morning none of this would have happened. I had never regretted getting out of bed so much in my life.

"No." I said again. "Could you call in a nurse for me. I would like to go and visit-"

"Megan." He said coldly.

I glanced at him. The way he said it , was almost like he knew her or knew of her. "You know her?"

"No but it's my job to know things."

"And what do you know about her?"

He shook his head. "It is not my place to-" Hr trailed off. "I hope your lady friend isn't too badly hurt prince Julian and I am sorry for any loss you have both suffered." He nodded his head politely.

I did a double take. How did he know about the baby? Had someone told him. It hit me then. He had overheard me asking the doctor that was all.

"Thank you. Now please call a nurse." I demanded. There was so much I could ask him but keeping him here would keep him from doing his job and I wanted to check on Megan. Talk to her and comfort her as best I could and then I wanted to be with Ian when he came around.

And I would have to make provisions for Cassie and Cathy as well. But I already knew I would send them to the palace. They would be safe there.

The clock above the door ticked away. Minutes went passed and then a few more and still no one came to help me.

Gripping the sheets in my hands I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. My feet felt numb and I almost broke an ankle but I finally managed to stand.

Each step was torture but I was Julian. One day I would be king. I wasn't about to let something like a car crash keep me away from the grieving mother of my unborn child.