Stay!

LORRY SPRINGSTONE'S / KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

As Tina, the majordomo, guides me to the beautifully renovated guest room in the palace, Jason's cryptic words echo in my mind, leaving me puzzled about their true significance.

I make myself comfortable in this lavish space, but my thoughts are racing with mixed emotions. The luxury here feels worlds apart from the simple life I've been leading for the last six years, making me acutely aware of how out of place I am. This lifestyle is so different from everything I've known.

But that's not why I'm here. So, I push my personal feelings aside and try to focus on my work instead of the grandeur around me. I quickly unpack my medical supplies and set up a makeshift lab on the ornate writing desk. Even though it’s late, I dive into the medical analysis of my patient's samples.

As I start examining the first samples, my thoughts drift back to the frail crown prince in the royal chamber. Could he truly be my son, Eden? The timeline adds up, but he looks nothing like the vibrant little boy I left behind.

Just then, a soft knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I wonder who could be interrupting me since I thought I'd have the night to myself. Nevertheless, I am here on a critical mission: to save a chronically ill child. Maybe that’s why I feel a bit on edge.

Sticking to my professional ethics, I pause my work and walk to the door, only to find Tina, the head housemaid, looking quite serious.

"Doctor Springstone, His Majesty requests your immediate presence in the royal chamber," she says, her tone heavy with urgency.

"The young heir is awake and asking for you," she adds, the hint of concern evident in her voice.

I sense the gravity of the situation and, without hesitation, follow Tina through the winding corridors of the palace, my heart racing with both anticipation and anxiety. As we approach the royal chamber, I hear the faint cries of a child.

Entering the dim room, I see Jason pacing nervously beside the bed, while the young prince tosses and turns under the covers. His little face is flushed, and his eyes glisten with unshed tears.

"Doctor, thank the Moon Goddess you're here," Jason says, worry etched on his face.

"Eden woke up calling for you. He’s complaining of terrible stomach pain," he explains, referring to his son by the name I once held dear, sending a chill down my spine.

I rush to the bedside, donning my professional demeanor despite the turmoil inside me.

"Hello, little one," I say softly, placing a gentle hand on Eden's forehead.

"Can you point to where it hurts?" I ask as his familiar eyes connect with mine.

"Here," he whimpers, touching his lower abdomen with his tiny hand.

I respond reassuringly, "I need to check you over, okay? It might feel a bit uncomfortable, but I'll be gentle."

As I begin my examination, I can sense Jason's anxious gaze on me. Focusing solely on Eden, I note the tightness in his abdomen and how he flinches at the slightest touch.

"Has he vomited?" I ask, glancing up at both Jason and Tina.

Tina nods. "Twice in the last hour, doctor."

I frown, my mind racing through possible diagnoses.

"I need to run some blood tests right away," I say, reaching for my medical bag.

"And we should start him on IV fluids to prevent dehydration," I suggest next.

As I prepare to draw blood from Eden’s small arm, I notice Jason's agitation nearby.

"Your Majesty," I say gently, "it might be best for you to step outside for a moment. This could be tough for Eden, and—"

"No," Jason cuts me off firmly. "I won’t leave him."

I nod, recognizing the protective love in his eyes. As I insert the needle, Eden whimpers softly, prompting Jason to rush to his side, stroking his hair and whispering soothing words.

"You're so brave, my little warrior," Jason murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

"Just like your mother," he adds, emphasizing the point.

His words send a shiver through me, but I manage to stay focused and finish the blood draw. As I apply a small bandage to Eden's arm, I can't help but notice the tenderness in Jason's expression as he looks at his son. It's a side of him I never saw during our marriage, and it both warms and pains me.

"There, all done," I say softly to Eden, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "You were very brave," I add warmly.

Eden flashes a weak smile, despite his evident fatigue.

"Thank you, Doctor Lorry," he whispers.

"You're nice, just like Daddy said, and I really like you, especially because your eyes are brown like mine," he confides, catching me off guard.

I'm taken aback by his words, fueling my determination for his recovery.

"I'm going to do everything I can to help you feel better," I promise, my voice heavy with emotion.

As I prepare to take the blood samples to my lab, Jason unexpectedly grabs my arm.

"Doctor," he says, his voice low and urgent, "please… tell me honestly. How serious is this?"

I meet his gaze, recognizing the fear and vulnerability in his eyes, and I try to provide reassurance.

"I won't sugarcoat it, Your Majesty. The prince’s condition is serious, but I’ve dealt with cases like this before. With the right treatment, there's a good chance we can help him recover. I just need to run these tests immediately to figure out the best course of action."

Jason nods, the tension easing slightly from his shoulders.

"Thank you, Doctor. I… I don’t know what I'd do if…" He trails off, unable to finish the sentence.

Placing a comforting hand on his arm, I momentarily forget our complicated history.

"You won't lose him," I say firmly.

"I promise you, I’ll do everything in my power to make him well again."

For a brief moment, our eyes lock, and I see a flicker of recognition in Jason's gaze, but it’s quickly replaced by gratitude.

"You should stay," he suddenly states.

I freeze, caught off guard by his proposal.

"Stay?" I echo softly.

Jason nods earnestly. "Yes, Doctor Springstone. I believe it would be best if you remained here at the palace while treating Eden. He seems to respond well to you, and I think your ongoing presence would aid in his recovery."

My mind races, processing this unexpected turn of events. Staying here, so close to my past and to the child who could be mine... it’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

"Your Majesty, I…" I start, unsure how to reply.

"Please," Jason interrupts, his tone gentle now.

"I know this is a lot to ask, but Eden needs you. We all need you," he adds earnestly.

I glance at the bed, where Eden has finally drifted off into a restful sleep, his face serene for the first time since my arrival. The sight tugs at my heart, and in that moment, I realize I can’t refuse.

"Of course, Your Majesty," I reply quietly.

"I'll stay as long as Eden needs me," I assure him.

Relief floods Jason's face.

"Thank you, Doctor. I’ll have Tina set up permanent quarters for you right away."

As he turns to give instructions to his chief servant, I take a moment to reflect on the weight of my decision. By agreeing to stay, I'm opening myself up to a world of complications and potential heartache. But looking at Eden's sleeping figure, I know I have no choice. Whatever happens, I need to do everything in my power to save this child—who might just be my own.