From Substitute To Queen Novel

Chapter 30: Fragile

"I'm delicate," he declared, holding up his hand delicately, as if it was made of spun glass. "These soft royal hands have never known hardship." A chuckle slipped out before I could stifle it. "Your soft royal hands could probably bench press a truck."

"That's likely what the criminals will assume. They'll be disappointed when I falter at the first sign of trouble," I retorted.

"Carlan," he began, but I interjected, "Please...," noticing the seriousness underlying his amused gaze.

"I'd like to observe you working, see this part of your life," he expressed genuinely, causing my determination to waver. Why did he take an interest in my work? With a sigh of surrender, I relented, "Fine, but you'll wait in the lobby. No interfering with patient care."

His face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. "I promise to be the most well-behaved observer you've ever had." Twenty minutes later, I found myself behind the wheel of the Bentley, with Caelan settling into the passenger seat.

"I can drive if you prefer," he offered, reaching for his seatbelt. "You don't need to."

"No, it's okay. You just arrived last night. You should rest," I insisted, adjusting the mirrors, avoiding his gaze.

"Are you worried about me?" he teased, flashing a mischievous grin. "How sweet. My future queen is concerned about my well-being."

"Keep it up, and I'll drop you off on the sidewalk," I threatened, trying to mask my amusement.

"Such violence. And here I thought doctors were supposed to do no harm," he quipped, but I ignored him and pulled out of the hotel parking garage.

"So," Caelan began, drumming his fingers against his thigh, "how do you like the car?"

"Just fine," I replied dryly, unimpressed. "I know where the gas pedal is and when to hit the brakes."

He chuckled, seemingly amused by my lack of enthusiasm. "I'm impressed by your enthusiasm, truly," he teased, pointing out the vehicle's features.

I was taken aback by his interest, and my thoughts drifted to the upcoming tumor surgery. However, my train of thought was interrupted when the doors opened, revealing Camila with Darrell's arm protectively around her, a sight that left me momentarily stunned.

Camila looked fragile, leaning heavily on Darrell, her head wrapped in bandages resembling a medical turban. My legs felt weak as Camila's green eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of fear and relief.

Darrell's attention shifted to Camila, concern evident on his face. "Should I get a wheelchair? You look like you need to sit down."

As they made their way to the seating area where Caelan waited, I hastened my steps, but it was too late. Darrell's gaze fell upon Caelan, reading a newspaper in the corner, and his reaction was immediate.

His face paled, then flushed red as he exclaimed, "Is that... Lycan King Caelan Blackwood?" The entire lobby turned their attention to Caelan, who lowered his newspaper, meeting my gaze with a neutral expression that hinted at tension in his posture.

I sensed trouble brewing as Camila's gaze darted between Caelan and me, questioning his unexpected presence. Darrell's voice dripped with disdain as he asked, "What business could royalty possibly have at Moonridge General?"

With deliberate grace, Caelan folded his newspaper and rose, commanding the room's attention effortlessly. Conversations ceased, and people instinctively made way for him as he strode towards me, ignoring the curious onlookers around us.

"Majesty," Darrell's voice echoed across the lobby as Caelan approached. "What an unexpected honor."