Chapter 131: Chapter 131: The Grandpa Visit

A smile spreads on my lips before I realize it.

The king is looking at me with a mix of relief and nostalgia. I wonder if maybe he’s thinking about his son, and how he wishes he were here with us.

Mom and Dad exchange a look before turning to me.

“We’ll be back later,” my mother tells me, placing a kiss on my cheek. “Make sure to get some rest and eat something.”

As soon as they are out of the room, silence stretches between King Maximillian and me.

He remains in the same spot, close to the door, unmoving. His arms are linked behind his back as usual, and he shifts on his feet, clearly unsure of what to do with himself.

He looks…lonely.

I don’t know what comes over me, but a sudden urge to give him some affection hits me, and for the first time since I met him, I feel the need to show him how much he means to me.

“You can come closer, Grandpa.”

His eyes widen so much that I fear they might pop out of their sockets.

I offer him a smile as he stares at me in shock.

“D-Did you just call me grandpa?” he stutters, looking anything but the powerful king I know. Watching him from where I’m lying, I can finally see the only thing he’s supposed to be in my life. My grandfather. An old, wise, caring man, even though he looks anything but old.

“Well, I thought it was about time I started acknowledging you like this,” I explain as he takes careful steps toward me. “I know we should still keep it a secret, but while it’s just us in the room, I thought, why not? Unless you don’t want me to—”

He’s shaking his head before I finish my sentence.

“No, no, no. I love it. I was just…surprised. Never thought I’d see the day this would happen.”

My heart shrinks as I watch him pull the chair beside my bed and sit down. He fidgets with his hands for a few seconds before looking up at me. His blue eyes are watery, and I can notice the dark circles under his eyes now.

“I can’t even begin to thank you for what you did for us, for the kingdom, for me…” he begins, and I hold my breath expectantly. His tone is suddenly serious, and I can’t tell what he’s about to say next.

“You shouldn’t have to go through something like this at your age, but I can’t pretend I’m not proud and relieved you did it. I don’t know what we’d have done without you,” he confesses.

There’s no shame in his words, though. If anything, the fact that he’s recognizing my role in all of this makes me feel useful and satisfied.

I didn’t do any of that for the fame or anything, but it feels nice that he’s noticing it anyway.

“Your father would be very proud of who you’ve become, Hettie. I know I am,” he adds. “I’m really glad you’re alive and recovering well. The doctors and healers told me you should be able to go to your room soon.”

“That’s great to hear,” I reply. “Uh… Grandpa?” I call hesitantly.

He raises his brows at me. “Yes?”

“I know this is not the time to talk about this, but I heard you asked your men to keep my identity a secret. It occurred to me that I never asked, does this bother you? That I don’t want to take my rightful place?” I ask, unsure of where this is coming from. “I know you respected my decision when I mentioned it, but I never really considered your feelings.”

My grandfather studies my face for a brief moment in complete silence. I can’t read his expression or even imagine what he’s thinking about until he decides to answer me.

“This is not an easy life, Hettie. I don’t blame you for not wanting anything to do with it. It comes with a lot of responsibilities, and more than that, with a lot of resignation.” He takes a deep breath, leaning back on the chair. “Besides, your powers are a lot for you to deal with already. I would never blame you for not wanting anything to do with the throne. When I was your age, I wasn’t keen on taking it either. I just wanted to be a soldier. But duty called, and I didn’t have the choice you have now.”

I feel sorry for him, even though I can tell he has grown to like his position. But if the pain behind his eyes tells me anything is that he had to give up on a lot of things along the way.

“Which means, I understand your choices and I respect them. I just feel sorry for not giving you another one since you were little.”

I shake my head and lean forward, grabbing his hands in mine.

“I don’t. I had a great life, despite everything else. I have great friends, parents who love me, and I’m happy that I got the opportunity to meet you. You have nothing to feel sorry for. You were only doing what you thought was right and fulfilling the promise you made to my mother. And I appreciate that.”

A single tear escapes him, and he quickly wipes it with his hand, immediately hiding his vulnerability even though it’s just us here. I imagine it must have been out of habit, more than him wanting to hide his feelings and emotions from me.

In any case, I pretend I haven’t seen it.

I clear my throat, leaning back on the pillow and making myself as comfortable as one can be in a hospital bed.

“How are things outside the palace?” I ask, changing the topic of the conversation to something more practical.

I thought this would be something he’d be more excited to talk about. But the way his expression darkens instantly makes my stomach churn, and bile threatens to rise in my throat.

“What? Is it bad?” I add, ignoring the way my insides twist with fear and anticipation.

“No, not really. We’re just handling some things,” he explains, but it doesn’t take superpowers to know he’s lying. He’s definitely hiding something from me. “Nothing for you to worry about. Just lame, boring royal duties. We can talk about that later, when you’re out of the hospital.”

Before I have the chance to reply and tell him I’m more than fine to listen to what’s going on, the king gets to his feet, suddenly in a hurry to leave.

“I’m really happy you’re recovering well, Hettie. I’ll throw a dinner party once you’re released to celebrate. I have to go now.”

I open my mouth again to say something, but he’s out the door before I even have the chance to form the words in my head.

I’m left alone in the quietness of my hospital room, but my mind starts buzzing with unwelcome thoughts.

Why did the king look so uneasy all of a sudden?

What is going on outside that no one is telling me about?