Chapter Two Hundred-Nine
Two days before Keira was due to fly home to the US with Alexei, she accompanied Amelia through the wrought-iron gates of Wystovia Children's Hospital. After the drama with Maria and her eviction, the press had noticeably shifted their tone. Without Maria's poisonous "inside sources," the narrative was still brutal, just as Alexei had predicted. It was harsh but not the targeted attacks like before.
"How are you feeling about today?" Amelia asked, her voice gentle as they walked up the stone steps. "Children can be wonderfully honest."
Keira looked at Amelia, who was radiant and more relaxed. The getaway had done her a world of good.
"That's what I love about them," Keira replied, smoothing down her simple blue dress. "No agenda, just pure honesty."
Tanya, the palace communications director, greeted them at the entrance. "The press has been briefed… they'll be limited to the welcome reception and final farewell. The children's ward remains private."
"Thank you, Tanya." Keira was grateful for the consideration. These visits were about the children, not photo opportunities. She knew some of their visits today would be sad and she didn't want that photographed. It wouldn't be fair to the children or their families.
As they entered the reception area, camera flashes erupted, capturing the future princess and current princess royal in their charitable duties. Keira smiled naturally, no longer forcing it for the cameras. She was starting to find her rhythm in this strange new life, not caring what anyone thought.
"Your Highness, Miss Warner," the hospital director welcomed them, "the children have been looking forward to your visit all week."
After the obligatory speeches and ribbon-cutting for a new play area funded by the royal foundation, Keira and Amelia were finally escorted to the children's ward. Away from the press, Keira felt herself relax fully.
"This is the part I enjoy most," Amelia confided as they approached the ward. "When the cameras are gone and it's just about making a difference."
Keira nodded in agreement.
The children's ward was bright and colorful; walls painted with whimsical murals of fairy tales and adventure stories. About fifteen children of various ages were gathered in the playroom, their faces lighting up as Keira and Amelia entered.
The hospital director told them each child's name.
"Hello everyone," Keira said, sinking down to their level. "I've brought some books to read with you today. Would you like that?"
A chorus of enthusiastic "yes" responses made her smile widen. This she could do. This felt natural.
As Keira settled into a rocking chair with a storybook, the children gathered around her on colorful cushions. Amelia watched from a short distance, giving Keira space to connect with the kids on her own.
"Once upon a time," Keira began, her voice taking on the animated tones. She loved kids. She didn't think she was ready for one of her own just yet, and it didn't look like their unprotected sex had created a baby. Keira had her period start on the night Maria had her outburst. She didn't think Alexei was too upset.
The children were captivated, their eyes wide as she read, using different voices for each character and pausing to show them the illustrations. This wasn't about being a princess or fitting into a royal image… this was simply about bringing joy to children who needed it.
When she finished the first book, tiny hands shot up, eager for her attention. She answered their questions patiently, laughing at their candid observations.
"Are you really going to marry a prince?" a little girl with pigtails asked.
"I am," Keira confirmed with a smile. "In the spring."
"Will you wear a crown?" another child wanted to know.
"Maybe a small one," Keira replied, making a measuring gesture with her fingers that sent the children into giggles.
After reading another story, Keira moved among the children, sitting with those who couldn't join the group, reading individually to kids confined to their beds.
After a few hours, they left the children. The director was waiting for them in the corridor with a few doctors, she could see Amelia was well liked and she interacted with everyone so well.
Through a glass window Keira spotted a young girl, barely nine years old, sitting by herself in a waiting area opposite them. Her face showed fading scratches, and her left arm was wrapped in a vibrant pink cast. Something about the child's solitude pulled at Keira's heartstrings. She noticed tears streaming down the little girl's face.
"I'll be right back," she whispered to Amelia, before making her way across the hall and into the waiting room.
Keira sat down in the empty chair beside the little girl. "Hello there," she said softly. "Are you crying because you're in pain?"
The girl looked up, startled by Keira's presence. She quickly wiped her tears with her good hand and shook her head.
"My name's Keira. What's yours?"
"Sophie," the child whispered, her voice barely audible.
"That's a beautiful name," Keira said. "Would you like to tell me why you're sad, Sophie?"
The little girl stared down at her cast. "I'm alone."
Keira felt a pang in her chest. "Are you waiting for someone?"
Sophie nodded. "My sister. She's coming to get me today." Her lower lip trembled. "The doctors said I can go home."
Something in the girl's tone made Keira pause. "That sounds like good news. Aren't you happy to go home?"
Fresh tears welled in Sophie's eyes. "Home won't be the same. Not without Mummy and Daddy."
Keira's breath caught as understanding dawned. "Sophie, were your parents with you when you got hurt?"
The little girl nodded, a tear spilling down her cheek. "In the car. The doctors said they went to heaven."
Without hesitation, Keira moved to sit beside Sophie on the window seat, careful not to jostle her injured arm. "I'm so sorry," she said, her own voice thick with emotion.
"I miss them," Sophie whispered. "My sister says they're always watching over me, but I can't see them."
Keira gently took the child's uninjured hand. "You know, I lost my parents when I was a little older than you. I had big sisters too."
Sophie looked up, her eyes wide. "You did?"
"Yes," Keira nodded. "And it hurt so much. It still does sometimes."
"Does it ever stop hurting?" Sophie asked, the question breaking Keira's heart.
"The hurt changes," Keira said carefully. "It becomes something you can carry with you. And your sister is right—your parents are always with you."
"How do you know?" Sophie's voice was small but curious.
"Because mine are always with me." Keira touched her heart. "Like your parents will always be with you. Here. No matter what, remember that. You'll have your sister to love you."
Sophie looked at her with wide eyes. "Really? They can see me?"
"They see everything now," Keira assured her, swallowing the lump in her throat. "And they'll be so proud watching you grow up brave and strong."
They sat together in silence for a moment, Sophie leaning slightly into Keira's side.
"Sophie!" A young woman's voice called from the doorway. "I'm here to take you home, sweetheart."
Sophie looked up, her face brightening slightly. "That's my sister," she said to Keira.
Keira helped Sophie gather her few belongings, walking her over to meet her sister. The woman, in her early twenties, had clearly been crying but was holding herself together for Sophie's sake.
"Thank you for sitting with her," the sister said to Keira, genuine gratitude in her voice. "She's been through so much."
"She's very brave," Keira replied, crouching to Sophie's level. "Remember what I said, okay? They're always with you."
Sophie nodded, then surprised Keira by giving her a one-armed hug. "Thank you."
As Sophie and her sister left, Keira felt a presence beside her. She turned to find Amelia watching with a soft expression.
"That was beautiful," Amelia said quietly.
Keira shook her head. "I just... I know what she's going through."
"Yes, but you shared that with her. You gave her comfort when she needed it most."