Where Manly Men Talk of Manly Things.
Late this afternoon was going to be a nightmare. Security around the infirmary was going to be tight, and none of the royal family were to go near there, nor were the court. But Cain agreed with the need to offer the humanitarian aid and medical facilities. There were a bunch of oldsters and kids, with their immediate caretakers to support them coming in. They were fighting for their lives and traveling far to get the best help. The palace also had the most expert medical help. They could stabilize the ill and make sure they had the best chance to get to Central City.
All the palace Healers and novices, not to mention Nurses, were going to be busy the moment that convoy of people came through the door. The caretakers would be bunked next to their ill kin, and the infirmary was now packed with cots, and extra row of beds down the middle were added, and four cribs had been brought in for the babes and toddlers struck hard. Some of the Guard were even deployed to stay alert, but lend a hand as needed.
The drivers were going to be placed with the guard in the guard barracks and offered every hospitality the Royal Guard could give them. But they’d be right under the guard’s noses as well.
Cain’s had handed in his resignation after the princesses had been returned. But even through his treason, the resignation had NOT been accepted. He was pretty sure it was part of his ‘punishment’ for his transgressions. Not that anyone would imply as much. Last time the palace was so full of outsiders people had died. His security measures had failed, and on top of the deaths, DG, Az, Jeb and Duchess Kieren had been hurt, tortured and traumatized.
Apparently, it was not reassuring to the people if the likely next Consort quit his former job or publicly showed anything less than confidence in himself.
So here he was, feeling that same nagging warning in his gut that something was going to go wrong tonight. No matter what precautions he put in place.
He’d slept on the sofa in DG’s suite. He had touched her a lot since she returned to her rooms. Every one was reassuring and friendly. Completely non-sexual. He was worried about her reactions, and he had to admit if only to himself, that he was aware he was guilty of allowing this to happen to her, and didn’t deserve anything more anyway. Until she was ready, if she ever was, he was keeping the proper distance. He’d learned how to take care of things for a while when she was ready. His education had been complete.
Before the suns rose he rose off the sofa, feeling his back pop and an old ache in his left shoulder. It was one of the days he hit the gym before the morning running of the course.
He nodded to the two MALE guards outside DG’s rooms as he left to gather today’s clothes from his own room. Jason would be on shift at 8:00 this morning. He’d made an agreement and kept it.
It was going to be a very long day, and an even longer night.