Encounter

Part 27: You Make Me Happy

Most of this chapter is written in first person narrative, I hope it doesn't confuse you.

"Your car, Princess Carolyn."

"Would you mind dropping me off at the Luxenbourgh Embassy" she asked.

"My pleasure"

Carolyn's POV

I must admit I'm a little surprised at what Queen Elizabeth told me. If the Queen of England is apprised of my father's condition, how serious must it be and why hasn't he told me? I spent my entire life behind the gilded gates of the palace, my every move dictated by tradition and duty. I love my country, but I longed for something more-freedom, adventure, and a life beyond the rigid expectations  of royalty. That's where Freddie is so refreshing.

My heart sank after hearing Queen Elizabeth's words. I know my father loved me even though I did exasperate him countless times, and despite our differences, I do  love him. 

Is it selfish to want freedom, it is human, but sometimes, duty and love are pulling me back to where I'm needed the most. 

Ah, at the embassy already, so lost in thoughts and very little about Freddie.

Oh my goodness, I think cousin Elizabeth notified the troups, they are here awaiting me. My father's Lieutenant  Representant and Marshal of the Court are outside the embassy waiting for me.

"Where is my father?"

"He is in his royal chambers, your Royal Highness"

I ran through he embassy like the little girl I was years ago, but not caring this time if I was reprimanded. How strange whisking through these halls adorned with time-honored portraits of my ancestors, it's almost as if I was seeing them for the very first time.  Oh God, if I saw my father hanging there, I would......gasp.

"Father" I called as I flung upon the door.  There he lie, surrounded by his staff and doctors I presumed.

I rushed to  his bedside as he raised his hand to me signaling to come closer. I looked at the doctors for answers or some kind of reassurance that everything would be alright. 

"Your father has had a heart attack, and not his first. This one a bit more severe."

'What does that mean, will he recover, how serious, is he going to die?"

"Your Royal Highness, it is too soon to tell. I would like to place his Highness in the hospital for tests, but he is refusing" the doctor said.

"He's refusing  huh. Dr. Anspach, please make hospital arrangments and for his departure to the hospital, the King Edward  VII in Marylebone."

The doctor bowed and rushed out of the room to make the necessary arrangements.

"Father, they will take you to the hospital now. They will prepare you  for the trip. Don't raise your head or lift up your hands to me, you are going."

I turned to discuss something with the doctors when I saw a strange smile appear on my father's face. What's that all about? He is lying there, weak and in pain and yet  smiling. I hope he's not basking in his dotage.

I turned to the Marshal and told him I would meet them at the hospital, I had to go back to Freddie Mercury's home. I needed transportation, but first I would call Freddie.

"Hello Phoebe, it's me Carolyn. Is Freddie around? Oh, he's at the studio, okay. Thank you.  No, not really Feeb, I'll tell you  all about it later."

I hoped into the limousine and told him to take me to Wessex Studio. Freddie and I have some talking to do.