The Crown in the Storm ✔️

Heartbreak

I watched the nurse as she moved around, disconnecting the IV and checking my medicines. A knock on the door distracted her from her task and she moved to open it. A second later, Uncle EJ walked into the room.

I greeted him with a bright smile. He paused and took a deep breath.

"How you doing kiddo?" his voice was gruff. Like he'd been crying for days.
"Never been better," I lied, keeping the smile on my face.
"God I hope that's true"
"It is"

He turned to the nurse.

"Will you please give us a few minutes?" She nodded and exited the room. "Eli-bear" he came forward and wrapped me in a warm embrace. "I'm sorry it took me so long"
"No, I completely understand" I answered carefully placing my left arm around his shoulders.
"I'm sorry about Duchess" I nodded solemnly, feeling my heart clench at her name.
"She saved me. If it wasn't for her, I might have not made it" we fell quiet for a minute.

I knew he was waiting for me to broach the subject, but I didn't know-how.

"The police want to record a statement" I nodded keeping my expression neutral. "Should I let them in?" at my nod, he placed a comforting hand on my forehead and left. A few minutes later, a real smile blossomed in my lips when I saw Inspector Nasir walk into the room.

"Begum Sahiba, how have you been? Alright then, nasty business this."

"I'm fine Inspector Nasir. How was your daughter's wedding?" he gave me a cursory look and sat down on one of the couches.

"It went very well Begum Sahiba, she was very happy"

"That's good"

"Yes, yes... if you don't mind, would you like to start from the...uh how it happened?"

"How I was drugged? Well..."

The interrogation lasted for half an hour and I was exhausted by the end of it. Inspector Nasir had been extremely patient and polite, making sure to keep his questions as objective as possible but recounting the whole ordeal was a taxing task. After my description of the cabin, he closed his notebook and got up.

"Well, I think that's all. We'll submit the documents to the court tomorrow morning. I don't think you'll be needed, especially since you're indisposed"

"Is there a way to keep this private? Can we keep the names under wrap?" I asked, sitting up. He gave me a confused look. Uncle EJ came and stood by my side.

"The warrants have his name on them"

"Would it be too late to change them?"

"Not really, we could put in a special request. Is there a reason to keep this horrible thing private?" yes, my fiancé's sanity.

"It's just better in the long run" Uncle EJ answered for me. He nodded and left the room.

I winced as I turned to face Uncle EJ, "Where is he? Why hasn't he come to see me?"

"He did see you, Elena. He was there throughout the night, outside your door. I think it's better that he maintains his distance. We all need some time to get out of this"

"I want to see him"

"He'll come to you when he's ready," he said, sitting on the bed.

"Please, I know what's going on in his head. I know what his father did and what he said. He needs to hear it from me. Please..." he shook his head. I grabbed his hand and put it on my cheek. "Tell him to come and see me or I will get up and seek him out" Uncle EJ looked at me, his gaze defeated.