Above All Else

Chapter Five

My gaze remains intent on the woman outside the window holding my son close to her breast. She is in the gardens, walking among the bright vibrant colors. I see her pick a flower and smile. It's illegal to do so but I'll make sure she doesn't get reprimanded for it.

My ever-frantic mind is far past today, thinking into the next months, maybe even years. Mia is sick. Sicker than I could have ever dreaded. The past weeks since the diagnosis have been difficult. She goes through good days and bad. Some she can walk an entire trail and not tire. Other times, she can't seem to leave the room.

Today's a good day.

She's been up all morning, with Alexander. But I can see it. Even from this high window. She's fragile, her body is weak. Everyday it gets worse. The medication isn't helping and I don't know how to help her anymore.

I try to keep her mind from it but I'm failing, which is why I'm standing in Richard's study, prepared to grovel, beg, do whatever it takes for him to help me.

The door opens and Richard walks in, smiling slightly. "I always have to track you down to get you in here."

I clear my throat, pressing my hand over my suit as the guard closes the door from the outside. "Yes, well, when one's asking for something, it's sometimes smart to get to them first."

He stops beside his desk, raising a suspicious brow. "So you're here at ask for something then?"

Hating every aspect of this, I nod. "Yes."

"Then how can I help you?"

"Mia needs to leave this place, Richard."

Richard closes his eyes and I prepare to fight. "Henry, we've spoken about this."

"This isn't about getting out of the palace anymore, Richard. She needs retreat. She's getting worse."

"Henry, that's inevitable. I know you want to heal her like this, but what she needs is a new heart. We could get one and she could be better in a few months!"

"She is quite attached to her organ, Richard," I snap, unable to help it. "As am I.  And doing surgery, we run the risk of losing her all together. She may not survive the operation. You heard the doctor say it!"

"He is the doctor of the crown, Henry. He got Mia through that God awful labor, he can get her through open heart surgery." He looks down. "I need you here, Henry."

"Can you truly only think of yourself?" I utter, in dismay.

"She has the best care imaginable here, Henry. She is well cared for here! I have done everything in my power to make sure she feels comfortable. I don't understand why it's not enough for her. Most women would kill to live in Buckingham."

"First off, I am here, she knows nothing of this. If you knew her better, you'd know she doesn't complain, Richard. She still goes on every task the crown gives her but she cannot do it anymore. I am telling you what she never will."

"I want to help."

"No, you don't!"

He tilts his head. "Henry."

"Be my brother right now," I whisper, angrily. "Please, Rich. Be my brother, not king."

"I can't be both."

"I am begging you!" I shout, holding my arms out. It's taking everything I have not to grab him. "I am literally standing here and begging you to do this for me!"

He exhales, his jaw tightening. I swallow, keeping my eyes locked on his, so he can see my desperation. I'd do anything to get this.

"Richard, Mia is to me what the crown is to you."