<h4>Chapter 714: Acting as the close kin</h4>


    "The hospital has already admitted him," Dominick’s voice rang out from the center of the room, causing both of them to turn. "The treatment is already underway. I am here to take both of you with me," he asserted.


    Jeniva moved toward the Prince as she leaned in to whisper. "Are you certain about taking Hannah to Gridlock? She is still too young to face a hospital ward alone."


    Dominick’s gaze shifted to Hannah, who was watching them with bated breath, her small hands twisted in her apron. He looked back at Jeniva, his eyes softening only a fraction. "Hannah is his only kin. Her presence is necessary for his recovery, and for her own peace of mind," he replied in a low voice.


    "Hannah,e here," Jeniva called gently. The girl hurried to their side, her eyes searching theirs for any sign of hope. Jeniva ced a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The Prince is going to take us straight to the hospital in Gridlock now. You’ll be able to see him soon."


    "Hold my hand, Hannah," Dominickmanded gently. The young girl didn’t hesitate. On his other side, he reached for Jeniva, his hand curling around her arm and pulling her firmly against his side.


    In a second, they were in the hospital. The sudden shift in air pressure left Hannah swaying, her face paling as her knees buckled slightly. Jeniva was there instantly, steadying the girl and rubbing soothing circles into her back to help her find her footing.


    "We are at the hospital now. Take a moment to catch your breath if you feel unwell," Dominick said as he looked down at the child.


    "I am fine, Your Highness," Hannah insisted, her voice trembling but determined. She looked up at the towering walls of the modern facility with wide, tear-filled eyes. "Please, I would like to see Grandpa."


    Dominick gave a solemn nod, acknowledging her bravery. He turned and led the way through the white-tiled corridors toward the private wardroom. The staff bowed as the Prince passed, but his focus remained entirely on the small girl following in his wake.


    A nurse standing guard outside the wardroom bowed deeply as Dominick approached.


    "Your Highness, you need to sign these documents if you are acting as the close kin," she exined, her voice hushed out of respect. She held out a clipboard, offering him a pen.


    "Of course," Dominick said, taking the papers from her. He began to scan the legalities with a sharp, practiced eye. "How is the grandfather? Has the doctor provided an update yet?"


    "Not yet, Your Highness," the nurse replied softly. "He is currently undergoing a series of scans to determine the cause of his copse. The doctor should be out to speak with you shortly."


    Dominick hummed in acknowledgment. He gestured for Hannah and Jeniva to take the seats beside him before sinking into a chair himself. He asked Hannah about her grandfather’s name. Once he filled in the personal details, he began to sign the forms that would ensure the old man received the highest level of care the city could offer.


    Jeniva made Hannah sit on the chair across from Dominick. "Your grandfather will be fine." She ced her hand on the girl’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.


    ~~~~~~


    David and Samyra stepped out of the car, looking every bit the proud grandparents. Samyra clutched a bouquet of fresh flowers and several gift bags adorned with soft ribbons, her face bright with anticipation. Karmen, who had been deep in conversation with Albus regarding the mansion’s reinforced security protocols, paused mid-sentence as they approached.


    Both Karmen and Albus stepped forward to greet Amelie’s parents with warm, respectful nods.


    "Karmen, we were at the airport hoping to wee our daughter, son-inw, and grandson the moment they touched down," David exined, offering a sheepish smile. "But the crowds were immense, we couldn’t even push past the main doors. Samyra and I decided it would be much more sensible toe straight to the mansion and wait for them here."


    Samyra nodded in agreement, adjusting the gift bags in her arms.


    "At the moment, Prince Gabriel and Princess Amelie are resting in their suite," Albus informed them. "But please,e inside and wait in the parlor. Karmen, I will implement those security measures and update youter this evening."


    As Karmen nodded and retreated to his car, Albus led David and Samyra into the grand foyer of the pce. The heavy doors muffled the distant sounds of the estate, reced by the soft ticking of a grandfather clock and the scent of fresh lilies.


    "Is Noah sleeping?" Samyra asked as if the infant might hear her from across the wing.


    "Yes, he is tucked away in the nursery. Would you two like to spend some time with the little prince once he wakes?" Albus inquired. A maid appeared silently, cing a tray of steaming mint tea on the low table between them. "Please, enjoy your tea. Once you’ve refreshed yourselves, I will escort you upstairs. If you’ll excuse me." He offered a short, respectful bow and withdrew to attend to the household staff.


    Samyra lifted her cup, but David remained still, his gaze fixed on the ornate rug.


    "Amelie is still upset with us, Samyra," David said. "The fact that she didn’t personally tell us she was returning to San Ravendale... it speaks volumes. Do we truly have to live with this distance, this hatred, for the rest of our lives?"


    Samyra lowered her cup slowly, the porcin clicking against the saucer. "She doesn’t hate us, honey," she said softly, though her eyes betrayed her own heartache. "But we have to face the bitter truth: we are no longer a central part of her life. I think we never were. She at least didn’tpletely kick us out of her life. We have hurt her badly in the times when she needed her the most. Yes, we have to live with this regret all our lives."


    David nodded, feeling bitter and grabbed the cup.