Summary: While at the hospital, Bastien thinks about his future.
Author’s note: This takes place after My Bodyguard.
Liam is safe. Riley is safe. No one was killed. Bastien repeated the words in his head, trying to focus on what was really important. He needed to get his mind off the burning pain in his leg.
As he was helping Liam escape from the ballroom, an assassin had fired at them. He shielded Liam from the attack, but a bullet pierced his leg. Nevertheless, he managed to get Liam out of the palace. Once Liam was safe, he was rushed to the hospital, along with Justin, who had also been shot, and Kiara, who had been stabbed.
It could have been worse. If the bullet had hit his femoral artery, he could have died. If a nerve had been severely injured, he could have been paralyzed. The doctor had told him that he should still be able to walk. But how well? Would he still be able to perform his duties in the King’s Guard? In an emergency, he would need to move quickly. Even a slight limp could be a problem in a dangerous situation. How could he protect anyone?
If his career was over, at least it would end honorably. He had kept Liam safe. He had helped Riley get Drake out of the palace so that she could treat his gunshot wound. It would be far better to retire than to be let go because of his role in the plot against Riley. Although he had never wanted to hurt her, he had to obey Constantine’s orders. After Liam became king and the truth came out, Bastien had feared that he would lose his job.
What would he do if he couldn’t be part of the King’s Guard? He had dedicated his life to his job. Maybe he could serve Liam in some other capacity. At least he had time to try to figure it out. When he was discharged from the hospital, he would go back to the palace to recover. No one would be kicking him out right away, if at all.
He wouldn’t give up easily, though. He vowed that he would apply himself to his physical therapy and regain as much strength in his leg as possible. He would do everything he could, and hopefully it would be enough.