Page 51 of Redemption of a Prince

He used a combination of remotes to find the HEA TV Christmas movie collection. “See one that strikes your fancy?”

“I figured you’d pick a classic likeMiracle on 34th StreetorIt’s a Wonderful LifeorDie Hard. I didn’t expect HEA TV.”

“We can watch one of those. I just figured this is what you would want.”

“It is, it just surprises me.” She pointed at the screen. “Third row. Fourth from the left. That’s the one I want to watch.”

Zeke squinted to read the small type as he chose it and the description popped up. “I know that guy.”

“His twin brother married Queen Christiana of Ravenzario.”

That’s where he knew the guy from. He’d met the duke several times. Zeke didn’t think he’d met the twin brother. He started the movie, but his eyes narrowed when the title popped up with a tiara hanging off one of the letters. “Is this a royal movie?”

“Yep. I always wanted to watch it, but didn’t because I was afraid it would be too hard. Now that we’re back together, this is the one I want.”

Zeke chuckled and settled in. How bad could it be?

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Managing to control her desire to giggle took all of Nikki’s concentration.

“That isnotwhat a palace is like.” Zeke sounded more frustrated with every scene. “Who did they hire as a consultant? The singer Prince? What does he know about life in a palace?”

“Just ignore it,” she told him. “It’s not like Queen Elizabeth would consult.”

“No, but his brother is a prince consort. You’d imagine some insider knowledge at least.” He waved a hand toward the tabletop Christmas tree in the family living room. “Everyone knows there’s a giant tree in the monarch’s living quarters.”

“Not if the monarch is a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas,” she countered. “Like his mother is.”

“They haven’t even told us why she’s like that. All he’s said is that his mother hates Christmas.”

“I’m sure they’ll tell us. Maybe his father or her parents died around Christmas.”

Ten minutes later, they found out.

His older brother, the heir to the throne, had died around Christmas when they were children. No wonder the woman hated the holiday season.

“I guess I understand. At least they finally showed a giant tree in the ballroom. It’s expected there’s at least one giant tree in the palace.”

“It’s not like this tree is huge,” she pointed out. “It’s not much taller than you are.”

“But it’s not the main tree. I think it’s usually used by Henry, though these aren’t their ornaments.”

“Good point.”

He kissed the top of her head. “When the power comes back, we can put a giant tree up in the living area in my parents’ quarters. It’s gorgeous up there. You’d love it.”

“They won’t mind?”

“No. It’s where the family gatherings are. Their suite is more like an apartment.”

The action on the screen drew Nikki’s attention before she could reply.

She was going to be lucky to stay awake for the rest of the movie. It had been a long day of wild emotional swings. She was glad she’d made the first step to reconnect with Zeke, taking him hot chocolate.

The crying jag had led to a nap while he worked outside. Not what she’d intended but what happened.

It had been a restless sleep, though, and she woke feeling even more tired than she had been before.

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