Page 58 of Redemption of a Prince

“Your things are being packed in the flat downstairs. If there’s anything left in either of your suites that you’d like to take with you, please get it now.”

Zeke couldn’t think of anything, and Nikki said all of her things had already been moved.

They didn’t wait for the elevator, but instead took the stairs that let out near the flat. By the time they made it outside, their bags were being loaded into the helicopter’s storage compartment.

Once inside, they were given headsets to wear. His security team joined them and the pilots.

Less than ten minutes after Nikki had been ready to tell him something likely quite important, the rotors sped up and they lifted off the ground.

Zeke reached for Nikki’s hand, linking their fingers together as they headed for New Ancora.

He prayed his father was going to be fine. He knew Nikki prayed the same thing.

So why did a sense of foreboding steal over him as they headed away from the mountain refuge and toward the hospital where his father could be fighting for his life?

16

It was Nikki’s first helicopter ride, but she couldn’t enjoy it. Not when Zeke’s hand gripped hers so tightly.

His security team had come over the headset to remind him that there was no reason to be overly concerned about his father. Yes, he was in surgery, but there had been no word of anything going wrong.

She suspected he wanted to ask why his mother hadn’t mentioned a helicopter would be picking them up.

Nikki thought it was likely because the queen hadn’t wanted Zeke to worry that there was more wrong than he was being told. She had to know he would start worrying as soon as he knew he was being taken back to New Ancora, so she didn’t tell him until he needed to know.

It also meant Nikki hadn’t been able to tell him something that had been weighing on her for a long time.

In the long run, it was probably for the best. He needed to know before they talked marriage for too long, but while his father was in organ transplant surgery likely wasn’t the best time to drop a bombshell on him - even one from a long time ago.

The ground passed rapidly beneath them and before she knew it, they were landing outside the palace. Nikki was a little surprised they weren’t taken straight to the hospital. It was possible the public still didn’t know what was going on. Landing there would invite too many questions.

Cameras would likely be trained on them when they exited the helicopter, whether or not the news of his father’s health had gone public. There were often camera crews stationed close enough - just in case. To that end, Nikki managed to pull her hair into a presentable low ponytail.

Zeke exited first and was ushered quickly away by his security team. Nikki was met by Kari’s assistant and taken to the administrative portion of the building.

“Your luggage is being brought over, ma’am. You do have an extra change of clothes in your office, correct?”

“I have several.” She’d been told to bring multiple changes, just in case. You never knew what you might need to change into or what outfit would get salad dressing on it.

“I would recommend changing into something nice, but not overly so. Not business clothes.”

“Right.” Something the may-or-may-not-be girlfriend of the crown prince might wear to visit the king in the hospital.

If she’d be allowed to go. Otherwise, she’d need to leave the palace looking put together and not like it had been an emotional few days.

“How is the king?” Nikki asked.

Kari’s assistant shrugged. “Fine, as far as I know.”

So the executive assistants didn’t know about the surgery. Surely at least the king’s did. Nikki clamped her lips together and headed into her office.

She changed into dress slacks and tucked a blouse into them. After a moment’s deliberation, she decided on flats rather than heels. If she did go to the hospital, she’d be much more comfortable. After a quick touch-up to her hair and make-up, she would be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Staring at her phone, Nikki wondered if she should check in with Zeke. After a moment of indecision, she put her phone down. The last thing she wanted to do was bother him if he was in the middle of something important.

Finally, she sat at her desk and pulled paperwork out of her attaché case. Now that she was back in civilization, she needed to get work done.

Fifteen minutes later, a knock sounded on her door, but whoever knocked didn’t wait for a reply.

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