Page 66 of Redemption of a Prince

“Does she know the baby?”

Nikki nodded again. “But I’m not saying anything else about the baby. The baby was adopted by a wonderful, loving family. They’ve done an excellent job, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better.”

“I won’t press.” Kari squeezed Nikki’s hand. “I take it Zeke didn’t know until his mother said something.”

“No. He didn’t know there had been someone else.” Nikki let out a sharp bark of laughter. “Ironically, I’d been planning to tell him yesterday. I was working up my courage when security told us the helicopter had arrived.”

“I don’t have to ask how he took the news.”

Nikki managed a small smile. “No. You don’t. He took it exactly how you’d think he would. He didn’t order me to leave, but I left before he could. He likely was about to.”

“Oh, Nikki. He wouldn’t have taken it so hard if he didn’t love you so much.”

“He doesn’t love me. If he was starting to again, it’s over now.” She waved a hand toward her desk. “I’m making sure everything is organized so my replacement will have an easy time taking over.”

This time Kari snorted. “Oh, please. You’re not leaving the job. In fact, it would likely be easier for you. Since Gid won’t be king, he’ll move back to this project. It’s our baby anyway. Zeke never understood the Trilunium fascination. You won’t be working with him anymore. Gid and I are incredibly pleased with the work you’re doing. There is no reason why you need to leave the position.”

A weight lifted off Nikki. “I’m glad to hear that. I do want to see this through. I think marriage to Ezekiel is the only thing that would prevent me from wanting to run the whole resort someday. I’d still want to. I just wouldn’t be able to given his status.”

“I understand, but if you love someone, sometimes a change in life goals can be a good thing.”

Nikki smiled softly. “But only if he loves you back.”

* * *

When Zeke madeit back to the palace, it had been more than a full day since the helicopter had landed with him and Nikki inside.

How very different things already were.

Two huge changes. Both interconnected. Both altering the trajectory of his life.

He trudged up the stairs knowing his mother had already talked to Lydia and told her everything about Papa. He’d wanted to be there, but she’d woken up and Mum couldn’t wait.

When he reached his apartment, the door was slightly ajar. He pushed it farther open to find Lydia slouched in a chair.

“Hey, kid.”

She jumped up and ran to him. “Zeekie, how’s Papa?” Her arms went around his waist, and she clung to him.

“He’s doing all right. He’s still not conscious, but he’s stable.”

She sniffled. “I probably shoulda curtsied, huh? Since you’re acting king and all.”

Zeke held his sister a little tighter. “Only in public, Lyd.” He kissed the top of her head. “You’re my sister.”

But not his daughter.

When he and Nikki told his parents she was pregnant, there had been some discussion about what to do. Given that Zeke was presumed to be the baby’s father, it made the most sense for his parents to adopt the baby.

Technically, as king, his father had custody of all children in the line of succession anyway. That was part of what kept Dave from adopting his foster daughter and marrying Jacqueline Grace in a timelier manner.

His mother had numerous public miscarriages over the years. The treatment from the public and press had been harsh after the first couple. They never actually lied, but his mother had disappeared from the public eye for nearly six months to explain how there were no pregnancy photos then a baby.

“He’s really okay?” Lydia sniffled again.

Zeke let go, but left an arm around her shoulders and led her to the lounge. They sat down next to each other. “He’s in serious condition. It’s still possible that things will take a turn for the worse, but right now, it looks like he’ll be all right. It’s just going to take a while longer than expected.”

Lydia leaned against him. She’d always been closer to David, until he disappeared. Then she’d turned to Zeke. Prior, he’d kept himself at arms’ length, protecting himself from missing what could have been if he and Nikki had been able to raise Lydia themselves.

---