Page 27 of Redemption of a Prince

Zeke set his fork down. “I’ll back you up in whatever way you need me to, but you’re not wrong. You’re the lead here. I’m just along for the ride.”

She poked at a noodle before stabbing it with her fork. “Thanks. I just hope I’m up for the task.”

“I have no doubt you will be. Kari and Gid wouldn’t have chosen you for the job if you weren’t the right person to do it.”

Nikki slouched back in her seat. “On one level, I know you’re right. On another, I wonder if you’re wrong.”

“I’m not wrong.” He took another bite. “I know I’m not.”

She simply shrugged then ate a couple more bites. A few minutes later, the main course was removed and slices of chocolate cake brought out for dessert.

“I might just eat all of this,” she told him, cutting a bite off with her fork. “Chocolate hits the spot.”

Zeke chuckled. “I don’t disagree with you there.” He’d asked for a chocolate dessert, knowing how much she’d loved it as a teen. Fortunately, it appeared the preference had remained as an adult.

“This is amazing.” She spoke with her mouth full which made Zeke laugh again.

“I’ll make sure to have some available the whole time you’re here. Then you can indulge whenever you want.”

“If I did that, I wouldn’t fit in the clothes I brought with me.” She took a sip of her drink. “Which reminds me. Do you know if there’s an iron and ironing board in my room? I may need to press some of my clothes.”

He honestly had no idea and told her so. “Call Toby, the house manager we met earlier. If it’s there, he’ll tell you where. If it’s not, he’ll tell you how to get it taken care of.”

“Thanks.” She finished her last bite. “I think I’m going to head to my room and try to relax. I appreciate the dinner. It was wonderful, even if I didn’t eat much of the entrée.”

“I’ll see you in the morning.” Zeke stood as she left the table then the room. Rather than calling her back, he sent a quick text with directions to the elevator. He finished his cake a bit more leisurely then headed up to his room. A text from Gid told him something else was hinky in the treaty with Auverignon that he wanted Zeke to take a look at.

Zeke wasn’t sure why they were continuing to go over it, unless his father was simply using it as a learning experience. This treaty wouldn’t be signed before legal issues forced the current king out. It would be Papa with Stephen or Charles or whatever regnal name he chose, crafting another treaty before the year was out.

It wasn’t Zeke’s issue, but he’d look it over for Gideon then be done with it. That was the best he could offer when he’d never be king.

* * *

After hangingeverything up in the closet, Nikki stepped back and looked at all of her business clothes.

Wrinkled.

She’d hung them all up in the bathroom first while she took a shower, hoping the steam would help remove some of the wrinkles, but it hadn’t been enough.

With a sigh, she went into the sitting room and found the number for the house manager.

Was it too late to call?

He’d said to call whenever she needed anything, and it was only a few minutes after nine.

With a deep breath, she dialed.

“How may I help you, ma’am?”

Nikki breathed a sigh of relief when he sounded wide awake. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I need an iron.”

“An iron?”

“Yes. Some of my clothes are too wrinkled to wear to meetings. I’d like to iron them.”

“I will send someone up momentarily, ma’am.” He didn’t sound the least bit annoyed.

“Thank you.”

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