Page 4 of Redemption of a Prince

She reached over and lowered the partition between the rear of the auto and the front seats. “Is there an American food stand with chili dogs around here?”

The two men in the front seat shared a look. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Can you take us, please?”

The man in the passenger seat nodded and spoke quietly into the microphone hidden in the sleeve of his coat.

She raised the partition again and settled back in her seat with a satisfied look on her face. “You’re having your first chili dog.”

“What is chili?”

“It’s a stew or soup of sorts. It usually has several kinds of beans and meats with different chili peppers. A chili dog is a hot dog in a bun with chili over the top.”

“Sounds... messy.” He tended to prefer neat food when he ate in public. Less chance for an embarrassing mess.

“Oh, it is, but so good.”

The auto turned toward an area known for its tourist-friendly food. It stopped in front of what could only be described as a van with a couple of sticks holding up an awning over windows. Several other similar vehicles nearby served different sorts of food.

A few dozen tables were situated around the area. Only a few were occupied at the moment, as it was late enough there weren’t too many people around.

Maybe no one would notice the crown prince and a princess from halfway around the world eating a sloppy meal from a mobile restaurant.

Who was he kidding? The limousine had already attracted attention.

His door opened. He climbed out and turned to help Gen.

As soon as she stood upright, he dropped her hand and clasped his hands behind his back, staying far enough away from her for a whole other person to be in between them. The last thing he needed was rumors of an affair.

She didn’t hesitate but went straight to the counter and ordered two, foot-long chili dogs with bottles of water.

Zeke pulled his wallet out of the pocket on the inside of his overcoat and handed over plenty of cash, telling the man to keep the change.

They stood off to the side while he prepared their meals, calling out to ask if they’d like cheddar cheese on them.

Gen agreed for both of them.

A minute later, the vendor handed them over, cautioning that the plates should be held by the bottom. The flimsy plates couldn’t be thicker than a couple of sheets of paper.

Gen led the way to a table that seemed to be made of metal covered with a thick layer of rubber and holes that likely made it easier to clean but didn’t make much sense to Zeke otherwise.

She waited for him to take the first bite, but all he could do was stare and study it. How did one eat such a thing? At least they’d been given plastic forks.

He cut off a bite.

Convinced himself to try it.

And found himself pleasantly surprised.

“So?”

“Not something I’d eat often, but better than I feared.”

Gen cut hers. “So who was the woman?”

His fork froze mid-air with his next bite on it. “What woman?”

“The one you were staring at as we left. Across the street.”

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