Page 63 of Redemption of a Prince

Nikki could hear the gasps and the whispers.

“Word went out to some of the departments in the palace and a suitable donor was found. Those details will remain private for the time being. The king took a turn for the worse, necessitating the transplant happen immediately. Crown Prince Ezekiel was flown back from the mountain home where he had been sequestered after an ice storm rendered the roads impassable.”

“Is the king all right?” A reporter called out the question despite having been told to wait.

“The king emerged from the surgery in critical condition. A short time later, his heart stopped. The physicians behind me, along with their teams, worked nonstop for an extended period until the king’s heart began to beat on its own again.”

Nikki sank back against the pillows in relief.

The king was alive.

* * *

As he stared,virtually unseeing, at the reporters, Zeke did his best to keep his expression neutral. He couldn’t allow Nikki’s betrayal, no matter how long ago, ruin his focus.

That he was, in fact, eligible to be king felt like a body blow on multiple levels.

Good.

Right.

But, oh, so wrong at the same time.

“So the king is still the king?” One reporter hollered the question despite the PR representative still speaking.

“Yes. The king is still the king. However, given the turn his health has taken, Section 5 of the Succession Act of 1923 has been activated, and Crown Prince Ezekiel will be acting as King Geoffrey’s regent until such a time as the king is able to resume his duties. Now, Dr. Holden will make a brief statement. Please keep in mind that the specifics of the king’s condition as well as the condition and identity of his donor will not be addressed.”

The lead doctor made a statement, saying not much of anything except the transplant had been successful, and the king was in critical, but currently stable, condition.

Then it was Zeke’s turn. “Above all else, my father planned to turn this surgery and the selfless act by a palace staff member into a donor registration drive. Please consider being tested and placed on the live donor registry. While I anticipate my father making a complete recovery, it is my duty and my honor to act on his behalf until he is able to do so. My family and I thank you in advance for your continued thoughts and prayers during this time.”

He stepped away from the microphone bank and allowed the representative to step back in his place.

A moment later, they were back in the hallway headed for the waiting room where his mother and siblings still waited.

Except Lydia.

She was still at the palace.

And not his daughter, like he’d thought since before she was born.

In the waiting room, his family stood as he walked in. They still looked somber, though lighter than they had when he left.

“One of the other doctors came in and said he’s improved a bit more.” Gideon sat with their mother, an arm around her shoulders.

Zeke didn’t know if Gid knew about their change in status, but it didn’t matter. Not right now.

“That’s good.”

“How did the press conference go?” His mother straightened her shoulders and shrugged Gideon’s arm off. “Everything went well?”

“I think they’re all in shock but yes. Overall, it went fine.” Zeke sat down in the chair across from his mother. “What about Lydia?”

Her eyes went wide.

Zeke realized what she must be thinking. “Has anyone talked to her? Told her about Papa?”

His mother shook her head. “No. She’s being kept in the dark, mostly, about it. I spoke with her briefly and told her that he’s doing okay. I haven’t told her the rest. I will when we get back. Hopefully by then he’ll be more stable.”

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