Page 75 of Redemption of a Prince

“Probably,” Zeke agreed. Since Nikki told him, he’d been grateful they didn’t have to make an actual decision about whether or not to tell the other man’s family.

“Why did you need me here for the discussion about tonight’s handover?” Nikki asked suddenly. “Zeke and I have been dating again for a couple of days. Not long enough to be included in those kinds of discussions.”

His parents gave each other another look that spoke volumes.

“We’ve always prayed you’d find your way back to each other,” his mother explained. “We thought you were a good match from the beginning. We figured it would take some time to be ready for a relationship with each other again, but we prayed it would happen when the time was right.”

“And we’re glad you won’t be going through the transition alone. We fully expect there will be an announcement heralding a new queen soon. In fact, we’d recommend you hold off on the official coronation until after the wedding.”

Zeke glanced at Nikki, who’d turned six shades of red. “I think that part sounds like a great plan.”

* * *

WasNikki really talking to Zeke and his parents about planning their weddingandtheir coronation?

She’d been shocked when Zeke told her that his father wanted to see both of them, but she never could have imaginedthis.

“Aren’t we getting a few giant steps ahead of ourselves?” she asked. “We’ve been dating again for three days, almost a week if you count the days at the mountain home and the ones since we got back together again. A wedding seems like a huge stretch, much less deciding to plan Zeke’s coronation around it.” She shook her head. “Not to mention that in less than twelve hours he’ll actuallybeking after so many years of thinking he wouldn’t be. Doesn’t he need more time to get ready?”

The current king gave her a weak smile, likely all he was capable of at the moment. “He’s ready. I’ve worked with both Ezekiel and Gideon for the last decade or more. They both needed to be ready. Gid would do an excellent job if he were ever called on, but Zeke is better suited for it, and Gideon would be the first one to tell you that.”

“I know, but still. Twelve hours’ notice? Not even that much really.” She glanced at Zeke. “That doesn’t seem like enough.”

King Geoffrey shook his head. “It’s not fair to the people for me to remain king when I’m in the condition I am and knowing it will be a long road to recovery.”

“Not even for a couple of days? A week?”

“I sleep far more than I’m awake. Should something happen that needed my immediate attention, it would go to Zeke anyway. However, as temporary regent only, he could have a more difficult time doing what needs doing. It’s best this way, Nikki. I promise.”

She looked over at Zeke. He looked serious but not freaked out. Maybe he’d already suspected something like this would happen and simply hadn’t shared it with her yet. They’d need to talk about that, because she sure could have used a heads up. “You’re all right with this?” she asked him, trying to make certain.

He nodded. “It’s far better than how I thought I became king a few days ago. I wondered if this meeting might include something along these lines but didn’t know.”

“I know it doesn’t need my approval, but if you’re really okay with it, then I won’t argue for waiting a bit anymore.” Nikki didn’t think she was all right with it, but knew arguing would be bad for the king’s health and likely wouldn’t change anything regardless.

Zeke squeezed her hand. “It’s going to be fine. At least the me-suddenly-being-king part, I think. I’ll have my father to talk to and get advice from when I need it. That’s far preferable to taking over after he’s gone someday.”

“I can understand that.” She turned back to his parents. “But what makes you so certain there’s going to be a wedding? I know you said you’ve been praying for this for a long time, but there’s no guarantee something else won’t come up, and it won’t work out.” With a glance at Zeke, she went on. “I want it to. I know Zeke does, too. But there are no guarantees.”

The queen just smiled. “The coronation is a bigger event than even a king’s wedding. It will likely take at least a year to prepare for. Schedule it for late next summer, perhaps to coincide with the anniversary of our independence. Not on the same day, of course, but perhaps make a long weekend out of it. A wedding actually won’t take nearly as much time to plan. A dress, a cake, some flowers, and you’re good to go.”

Nikki laughed as the queen winked at her. “Maybe a bit more time than that.”

“Maybe,” the queen conceded. “But it can be planned in a few months. Especially if it’s done on a weekend, there’s no need to plan for a holiday. The coronation is traditionally a holiday. People need time to plan for that, and combining it with the independence celebrations would be a great way to do that.”

“I think that sounds like a great idea.” Zeke sounded like he meant it and not like he was attempting to placate his parents.

There was a knock on the sliding glass door that led into the king’s private room.

A nurse entered after the queen motioned to her. “I know we said we’d give you uninterrupted time, but that time is up. The king needs his medication, and it will likely make him sleepy. He needs some rest. One of you can stay, but the others need to leave. You can come back later.”

Zeke stood and let go of Nikki’s hand. He took his father’s and squeezed. “Love you, Papa. I’ll come see you tomorrow, probably.”

His father nodded. “Love you, too, Zeekie. Proud of you.”

Nikki could see a difference in his demeanor in just the last few minutes. She curtsied and left with Zeke. The ride back to the palace was a quiet one.

Once in his office, Zeke took her in his arms. “It’s hard to believe that tomorrow I’ll be the king. I’m barely used to the idea that I’m eligible to be. I’m so grateful that it looks like my father is going to be all right overall, but that he’s too weak to continue his job hits hard.”

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