Page 60 of Redemption of a Prince

“They’re working on him,” Zeke answered. “But they had already said if his heart stopped, it was unlikely to start again.”

“But we don’t know for sure?” That was Caleb.

Gideon, with his arms around their mother, remained silent. He was supposed to be king. They were supposed to have enough time for Zeke to abdicate.

It wasn’t supposed to be sudden.

Maybe there was some form he could have signed. Filed an affidavit passing the position on to Gideon. Something that would only take effect on their father’s death.

Instead, his would be one of the shortest monarchies in history.

He had to focus on that.

He couldn’t focus on losing his father.

Zeke wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the man who’d been tough but fair for many years then became more affectionate in recent ones.

The man who had been his shoulder to cry on in private when Zeke had to tell him that his girlfriend was pregnant.

Then the same man who gently reminded Zeke of the other consequences, besides a baby coming into the world.

“Sir, there’s some paperwork I need you to sign immediately.” The chairman sounded regretful.

“We haven’t been informed yet,” Zeke told him, staring at the flecked tile floor. “We don’t know for sure.”

“Either way, he will be incapacitated longer than expected. You’ll need to take over some of his duties.”

“Of course.”

Zeke stood and went to an empty corner of the room with the chairman. He skimmed then signed a few papers. They didn’t say much except that Zeke had the full powers of the monarchy until such a time as his father was able to reclaim them. If he was never able to, then Zeke could begin proceedings to have his father removed - such as in the case of a massive stroke that didn’t result in death.

Once he finished, the chairman bowed deeply toward Zeke who nodded his acknowledgment.

Then he looked for Nikki.

He wanted her by his side. He wanted her in his arms.

He wanted to be in her arms as he broke down.

But that was no longer something he could do in front of anyone except maybe Nikki. Not even his brothers and their wives could see the monarch or substitute monarch break down over the death of his father.

As soon as he saw her, Zeke beelined for Nikki, taking her in his arms.

“I’m so sorry, Zeke.” Her voice sounded as ragged as he felt.

He held on tighter. “We don’t know for sure yet.” His voice broke on the words. “He’s always been a fighter.”

“I know, but no matter what, I’m sorry you have to walk through this.”

She didn’t mention the rest. That Gideon should have been the one to sign the papers, not him.

Because of choices they’d made all those years earlier.

“Ezekiel.” His mother’s voice made him let go of Nikki, though he kept one arm around her shoulders, and she stayed at his side as he turned. “There are some things we need to discuss.”

Zeke nodded. “I know, Mother.” He turned to Joss and Caleb. “Can the four of you excuse us for a few moments, please?”

Rosie and Minnie both looked at their husbands for guidance. His brothers bowed so their wives curtsied before leaving the room in a small knot with a couple of security guards leading them to another secure location nearby.

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