Page 15 of Redemption of a Prince

“I saw your name on the list of those who were tested last week. To my knowledge, none of the tests were close enough to warrant further investigation. However, your willingness is appreciated.”

Knowing she wasn’t a match was something of a relief, though she would have gladly donated if she had been.

“I simply wanted to touch base with you briefly.” The king stood.

Nikki followed suit. “I understand. I’ll do my best to stay out of your way.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think you need to go that far. Do your job, do it well, and there won’t be any need to actively avoid anyone.”

She nodded as she turned to walk out. There wouldn’t be a need to actively avoid anyone, because she shouldn’t be close enough to any of them for it to matter.

That was the unspoken meaning behind his words.

As she left his office and returned to her own, Nikki was struck by a feeling of aloneness she hadn’t experienced in many years.

Fourteen to be exact.

She’d hoped never to feel it again.

* * *

When Zeke lookedup from his desk, Gideon walked toward him with a stack of folders and a frown on his face.

“What’s all this?” Zeke closed the folder with the file he’d been working on.

“Father told me to hand it all over to you.” He set the files down.

“What is it?”

“The resort project. I’m supposed to hand it all over to you for the time being.” Gid sighed as he sat down. “I know it’s not what you want. It’s not what I want either, but he didn’t give me a choice.”

“What does he have you doing?”

Gideon shifted uncomfortably. “Taking over some of his responsibilities. The official story is that, as crown prince, you need to have an extensive working knowledge of the resort.”

“When we both know I’ll never be king.” Zeke didn’t want to take it out on his brother. It wasn’t his fault. It was Zeke’s. “Thanks for bringing it all over. I’ll start looking at it this afternoon.”

“Nikki is fantastic. She’ll help catch you up on anything you need to know.”

Zeke didn’t say anything for a moment as he stared at the pile of folders. “Nicolette is Kari’s assistant on this matter, correct?”

“Not exactly. She’s more of the project manager but is working very closely with Kari. Unfortunately, Kari will have other obligations for the next few weeks, which means you’ll be working with Nikki regularly.”

Right. “I’ll touch base with her soon.”

“Today would be best.”

Of course it would. “I’ll have my assistant schedule a meeting with her today.”

“Good. I’ll let Kari and Nikki know.”

He didn’t want it to be good. He didn’t want to set up a meeting with Nikki.

He didn’t want any of this.

“Anything else?” he asked his brother.

“Not right now, but if you have any questions, Nikki can answer them. If she doesn’t know, ask one of us.” Gideon stood. “Thanks.” He hesitated. “I wish things were different.”