Page 9 of Redemption of a Prince

And he hadn’t grabbed a coat, which meant he wouldn’t be outside long.

But he needed to get away. To think.

To give himself the five or ten minutes he needed once a year to wallow over what could have been and lock it back up deep inside.

Ten minutes wasn’t enough this time, but the way his fingers tingled meant he should go back inside.

He didn’t go to his office. Instead he headed for his apartment and texted his assistant that he wouldn’t be back until after lunch.

Unfortunately, he still lived in the quarters set aside for the heir, which meant he was closer to the monarch’s apartments than he’d sometimes like.

“Hey, Zeekie.” Lydia bounced down the hallway as she normally did. “Why is your nose red?”

He smiled and gave her a hug. “I was outside.” He brushed his fingers against her cheek causing her to squeal.

“Why would you do that without gloves?”

Zeke chuckled. “I hadn’t planned to go out there but needed a minute to think.”

She nodded seriously. “I understand. I go out there to think sometimes, too.”

“Why aren’t you in your classes?” With his arm still slung over her shoulders, they walked slowly back toward her classroom.

“I’m on a break. My professor told me to get some wiggles out.” She leaned her head against him. “I don’t understand why I can’t go to real school like the rest of you did.”

Zeke knew, but he wasn’t about to tell her. “Mama and Papa just want what’s best for you.”

“I know, but if it was good enough for the boys, why isn’t it good enough for me?” she pouted.

He squeezed her shoulders. “Because you deserve better than any ol’ boys do.”

She sighed. “Fine. I’m almost done for the day anyway.” Looping her arm around his waist, she gave him a quick hug. “I gotta get back.”

“I wouldn’t use words like ‘gotta,’ Lyd.” He struggled to contain his smile.

“I know,” she called over her shoulder. “Igottado better.”

Zeke chuckled and shook his head in amusement but didn’t go into his apartment. He watched the teenager until she was back in her schoolroom.

Once in his private rooms, he went straight to the bedroom and flopped backward onto the bed.

Wasn’t it an ancient Chinese curse that said, “May you live in interesting times?”

Because he had a feeling his life was about to get really interesting.

3

It took everything in Nikki to keep her cool as Princess Karsen told her the job was hers if she wanted it.

“That’s wonderful,” she managed to squeak out. “I won’t let you down, Your Royal Highness.”

“I have no doubt, and, please, call me Kari unless we’re in public.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Nikki doubted she’d be able to address her so informally any time soon.

The princess laughed. “I know it takes time to get used to. There was a time I swore I’d never call Prince Gideon anything else, certainly not Gid like he told me to. Regardless, can you start tomorrow?”

“Yes, ma’am.”