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“Unfortunately, that information is classified,” Amanda replied, her voice cool and detached.
“Of course, of course,” James conceded, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well then, what do you enjoy doing when you’re not protecting royalty? Any hobbies or interests?”
“Your Highness, I mean, James,” Amanda said, finally turning to look at him, her blue eyes locking onto his green ones with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. “My main priority right now is to ensure your safety, not to engage in personal conversations.”
James’s heart sank as he realized the futility of his attempts to get closer to Amanda. He tried to hide his disappointment behind a smile. “I understand. My apologies for overstepping.”
“Thank you,” Amanda replied, her gaze once again sweeping across the room.
As James retreated to his seat, he couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration and longing that had taken hold of him. He was captivated by Amanda, drawn to her beauty, intelligence, and strength. And yet the more he tried to connect with her, the more she seemed to pull away, leaving him to wonder if he would ever find a way to break through her impenetrable professional barriers.
“Your Highness, are you quite all right?” Lady Abigail asked, concern etching her features as she observed James’s troubled expression.
“Fine, just fine,” he muttered, forcing a smile. But deep down, he knew that nothing would truly be fine until he found a way to win Amanda’s heart.
The evening wore on, the nobles’ laughter echoing through the grand hall as they danced and dined. James found himself frequently glancing over at Amanda, who remained ever vigilant at her post near the entrance. He couldn’t help but be captivated by the way her blonde hair framed her face, the strands shimmering under the chandelier’s soft glow.
“Your Highness, would you honor me with a dance?” Lady Abigail asked, extending her gloved hand to him. Though he didn’t particularly feel like dancing, James nodded and accepted her invitation, knowing it was part of his duty.
As they took their positions on the dance floor, James’s mind wandered back to Amanda. He struggled to focus on the steps, his thoughts consumed by the possibilities of what could be if only she would let him in. His frustration grew as each moment passed, and he knew that he needed to find a way to bridge the gap between them.
“Ah! I have an idea,” James whispered to himself as the music swelled around him.
“Excuse me, Lady Abigail, I believe I see someone in need of assistance,” he said, gently disengaging from their dance. She looked puzzled but nodded, allowing him to make his way toward Amanda.
“Everything all right, Your Highness?” Amanda asked, her eyes scanning the room for any potential threats.
“Actually, there’s something I’d like your opinion on,” James replied, trying to sound casual. “You see, there’s this woman I’ve been trying to impress, but she seems entirely focused on her job. Any advice on how I might...catch her attention?”
Amanda hesitated, her professional demeanor wavering for just a moment before she sighed. “I suppose everyone needs a break now and then. Maybe try connecting with her over something not related to work? Find some common ground.”
“Thank you, Amanda,” James said, his heart racing at the hint of a connection between them. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good luck, Your Highness,” she replied with a small smile, her blue eyes meeting his for a heartbeat before returning to her watchful gaze.
As he walked away, the warmth of their brief interaction settled into the pit of his stomach, and James couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. He knew that pursuing Amanda would be fraught with challenges, both personally and professionally, but he also knew that he couldn’t ignore the connection they had just shared.
“Perhaps there’s more to this story than I thought,” James mused as he rejoined the festivities. His heart felt lighter, knowing that he had made progress, however small, in breaking through Amanda’s professional barriers.
And so, with renewed determination, Crown Prince James vowed to pursue the woman who had captivated his heart, despite the complications and challenges that lay ahead. For love, he believed, was a challenge worth facing head-on, no matter the obstacles that might stand in their way.
Chapter Two
The following morning, James woke later than usual as he’d been up late at the ball. He was tired, but immediately wondered when he would meet his new bodyguard Amanda. Would she be the one who went to the parade with him that afternoon?
He called to the kitchen to have his breakfast sent up, as he usually did before stepping into a hot bath. His parents didn’t believe showers were for royalty, so there were no showers in the palace. When he’d been away for college, he’d loved his showers, and he knew that was a change he would make as soon as he was king.
There were so many changes he wanted to make, and as ready as he was to rule his country, he had no desire for his father to die to give him the power he craved.
He was still in the tub when there was a knock at his door, and he called out, “Enter!” His main bodyguard, Clarence, always brought his breakfast to him.
“I have your breakfast Your Royal—I mean James.”
James was surprised to hear Amanda’s voice instead of Clarence’s. Surprised, but not at all upset. “Just bring it in here!” he called out. He knew it was an odd habit, but he’d taken to eating his breakfast while he was in the bath. It saved the time he lost by not showering.
Amanda kept her gaze on the wall behind the tub as she walked into the prince’s bathroom. “I have your breakfast,” she said again.
“Where’s Clarence?” James asked.
