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“Your Highness, if I may interject,” the nurse chimed in with a smile, “I’ve seen firsthand how well you and Amanda work together. You make an excellent team, and I’m confident that will carry over into caring for His Majesty.”
“Thank you,” James responded, his cheeks flushing with pride. “We’re very lucky to have each other.”
As the meeting with the nurse came to an end, James felt a renewed sense of confidence in himself as a leader and partner. He knew he didn’t have to be perfect; he just had to trust in the support of those around him.
As James stood beside his father’s bedside, he felt Amanda’s soft hand slip into his own, offering him comfort and support. King Albert slept peacefully, his breaths steady and even. The quiet of the room was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside the palace walls.
“James,” Amanda whispered, her voice like a warm breeze in the cool room. “You’re doing so well, but you don’t have to carry this burden all by yourself.”
“Thank you, Amanda,” he breathed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “I just... I worry about my father, about the kingdom, about us.”
“Let’s step outside for a moment,” she suggested, guiding him toward the balcony overlooking their beloved city. As they stepped into the crisp night air, the sounds of laughter and music from the streets below filled their ears.
“Listen, James,” Amanda said softly. “Life is always going to be filled with challenges and fears, but we can face them together. You don’t have to be perfect— none of us are. But together, we make a pretty great team.”
With renewed determination, James returned to his father’s bedside. As King Albert stirred from his slumber, he took a deep breath and made a heartfelt vow.
“Father,” he began, his voice strong with conviction. “I promise to put the kingdom first every day of my life. I will do all in my power to ensure its safety and prosperity, just as you have always done.”
King Albert looked at his son with pride, his eyes misting over with emotion. “I know you will, James. You’ve always made me proud.”
“Thank you, Father,” James said, feeling the weight of his words settle on his shoulders.
The sun had dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the charming cobblestone streets of the city as James and Amanda strolled hand-in-hand toward his favorite bakery. The enticing aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, drawing them closer to the quaint shop with its cheerful striped awning.
“Ah, there it is,” James said, his eyes alight with excitement. “I must have been here a thousand times growing up, but it never gets old.”
“Your enthusiasm is contagious,” Amanda replied, squeezing his hand affectionately. “I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us.”
As they entered the bakery, the tinkling of a bell announced their arrival, and the shopkeeper, a plump, rosy-cheeked woman named Mrs. Lovett, beamed at them from behind the counter.
“James, my dear boy!” she exclaimed, bustling out from behind the glass case filled with delectable treats. “And you must be Amanda! I’ve heard so much about you.”
James grinned, pride shining in his eyes. “Amanda, meet Mrs. Lovett, the queen of cakes and all things sweet.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Lovett,” Amanda said warmly, already feeling welcomed by the woman’s genuine smile.
“Likewise, my dear,” Mrs. Lovett replied, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “Now, let’s get down to business. I understand you’re here for a cake tasting?”
“That’s right,” James confirmed, his stomach rumbling in anticipation. “We’re trying to decide which cake to serve at our reception.”
“Excellent,” Mrs. Lovett clapped her hands together, leading them to a cozy corner table laden with an array of scrumptious-looking cakes. “I’ve prepared a few of our most popular flavors for you to try. Let’s begin, shall we?”
As they tasted each cake, James and Amanda laughed and teased each other, their faces smeared with frosting. The rich chocolate ganache had James reminiscing about his childhood birthday parties, while the tangy lemon curd brought a playful pucker to Amanda’s lips.
“Okay, this one’s my favorite,” Amanda declared, savoring a bite of the raspberry-filled white cake. “It’s light, but still flavorful.”
“Ah, but have you tried the salted caramel?” James countered, his eyes dancing with mischief. “It’s a game-changer.”
“All right, let me taste it again,” Amanda conceded, taking another forkful of the decadent dessert.
“See what I mean?” James asked, watching her reaction closely.
Amanda paused, considering the flavors that danced on her tongue. “You might be onto something, James. It’s a tough decision.”
“Isn’t it just?” he agreed, leaning in to steal a quick kiss, their laughter mingling like a sweet melody.
As they continued to banter and sample cakes, James couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness bubble up inside him. This simple moment—sharing cake and laughter with the woman he loved—filled him with a sense of contentment he hadn’t known he needed.
