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“Is James okay?” she asked, her voice trembling as she crossed the room to stand next to her father.
“Thankfully, yes,” he replied, putting an arm around her shoulders. “Amanda protected him.”
“Then we should be grateful that she’s there with him,” Eloise said, her voice filled with a surprising strength. “She’s clearly capable of handling herself.”
“Indeed,” the king conceded, his tone softening as he looked at his daughter. “But what about James? He must be terrified right now.”
“James is stronger than you think, Father,” Eloise reassured him, her eyes shining with love for her brother. “And I’m sure Amanda will help him get through this. After all, they’re a team, aren’t they?”
“Ah, yes,” the king chuckled, despite the lingering tension in the air. “They certainly are.”
“Then let’s trust them to handle this, and we’ll do our part here,” Eloise suggested, squeezing her father’s hand. “We’ll find who did this, and make sure it never happens again.”
“Agreed,” the king nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over him. “Together, we’ll keep our family—and our kingdom—safe.”
As the king and princess united in their resolve, far away at the parade site, James and Amanda huddled together amidst the chaos, unaware that the love growing between them would not only overcome the danger they faced but also prove to be the key to unlocking the secret plot threatening their very lives.
Chapter Four
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the palace as James and Amanda approached the back entrance. As they passed through the towering gates, Amanda couldn’t help but marvel at the meticulously manicured gardens that surrounded them.
“Your father certainly has an eye for detail,” she remarked, watching a butterfly flit from one vibrant flower to another.
“Indeed, he always says that the palace should be a reflection of the kingdom —flourishing and full of life,” James replied with a proud smile.
As they entered the palace, the air inside was cool and calming, providing them with a welcome respite from the sun’s warmth. James led Amanda through the opulent halls adorned with exquisite artwork and intricate tapestries until they reached the royal study. He hesitated for a moment before knocking on the heavy wooden door.
“Father?” he called out, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
“Enter,” came the deep, authoritative voice from within.
James pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit room, closely followed by Amanda. The king, an imposing figure with a strong jawline and piercing green eyes that matched his son’s, sat behind a massive oak desk piled high with scrolls and documents.
“Ah, James, you’re back,” the king said, his eyes flickering between his son and Amanda. “And I see you’ve brought your new bodyguard.”
“She saved my life during the parade today. I assume you’ve heard?”
“Your Majesty,” Amanda said, curtsying gracefully.
“Please, call me King Albert,” he said, waving away the formality. “Now, tell me, what do we know?”
“Not nearly enough,” James replied. “A shot came out of nowhere, and Amanda knocked me down and covered me with her body.”
“Thank you,” King Henry said, nodding at Amanda. “I trust you’ll keep me updated on your progress?”
“Of course, Father. We’re doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our people,” James assured him.
“Good. I need not remind you of the importance of this task,” the king said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Now, I have much work to attend to. You may go.”
“Thank you, Father,” James said, bowing respectfully before leaving the room with Amanda.
As they walked away from the study, James couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. His father’s approval was not easily earned, and he knew that their conversation could have gone very differently. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he glanced over at Amanda, her presence bringing him both comfort and reassurance.
James couldn’t help but steal glances at Amanda as they walked through the palace halls, her every movement graceful and elegant. He found himself entranced by the way her eyes sparkled with curiosity and intelligence, a fire that seemed to burn brighter with each passing moment. His heart raced as he considered the possibility that she might feel the same way about him, though her professional demeanor remained unwavering.
“James,” Amanda said suddenly, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Is there something on your mind? You seem a bit distracted.”
“Ah, yes, well,” James stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment. How could he possibly express the feelings that were beginning to take root within him? “I was just thinking about how much I enjoy your company, and how grateful I am to have you by my side.”
