AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Indeed,” Madame Leclerc beamed, her hands trembling with excitement. “This is the one. This is your dress.”
“Thank you,” Amanda breathed, her heart swelling with gratitude. “I never imagined I could feel this way in a dress. It’s like it was made just for me.”
“Your happiness shines through,” Queen Beatrice said, placing a gentle hand on Amanda’s shoulder. “And that, my dear, is what makes a bride truly beautiful.”
Amanda smiled at the queen’s kind words, feeling a newfound sense of belonging. As they stood together in the sunlit room, surrounded by the whispers of silk and tulle, Amanda knew that she had found not only the perfect dress but also a family who would support her in the life she was about to begin with James.
AS AMANDA STEPPED OUTSIDE into the crisp morning air, she felt her heart race in anticipation of their daily run. James was already waiting for her, stretching out his long limbs against the castle wall. He flashed her a warm smile as she approached.
“Ready to go, my future queen?” he teased, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“Always,” Amanda replied with a grin, her cheeks pinkening from both the cool air and his endearing words. They took off together, matching each other’s pace as they weaved through the picturesque streets of the kingdom.
“Speaking of the wedding,” James huffed between breaths, “I want to handle the honeymoon.”
Amanda raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. She focused on keeping her breath steady as they continued running. “Oh? What do you have planned?”
James winked at her, the glint in his eyes mischievous. “It’s a surprise. But I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
“All right,” Amanda conceded, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “I trust you.”
As they ran, the townspeople waved and cheered, their excitement and happiness for the royal couple infectious. Amanda felt her heart swell with love and gratitude for the warm welcome they had given her since her arrival in the kingdom.
“Good morning, Your Highnesses!” called Mrs. Thompson, the florist, as she arranged a vibrant display of roses outside her shop.
“May your union bring joy and prosperity to our land!” added Mr. Jenkins, the baker, waving a flour-dusted hand in their direction.
“Thank you!” Amanda called back, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. “We appreciate your kind words.”
“Keep up the good work, Prince James!” shouted a group of children playing by the fountain, their laughter echoing through the town square.
“Thank you!” James replied, his voice booming with affection. He cast a sidelong glance at Amanda. “We’re truly blessed, aren’t we?”
“More than words can say,” Amanda agreed, her heart swelling with happiness as they continued their run, the cheers and well-wishes of his subjects ringing in their ears.
As they jogged side by side, Amanda couldn’t help but notice the tall, broad-shouldered man trailing behind them. The new bodyguard, hired for their protection in the lead-up to the royal wedding, was an imposing figure, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. It was both reassuring and unnerving to have him there.
“Is it just me, or is our shadow a little...intense?” Amanda whispered to James, nodding subtly toward the bodyguard.
James chuckled softly, his breaths measured as they continued their run. “That’s Walter. He’s one of the best in the business. And you were just as intense when you were the bodyguard and not the queen-to-be.”
Amanda sighed, knowing James was right. With everything going on, it made sense to take precautions. Still, she couldn’t shake the odd sensation of being watched so closely.
“Hey,” James said gently, catching her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll be okay. We’re in this together, remember?”
“Of course,” Amanda smiled, her heart swelling at his unwavering support. “I’m just not used to anyone thinking I’m so...important.”
“Get used to it, love,” James teased, winking at her. “You’re going to be my queen, after all.”
“Your queen, huh?” Amanda mused, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Does that mean I get to boss you around?”
“Only if you promise to be gentle with me,” James replied, feigning a wounded expression.
“Deal,” she agreed, laughing as they picked up their pace, Walter following closely behind.
Chapter Eleven
From the third floor of his townhouse there in the capital city of Theron, Marquis Christopher, a close friend of James, watched out the window as the crown prince and his future bride ran through the streets with a bodyguard trailing behind him. Christopher couldn’t stop himself from thinking how easy it would be to simply shoot the prince right there as he ran through the streets.
