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“He was connected to a plot to kill the king,” Amanda said. “That’s why I was brought in. I have no loyalty to the people who would overthrow your monarchy.” She paused for a moment. “Where would you like me to put your breakfast?”
James nodded to the floor beside his bath. “Right here. Use the legs on the tray, and I can eat right here.”
“Do you often eat your breakfast from the bath?” she asked.
“Every morning. My father thinks showers are only for people in a rush, which means I can choose between a bath or breakfast, and I’ve learned to do both at once.”
Amanda smiled. “All right. I’m supposed to meet with you this morning about my duties. Would you like to do that now?” she asked, hoping he would say no. She had no desire to spend time in his bathroom while he bathed.
“I can see you’re uncomfortable. Why don’t I finish my bath and eat my breakfast, and then we’ll talk?”
“I would appreciate that. Should I wait in your room? Or do you want to knock on my door when you’re ready?”
“I can knock on your door. No need for you to see me walking around naked. Where are you staying?”
“Leave your room and I’m the first door on the left.”
“Is that so?” James knew there was a twinkle in his eye as he asked the question. He wanted to personally thank his father for his new bodyguard’s proximity to him.
As she left, he admired her poise throughout the situation. He decided to eat quickly and join her in her room. There would be a parade in a few hours that he was riding in to represent the crown. She would need to know what was expected of her.
A short while later, he knocked on the door of her room and waited for her to invite him in. When she came to the door and opened it, she looked a lot more comfortable than she had earlier. “We’ll need to have our talk now. There’s a parade today, and we need to be able to work together.”
Amanda nodded. “I agree.”
He walked into her room and sat down in her living area. She stood before him. “Sit!” he told her. “When you’re with my father, you wait to be invited to sit. When you’re with me, you sit when I do.”
Amanda took a spot opposite him. “I’m sorry. I’m going by what I learned when I was briefed about this assignment. We don’t have royalty, and like most Americans, I have no idea how to respond properly.”
James grinned. “Then you’ll learn as we go.”
“Sounds good to me.” She grabbed a pen and a notebook from the coffee table between them. “First off, how do we handle this parade?”
“It starts and ends here on palace grounds, so we’ll be safe getting in and out of the car. It’s the time while we’re out that’s worrisome.”
“What will you be riding in?” she asked.
“A convertible. The man driving the car will also be trained to protect me, but mostly it’ll be on you. You’ll sit in the back seat with me.” He eyed her for a moment, sitting there in her black suit. “Do you have a dress suitable?”
She frowned. “I do have some dresses with me. Do you really think I need to wear one?”
He nodded. “Very much so. I would prefer if people didn’t know you were my bodyguard. Some obviously will after last night, but if I’m perceived to be weak, it may flush out the enemies of our kingdom.”
“So you want me to pose as your love interest?”
“I do think that would be best.” And it would give him a great deal more of her time than just being her protectee would. He wasn’t even sure protectee was a word, but it seemed to fit. If he never said it aloud, no one would know he used it in his head anyway.
Amanda nodded briefly. “I only have three or four dresses with me. I’ll need a little time to get more.”
He shook his head. “No need. You’re around the same size as my sister, and I’m certain she won’t mind sharing.” He reached for her housephone, dialing in his sister’s extension.
“Eloise, I need to see you. Would you mind if I brought someone over with me?”
“Of course not,” Eloise answered automatically.
He knew his sister probably had her head buried in a book, and she probably had no idea what he said. “We’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“Okay,” Eloise said, hanging up the phone.
