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“But I’m not planning to die, so all is well.” He got into the convertible, and patted the seat beside him.
“I thought I’d ride in the front with the driver.”
“That would make everyone think you were just there in a professional capacity. I want you in back with me.”
Amanda shook her head, sighing. “You’re going to make it very difficult to protect you.”
He shrugged. “Stop worrying so much.”
“It’s my job to worry!”
James shook his head. “It’s your job to make sure I’m safe. I’ll be safe with you beside me.”
The sun cast a glow on the happy faces of the gathered townsfolk as they cheered and waved flags. In the back of a shiny red convertible, James grinned from ear to ear as he took in the adoration of his people. Amanda sat beside him, her unease apparent despite the sunglasses that shielded her eyes.
“Come on, Amanda, lighten up,” James said with a chuckle, giving her a gentle nudge. “This is supposed to be a celebration!”
Amanda squirmed in her seat, acutely aware of the weight of the concealed weapon against her side. As James’s bodyguard, she was more used to blending into the background than sitting in the spotlight. “I just feel so...exposed out here,” she admitted quietly.
“Nonsense,” James replied dismissively, flashing her a boyish grin. “Everyone’s having fun, and you should too.”
He might have had a point, but Amanda couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. She scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of danger while trying not to appear overly vigilant. The jovial atmosphere made it difficult to focus, and she could feel herself tensing up even more.
“Here,” James said, grabbing her hand and raising it in the air in an attempt to get her to wave at the cheering crowd. “Just relax and enjoy yourself. We’re perfectly safe.”
Amanda hesitated for a moment before reluctantly giving in to his insistence. As her arm moved in a stiff, awkward wave, she couldn’t help but feel like a fish out of water. This wasn’t her usual environment, and she longed for the comforting shadows where she could keep watch over James without drawing attention to herself.
“See?” James said with a laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
“Easy for you to say,” Amanda muttered under her breath, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. There was something infectious about James’s enthusiasm and joy, and for a moment, she allowed herself to get swept up in the excitement of the parade.
But as the convertible continued down the street, lined with colorful banners and swaying trees, Amanda’s instincts refused to be silenced. She knew all too well that danger could strike when least expected, and she would not let her guard down. Not while James’s life was in her hands.
As the parade continued, James basked in the warmth of the sun and the love from his citizens. He waved enthusiastically at them, recognizing familiar faces among the crowd. There was the baker who made his favorite pastries, the florist who arranged the bouquets for the palace, and the cobbler who had once repaired his worn-out shoes during a late-night emergency.
“Isn’t this wonderful?” James asked Amanda, not taking his eyes off the cheering faces. “I love seeing everyone so happy.”
Amanda nodded, still feeling slightly out of place but appreciating the joyous atmosphere. Her eyes scanned the crowd, always vigilant for any sign of danger.
“Speaking of happiness,” James began, leaning in closer to Amanda as the convertible slowly navigated a turn in the street, “there’s a series of social events coming up, and I’d like you to accompany me to them.” He hesitated for a moment before adding with a sly grin, “As my date, of course.”
Amanda’s eyes widened, and she nearly choked on her breath. “Your date?” she stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red.
“Of course! Why not?” James replied, chuckling at her flustered reaction. “You’re the only person I can trust to keep me safe at these events. And besides, it would be much more enjoyable to have you by my side than any of the ladies who just want to curry favor with the royal family.”
“James,” Amanda sighed, trying to regain her composure. “You don’t need to pretend that our relationship is anything other than professional. I’m here to do a job, not to be your arm candy.”
“Who says we can’t mix business with pleasure?” James countered, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Amanda. It’s not like you don’t already know how to dress up and play the part of a sophisticated lady. And it might be fun to see the expressions on everyone’s faces when they realize that the beautiful woman on my arm is also my fearless bodyguard.”
Amanda shook her head, not sure whether to be flattered or exasperated by his request. “All right,” she said finally, feeling her resolve weaken under his smile. “But only because I need to keep you safe. Don’t get any funny ideas about trying to romance me during these events.”
“Perish the thought!” James exclaimed, feigning innocence as he placed a hand over his heart. “I promise to be the perfect gentleman. After all,” he added with a wink, “it wouldn’t do for the future king to cause a scandal with his bodyguard, now, would it?”
Amanda couldn’t help but laugh at his antics, feeling some of the tension ease from her shoulders. She knew that her role as James’s protector was serious business, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let herself enjoy their time together a little bit, too.
The parade continued, with the convertible easing its way down the streets lined with cheering citizens. James’s heart swelled with pride as he recognized familiar faces among the crowd. Their genuine joy and excitement were infectious, and it made him momentarily forget his internal struggle.
Amanda, however, was never far from his thoughts. He knew that keeping her true role as his bodyguard a secret was important for her safety, but it weighed heavily on him. He wanted nothing more than to maintain a sense of normalcy in their relationship, even if it meant hiding the truth from the people around them.
