AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Look at them, Amanda,” he said, gesturing to the crowd. “These people mean everything to me, and I want to be the best king I can be for them. But I also want you to be safe. I just...I wish things could be different.”
Amanda placed a hand on his arm, offering him a reassuring smile. “We’ll figure it out, James.”
Her words brought him some comfort, but there was still an unease gnawing at him. As they continued waving and smiling, James couldn’t help but let his mind wander to the upcoming social events where Amanda would be by his side, not as his bodyguard, but as his date. Would people suspect something? Would they question her presence? He shook his head, trying to push those thoughts away. They had to take things one step at a time.
. “Look at that adorable little girl with the butterfly face paint,” Amanda said, pointing toward a young child waving enthusiastically from the sidewalk.
“Isn’t she precious?” James agreed, his eyes crinkling with delight. “I’ve always loved our town’s sense of community. It’s times like these that I feel truly grateful.”
“James,” Amanda began hesitantly, her heart beating faster, “I...I just want you to know—I’m here for you, no matter what.”
“Thank you, Amanda,” he responded softly, placing his hand on hers for a brief moment. “That means more to me than you know.”
Amanda smiled, her cheeks heating up as she tried to focus on the present moment. She had never been one for sharing her feelings, especially in her line of work, but something about James made her want to open up.
Suddenly, a loud bang shattered the festive atmosphere, followed by the sound of glass shattering. The crowd screamed and dispersed in panic, leaving James momentarily disoriented.
“Get down!” Amanda shouted, her bodyguard instincts kicking in as she pushed him down onto the floor in the backseat. Her eyes scanned the area, searching for the source of the threat.
James’s heart raced as realization dawned on him - someone had just tried to assassinate him. He stared at Amanda, his mind racing with thoughts of what could have happened if she hadn’t been there to protect him. “Are you all right?” he asked her urgently.
“Fine,” she replied, her eyes never leaving the chaos unfolding around them. “We need to get out of here.”
“Agreed,” James said, his voice shaking slightly as they waited for their driver to speed away from the scene.
As the convertible sped off, leaving the panicked crowd behind, James couldn’t help but feel a newfound appreciation for Amanda and her unwavering dedication to keeping him safe. Even though his feelings for her were anything but ordinary, he knew he needed her now more than ever. And somehow, they would find a way to navigate the complexities of their situation together.
“Wha—what happened?” James stammered, his breath coming out in shallow gasps.
“Someone tried to shoot you,” Amanda replied, her eyes scanning the scene for potential threats. “Stay down, and don’t move until I say so.”
“Okay,” he whispered, his body trembling beneath her. As they lay there, pressed together in the backseat, James couldn’t help but marvel at Amanda’s bravery and quick thinking. She had saved his life without hesitation, and he knew that he would never be able to repay her for it.
“Is it safe?” he asked after a few moments.
“Not yet,” she replied, her voice steady as she continued to assess the situation. “But we’re going to get through this, James. I promise.”
As they waited in tense silence, James felt an overwhelming surge of gratitude for Amanda. Despite the danger they were in, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of happiness at having someone like her by his side. And somehow, amidst the chaos and fear, love began to blossom in the most unexpected of places.
The palace buzzed with frantic energy as news of the assassination attempt spread like wildfire. Servants and guards hurried through the grand hallways, their faces etched with concern. The king paced back and forth in his study, his hands clenched into fists and his face a mask of worry.
“Your Majesty,” a breathless messenger burst into the room, bowing low as he tried to catch his breath. “Prince James and his bodyguard are safe for now. They’re still at the parade site.”
“Thank God,” the king exhaled, relief flooding his features for a moment before being replaced by anger. “I want answers! Who would dare threaten my son?”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” the messenger replied, straightening up. “An investigation is already underway.”
“Keep me informed,” the king ordered, his voice like ice. “I want the person responsible for this found and brought to justice.”
“Understood, Your Majesty,” the messenger nodded before hurrying out of the room.
As the study door closed behind the messenger, the king allowed himself to sink into his chair, his head in his hands. He couldn’t help but think about how close he’d come to losing his oldest son and heir. The thought sent a shudder down his spine.
“Damn it all,” he muttered under his breath, his heart heavy with fear and guilt.
“Father?” a soft voice called from the doorway, and the king looked up to see his daughter, Princess Eloise, standing there with wide, worried eyes.
“Eloise,” he sighed, beckoning her into the room. “Come here, child.”
