“What can I say? True love waits for no man.”
Zara
It’s only beena few days since our first date, and my weeks are already planned out for the next three months. There are no fewer than three events each week to ensure maximum exposure for the two of us. It’s exhausting to even think about.
After dinner the other night, James and I walked out together. While there were only a few paparazzi around, it was enough. They’ve been following me every day since to and from school. Thank God for the security officers, or I don’t know what I would do.
Tonight, they’ll be swarming. It makes me uncomfortable to think about that many people snapping my picture because of whom I’m with.
Because of the early hour of the event, James is picking me up straight from school. I did a quick change in the bathroom and am trying to calm my nerves before he gets here. I’m glad the students have already left, otherwise it would be even more of a spectacle. The press has been stationed outside the school since they found me.
Nerves surge through me as James’s motorcade rolls to a stop in front of the school. I was fine with meeting him at the event, but he wouldn’t have it.
“My future Queen.” James’s deep voice washes over me as he steps out of the car. If I wasn’t so upset about this situation my dad had pulled me into, I could appreciate what a gorgeous man James is. I’m not noticing how good James looks in his suit, or how his irises disappear as he gazes at me. I changed into a simple grey cocktail dress with a lace overlay, hitting me at my knees. I’m trying not to notice how goose pimples break out as his eyes blaze a hot trail over my body.
“My future King.” I accept the double-cheek kiss as he waves me into the awaiting car. “And what does tonight’s event entail? You were rather secretive.”
“Tonight’s benefit is for the national museum to raise funds for a new exhibit on British history. People tend to be fast and loose with their money if you feed them more alcohol.”
“I’ll have to add that to the list of things I need to remember.”
He shrugs, giving me a playful smile. “That’s why we’re not in charge of the planning. There are people much smarter than us who know these things and plan accordingly. We’re not much more than pretty faces.”
“And is this one of your new charities that you’re taking on?”
James does a good job of hiding his nerves about his new place in the royal line. But underneath all the bravado of this man lies someone who really doesn’t want to mess up in his new role. I can’t imagine the kind of pressure he’s under.
“It’s one Mum reassigned to me. Not my favourite by any means. Ellie was much more into the arts than I have ever been.”
“Are you able to find something that you’re passionate about?” I don’t have the first clue about how royals come by their patronages, so I can’t really offer much in the way of support.
“Sometimes yes, sometimes no. There are the charities that, historically, we’ve always supported that we will continue to do so. But sometimes there are new ones that we can get behind as long as it’s a sound investment.”
“And what will my charities be once I’m in the fold?” I observe the long line of press as we get to the museum.
“We’ll worry about that later. Are you ready to wine and dine everyone tonight?” James waggles his eyebrows at me.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I didn’t expect to be thrown into the deep end so soon. I thought there would be more of a learning curve, but here we are.
The flashbulbs are bright as the car door opens and James steps out. Taking a deep breath, I slide out behind him and take his awaiting hand, holding on for dear life.
“James! James! Over here!” James gives the person yelling his name a big smile. I’m not sure how he can distinguish him from the rest of them. “How did you and Zara meet?”
I shouldn’t be surprised that they already know who I am. I can only force a smile as James tells them our fake story about us meeting through mutual friends. They eat up his every word. James is a natural at this. He has an easy grace that makes him perfect for the role he was born into.
“Zara. How does it feel to be dating the prince?”
James pulls me closer to his side as I try to formulate an answer. I knew there would be press here tonight, I just didn’t think we’d be stopping to chat with them. But I guess it’s all part of the palace’s plan to rehab James’s public persona.
“James really is a prince.”Really is a prince?I want to die on the spot. James squeezes me closer as a playful look lights up his face.
“You certainly seem to have charmed him.”
“That she has. Now, if you’ll excuse us. Have a nice evening, everyone.” James is polite in his dismissal as he pulls me towards the museum entrance.
“Glad to know I really am a prince.” His hot breath ghosts my ear, sending butterflies through my stomach.
“Shut it. I completely blanked on anything even remotely normal to say.” I give him a hard shove in the stomach, but he doesn’t move an inch.
