Zac and the Reluctant Prince, Book 1 of Prince David series

By Wilson James

David has unexpectedly become the royal heir. David has also become an orphan. Those two overwhelming problems confront teenager Zach and his family, who simply want to protect David and help the younger boy deal with his destiny.
For Zach, Janice, Austin and David, life before the tragedy was about growing up and doing all the normal things kids do. They didn’t let an increasing awareness that David was a royal prince get in the way of their growing friendship.

Before long, though, harsh realities start to shake their lives. First, there was a personal disaster and heartbreak for Zach, who came to realize that his role as big brother to Austin was now more important than ever, and that also meant being there for Austin’s best friend, David.

Then, a national tragedy thrusts David into the public spotlight, far too soon. The entire nation watches and comments on how he responds to the burdens that are put on his young shoulders. It is the love and support from his three friends that gets David through this first ordeal, and helps him start to accept who he must now become.

Ultimately, Zach truly wants to protect David and give him as ‘normal’ a life as possible, but nothing in Zach’s life could possibly have prepared him for this new role. A treacherous uncle, disloyal cousins, and officious bureaucrats; Zach must best them all.

Zac and the Reluctant Prince, Book 1 of the Prince David Series, introduces David and the Bolithos, an unlikely but effective combination of young men and women who desire to do right, but who also want to be normal teenagers. Is that even remotely possible? Will they find the courage to succeed in spite of being nervous and scared of what lies ahead?

Zachary’s assistance and support to David could be a footnote in history, if that, or together they might somehow manage to shape the way people feel about David and about the monarchy in general. That might well change history.

The first of a planned series, but a complete novel standing on its own, this is a book providing inspiration for building lasting friendships, caring about family, seeking adventure, and overcoming the challenges we all face in life. This is a book for any young person or adult who has ever wondered where they fit into this world or how they could make an impact.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wilson James
• Release date: Mar 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465939753

Wilson James

Wilson (Wil) James was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and currently lives on the coast in northern California. He has worked in, on, and around the water, and loves to travel. He claims to be a sailor in addition to identifying himself as an author of adult and young adult fiction.The stories of Wilson James mostly target Young Adults, and describe adventures about family, loyalty, honor, tenacity and courage with various backdrops including sailing, aquatics, downhill skiing, international competition, and success at young ages, set in Europe and North America.As Wilson says, his books are about empowering youth. “If my stories help young people, by giving examples of kids persevering in difficult situations, then I will be very satisfied. If my stories help young people overcome their own challenges, and perhaps find some inspiration, then I will be happy. If my stories help young people find the tenacity and courage to succeed in their own lives, then I will be very pleased. If my stories help achieve some better understanding among friends and families, then I will consider myself fulfilled.”Wilson describes the ultimate reward for writing. “If even one young person finds some example in one of my books that he or she can use in their own life, then I will consider that every moment I spent writing those books was the best possible way to spend that time.”His YA fiction book A FAMILY LEGACY: THE WATSON WORKS made it into the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Another of his titles, PLAYING THE BASEBALL CARD, has been reviewed as a "Great Book" and "Very Inspiring" and "In my 53 years of living this may be one of the most emotional books I personally have read", and for more than a year maintained an overall sales rank well into the top 1% at Barnes and Noble as the top fiction 'Baseball' book.He has a number of titles available in print and as multi-format eBooks at Smashwords and other major eBook retailers. One of his books, SONS and BROTHERS in SEATTLE, made it to the top of the Best Sellers list for Adult Drama fiction. He is also proud to say that two of his titles have made it to the top of the YA Best Seller lists at Smashwords. One of those titles, ROBERT's RIDE, made it to #1 only 6 weeks after being published. The other top title, SONS and BROTHERS in SEATTLE, sat in the #1 spot for two weeks before being pushed back into the number two spot by ROBERT’S RIDE.To contact Wilson directly, email wil.james (at) live.comFor details of all his titles, including where to find his books, and occasional promotional e-coupons for his eBooks, and information on works in progress, visit his blog, at http://wilsonjamesauthor.blogspot.com/

Book preview

Zach and the Reluctant Prince, Book 1 of the Prince David series

David has unexpectedly become the royal heir. David has also become an orphan. Those two overwhelming problems confront teenager Zach and his family, who simply want to protect David and help the younger boy deal with his destiny.

For Zach, Janice, Austin and David, life before the tragedy was about growing up and doing all the normal things kids do. They didn’t let an increasing awareness that David was a royal prince get in the way of their growing friendship. Before long, though, harsh realities start to shake their lives. First, there was a personal disaster and heartbreak for Zach, who came to realize that his role as big brother to Austin was now more important than ever, and that also meant being there for Austin’s best friend, David.

Then, a national tragedy thrusts David into the public spotlight, far too soon. The entire nation watches and comments on how he responds to the burdens that are put on his young shoulders. It is the love and support from his three friends that gets David through this first ordeal, and helps him start to accept who he must now become. Ultimately, Zach truly wants to protect David and give him as ‘normal’ a life as possible, but nothing in Zach’s life could possibly have prepared him for this new role. A treacherous uncle, disloyal cousins, and officious bureaucrats; Zach must best them all.

Zac and the Reluctant Prince, Book 1 of the Prince David Series, introduces David and the Bolithos, an unlikely but effective combination of young men and women who desire to do right, but who also want to be normal teenagers. Is that even remotely possible? Will they find the courage to succeed in spite of being nervous and scared of what lies ahead?

Zachary’s assistance and support to David could be a footnote in history, if that, or together they might somehow manage to shape the way people feel about David and about the monarchy in general. That might well change history.

The first of a planned series, but a complete novel standing on its own, this is a book providing inspiration for building lasting friendships, caring about family, seeking adventure, and overcoming the challenges we all face in life. This is a book for any young person or adult who has ever wondered where they fit into this world or how they could make an impact.

OTHER FICTION TITLES by Wilson James

SONS and BROTHERS in SEATTLE

PLAYING THE BASEBALL CARD

PLAYING THE ‘SON’ CARD

ROBERT’S RIDE

A Family Legacy: THE WATSON WORKS

AIDEN’S ARRIVAL: HONOR BEFORE GOLD

ZACH and the RELUCTANT PRINCE

Copyright © 2012 by WILSON JAMES

Cover Photo and design by Wilson James

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission, except that short passages may be reproduced for purposes of review. For information see authors page at http://wilsonjamesauthor.blogspot.com

ISBN: 978-1-4659-3975-3 (eBook)

First Smashwords Edition: March 2012

SMASHWORDS EDITION LICENSE NOTES

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

WORK OF FICTION

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, public or private places, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to those who helped make it happen. This book is also dedicated to those who show courage by taking action in spite of being scared or afraid.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

1 – Understanding and Heartbreak

2 – Disaster and Response

3 – Advice and Interaction

4 – Introduction to a Higher Station

5 – Success and Sentiment

6 – Taking up a New Role

7 – On the National Stage

8 – City Adventure

9 – A Normal Boy’s Life

10 – To the Tower

11 – Vigil and Ceremony

12 – A Regal Reception

13 – Love and Understanding

14 – Ceremony and Goodbye

15 – Acceptance

CHAPTER

1

UNDERSTANDING AND HEARTBREAK

I was four-years-old when I realized the neighbors were more important people than normal. My parents had raised me to be polite, and on the few times I met them before that I always addressed her as ‘Miss’ and him as ‘Sir’ because he wore a uniform. I knew many other people addressed my own father as ‘Sir,’ as he also wore a uniform.

I would remember how old I was because of a major life event. I was aged four when my brother was born. In fact, as my younger brother was born and I started school, I realized that the neighbors were in fact really, really important. Still, they were nice to me and always said hello, so I just continued my friendly ‘Hello, Miss,’ or ‘Hello, Sir,’ when I saw them.

They also had a child born about the same time as my brother, and that laid the groundwork for what would become a central part of my life.

During the first two years of my brother’s life, my mother and the lady from next door used to get together with their babies. They’d have tea and talk about their boys. As the little ones got older, they would let them play together a bit. Of course, I was around a lot, as well, and I would try to entertain the babies a bit. If we were over at the neighbor’s place, I would be on my very best behavior and that always pleased my mother.

I next remember learning exactly who my neighbors were at age six. That was when my mother went away to pilots’ school for six months. She had been an Air Force Reserve officer, and now wanted to work full time. When I heard my parents discussing this, I edged my way into the conversation and told them I would help out around the house and help look after my brother. I vividly remember how my mother gathered my up in her arms that day. She told me how much she loved me, and how she was proud of me. She said that she’d be honored and grateful if I would help out a bit. As my father watched that, he also said he was proud of me, and that he would appreciate the extra help.

My parents were going to get a nanny to help out while my mother was away, but the neighbors wouldn’t hear of it. They said the little boys liked playing together and that they’d have their nanny look after both boys during the day. The arrangements were made.

I would walk Austin over to their place in the morning, on my way to school. I was to go over to their place after school, and I could do my homework and play with the little ones. I would have tea, the late afternoon meal, with the lady or her nanny, and then I could walk my brother home just before my dad was due home from work. He would always phone, each day, just to confirm the timing.

My father certainly stepped up to do his part in the morning, and each evening, and our household ran reasonably well. I also got to know the neighbors better than ever. That was when I began to understand exactly who they were.

We had a picture of the Queen in our classroom at school. The school was attended by a lot of children of military families, just like me. One day, our teacher told us a bit about the Queen and her family. Our teacher mentioned that we lived in a special place because the Queen’s grandson and family lived in our little town and worked at the military base.

At lunchtime that day, the group I was eating with was talking about having royalty living in our little village. One of the girls in my class asked me what ‘they’ were like.

Who do you mean? I asked, naively.

The prince and the duchess, she said. You know, your neighbors.

At that moment, it clicked. I’d heard a few words here and there, from being around their house, but it wasn’t until the girl asked that question that I really got it. I don’t remember how I answered the girl’s question, but I remember thinking about who they were.

The husband, I knew, was a military pilot like my dad. The husband was also the oldest grandson of the Queen. He was a duke, and his wife was a royal duchess. Their little boy was a royal prince, like his dad.

From that point on, I was even more careful about my behavior around them, but they treated me so nicely that I never felt uncomfortable at all. I continued to call him ‘Sir’ and her ‘Miss.’ I learned later that I should be calling her ‘Ma’am,’ and I was going to ask her about that, but I never did. She was always super nice to me, and gave me hugs and stuff. I grew to think of her as something of a second mother.

My mother’s time away seemed to go fast, and I occasionally heard comments from the adults around me about how helpful I was. I was directly praised, from time to time, but I also overheard comments about how much the little boys seemed to like me playing with them and entertaining them. I overheard how impressed they were with my maturity and how they’d like to keep all three of the boys spending time together.

That part of my life ended abruptly. Just three weeks prior to my mother’s scheduled return home, my father died.

My father’s helicopter crashed. He was the co-pilot. He and the two other crews were killed while they were attempting to do a dangerous rescue at sea. I found out when the husband prince told me.

I had been at their house after school as usual. The duke arrived home earlier than usual. He looked very upset. He took me into his study, and sat me down to tell me. The story told of that conversation afterwards was that I didn’t cry very much at all, but that I took the news stoically. I also told the prince that I would now have to be an even better brother to Austin. That apparently impressed him.

They flew my mother home right away, and she got home about two hours after the prince had told me the news. She was okay when she got there, but got emotional when she hugged me, although she recovered pretty quickly. Then she and I took my brother home, and I helped her tell Austin. Of course, he was very little and didn’t really understand right away.

It was only that night when he wanted daddy that I sat with him again, and told him that daddy couldn’t come home any more. That first night, he started to cry in his bed, and I went to look after him. I climbed into his bed to comfort him, and I ended up sleeping all night with him. After that, I told him he could come and find me at night, whenever he wanted, and he could sleep with me, too. He started doing that a bit.

I remember the neighbors being extra nice to my mother and me. Their nanny looked after my brother while my mother and I did a lot of things associated with my father’s death.

They had a combined funeral for the three members of the helicopter crew. The duke and duchess were there, of course, and they sat right next to me and my mother. The nanny brought the little boys for a few minutes, right at the end of the service. I took Austin on my lap, and David, his little royal friend, sat on the duchess’ lap.

A few people stood up to talk about the crew at the end of the service. My father’s boss spoke, and the duke spoke, and then I spoke. I wasn’t supposed to, but I’d listened to them and decided I wanted to say something. I know exactly what I did because I still have the video.

As the duke finished speaking, I pushed Austin into my mother’s lap and stood up. Not waiting for anyone to react, I went up to where the duke had stood. The reverend’s eyes went wide as I approached him. To his credit, he reacted quickly. He pulled out a stool and helped me stand on it. Now I could see everyone. He pulled the microphone down to my level.

I was standing straight and tall in my newly bought dark suit. I was tall for my age, and certainly looked older than my six years. My face was emotional as I spoke, but my voice was clear and I shed no tears at that point.

My first words showed that I had been listening to the other speakers.

Your royal highnesses, officers, and all of you guests. I just want to say a few words about my dad. You said he was a good officer and a good pilot. I’m glad to know that. He was also a really good dad, and he loved us. I know that because he told my mom, and he told me, and he told Austin. We will all miss him, and we will try hard to always remember him. I will always try to help Austin remember him. I will try to help Austin be a good boy just like my dad tried to help me be a good boy. Thank you.

I stepped down off the stool and made my way back to my place. The duke stood up to shake my hand, and then hugged me. I really liked that. Then I sat down. My brother climbed right back over into my lap. I hugged him, and kissed him on the forehead and told him I loved him.

The cameras captured all of that.

There was a separate graveside service for my dad, about two hours after the church service. The royal neighbors came. There was only ten or so present. I stood and held my mother’s hand for the ten minutes. Then the video shows me saluting my father’s casket as it is lowered into the ground. The duke saw me doing that and saluted, too. Afterwards, he told me how proud he was and how proud my father would be. The duke also told me I could come over and see him any time I needed to talk or anything else. Then I went home with my mom. That part of my life was over.

Our lives slowly settled down a bit. My mother stayed home for three days. Then I went back to school and she went back to work. Then they let her finish her flight training at our local base, and then she got put into the same squadron as my dad had been in. Now she was a co-pilot.

I continued doing as I had done before. I helped Austin get ready in the morning and took him over to the neighbor’s house on the way to school. I went over there after school and played with Austin and David. Only now I knew it was prince David.

It was amazing how little changed for us.

I found out later that the duke was to have been posted to another place, but he asked to stay where he was to be near my family. He is reported to have said that it was a good, normal place for his family, and his son had some wonderful friends. My mother told me later that she had been told the prince had made arrangements for my mother to be posted to the same place as the duke when they eventually posted him at a future date.

At school, I started doing really well in the second half of the school year after my father’s death. In fact, I did so well they advanced me at the end of the school year.

The summer was nice. I was now seven years old. Austin and David had just turned three. The duke and duchess invited Austin and I to spend time with their extended family for four weeks. The duchess stayed for the whole time, the duke stayed for two weeks, and my mother joined us for one week of that time.

The extended family vacation home was in Scotland, and I was excited to travel up there. I helped the nanny look after Austin and David, and everyone commented about how helpful and mature I was. I appreciated that.

I hadn’t really thought about where we were going until we got there. I also hadn’t thought about who the extended family were. I suppose I should have thought about it, but it just didn’t occur to me. I was just enjoying the travel and the idea of going to Scotland.

I realized it was an important place when I saw some big buildings. I also realized how important the family was when I was invited to join the family for dinner on the second night. Austin and David were with the nanny, and the duchess told me that I was to wear my suit for dinner.

At the required time, I made my way to the drawing room, and met the duke’s father, step-mother, and grandparents. In fact, I was presented to his grandmother, the Queen.

It happened so quickly I didn’t even have time to be nervous. I’d just arrived in the room, and the duchess saw me.

Zachary. She came towards me as she spoke. You need to come and meet David’s great-grandmother.

The duchess guided me to a sofa where an elderly lady was sitting.

Ma’am, the duchess said, I’d like to introduce Zachary Bolitho.

The elderly lady, who I now recognized was the Queen, put out her hand. I realized I was supposed to shake the hand of the Queen. She did look pretty old and frail, though, so I just gently took her hand. I also bowed a bit at the same time.

I looked her in the face. Your majesty. I knew I was supposed to say that.

Zachary, she repeated. I’ve heard so many nice things about you. It is a pleasure to meet you. Her voice was strong and clear, and her expression was warm and welcoming. She seemed really nice.

Ma’am. I knew I could say that now. Thank you for having us here. I guessed it was considered her place, and I needed to thank my host.

She was very gracious and worked at putting me at ease. I’m delighted that you have been able come up here. I gather that you spend quite a bit of time with my great-grandson, David.

I smiled as I responded. Oh, yes, ma’am. He and my brother Austin are good playmates, and I think they are becoming friends, too.

She wasn’t finished talking to me yet. I gather that you are pretty popular in my grandson’s household. He tells me that you spend a lot of time entertaining and playing with David and your brother. Apparently, when you are not there, David is always asking about you. You’ve made quite an impression.

I didn’t know about David asking about me. That was news.

I think I blushed as I answered. "Well,