Princess In Hiding (Once Upon A Romance Series, Book 12)

By Laurie LeClair

NEW from the bestselling romantic comedy Once Upon A Romance series by Laurie LeClair! If you love fairy tales, you’ll love this funny, heartwarming modern day twist on the classics.
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What happens when a royal princess in line for the throne doesn’t want to be found?

Rumors of her upcoming arranged marriage of convenience—to someone she’s never even met—prompts Princess Sophia to escape her royal duties and join her best friend to work incognito at King’s Department Store for the next few weeks. However, Sophia’s adventure of a lifetime is in jeopardy as her true identity comes to light when she meets her match as well as the man of her dreams...

Bachelor businessman Sebastian McLeod longs to secure a lucrative deal for the future of his countrymen with King’s to spotlight his ancestral castle for destination weddings and honeymoons in the famous store’s registry. However, once he meets Sophia, he’s inexplicably drawn to the funny, sexy lass who gets herself into all kinds of antics and trouble. Now, he’s torn between what his country needs and what his heart wants.

Sparks fly and heat blazes between Sophia and Sebastian, even before they share that perfect first kiss. But when he soon discovers who she really is and meant for a royal match with another will all hope be lost?

Can a royal and a commoner share a destiny and a love forever more?

Start reading this romantic comedy, modern day twist on the classic fairy tale Princess And The Pea filled with heart and humor now...

Books by Laurie LeClair:
Once Upon A Romance Series (Romantic Comedy)
If The Shoe Fits – Book 1
Waking Sleeping Beauty – Book 2
Taming McGruff – Book 3
The Reluctant Beauty – Book 4
Awakened By A Kiss – Book 5
Tangled At First Sight – Book 6
Finding Mr. Just Right – Book 7
Making A Splash – Book 8
Hoodwinked By A Wolfe – Book 9
Baking From The Hart – Book 10
Melting Her Heart - Book 11
Princess In Hiding - Book 12
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A Very Charming Wedding Series (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)
The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1
The Boss And The Bride – Book 2
The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3
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Wanted: Fairy Godmother (Romantic Comedy)
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The Sweet Spot Series (Romantic Comedy)
The Dating Dilemma – Book 1
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The McCall Brothers Series (Contemporary Western)
The Cowboy’s Rebellious Bride - Book 1
The Cowboy’s Renegade Bride - Book 2
The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride - Book 3
The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride - Book 4
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Tempted By A Texan Series (Contemporary Western)
The Callahans – Prequel
Travis – Book 1
Cassie – Book 2
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The Heart Series (Contemporary Romance)
Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1
Crimes Of The Heart – Book 2
Lies Of The Heart – Book 3
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The Bounty Hunter Series (Romantic Suspense)
Murphy’s Law – Book 1
Riley’s Rules – Book 2
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The Long Journey Home (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)
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Runaway Wife (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)
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Sweet Summertime (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)
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An Angel Mountain Novel (Holiday Romance; Contemporary Romance)
The Heart Remembers
The Gift Of Hope

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurie LeClair
• Release date: Jan 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370089390

Laurie LeClair

Bestselling author Laurie LeClair writes about love, laughter, and happily ever after in her contemporary western romances, romantic comedies, sweet romances, contemporary romances, and contemporary women’s fiction books. Laurie’s habit of daydreaming has gotten her into a few scrapes and launched her to take up her dream of writing. Finally, she can put all those stories in her head to rest as she brings them to life on the page.Laurie considers herself a New Texan (New England born and raised and now living in Texas). She lives in Central Texas with her husband, Jim, who thankfully appreciates her sense of fun and love of travel. (Not so much the endless picture taking while hanging out the passenger window!) She loves to hear from readers!You can connect with me online:www.laurieleclair.comhttps://twitter.com/LeClairbookshttps://facebook.com/laurieleclair.75Books by Laurie LeClair:Once Upon A Romance Series (Romantic Comedy; Fairy tale retelling)If The Shoe Fits – Book 1Waking Sleeping Beauty – Book 2Taming McGruff – Book 3The Reluctant Beauty – Book 4Awakened By A Kiss – Book 5Tangled At First Sight – Book 6Finding Mr. Just Right – Book 7Making A Splash – Book 8Hoodwinked By A Wolfe – Book 9Baking From The Hart – Book 10Melting Her Heart - Book 11Princess In Hiding - Book 12Her Frog Prince - Book 13Forget Me Not - Book 14Three Wishes - Book 15Her Brave Heart - Book 16His Tiny Dancer - Book 17***A Very Charming Wedding Series (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1The Boss And The Bride – Book 2The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3***Once Upon A Royal Wedding Series boxed set (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)His Beloved Princess - Book 1Her Forever Prince - Book 2***The Cormac Family: Billionaire Sweet Romance (clean and wholesome, sweet romance)CEO Billionaire - Book 1Boss Billionaire - Book 2Best Friend Billionaire - Book 3Bride Billionaire - Book 4Bachelor Billionaire - Book 5***The McCall Brothers Series (Contemporary Romance; Western Romance)The Cowboy’s Rebellious Bride - Book 1The Cowboy’s Renegade Bride - Book 2The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride - Book 3The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride - Book 4***Cupid’s Corner Series (romantic comedy, clean and wholesome, sweet romance)Dear Cupid - Book 1Picture Perfect Bride - Book 2Falling For Her - Book 3***Wanted: Fairy Godmother (Romantic Comedy)***The Sweet Spot Series (Romantic Comedy)The Dating Dilemma – Book 1***Tempted By A Texan Series (Contemporary Romance; Western Romance)The Callahans – PrequelTravis – Book 1Cassie – Book 2***The Heart Series (Contemporary Romance)Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1Crimes Of The Heart – Book 2Lies Of The Heart – Book 3***The Bounty Hunter Series (Romantic Suspense)Murphy’s Law – Book 1Riley’s Rules – Book 2***The Long Journey Home (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***Runaway Wife (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***Sweet Summertime (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***An Angel Mountain Novel (Holiday Romance; Contemporary Romance)The Heart RemembersThe Gift Of HopeIf you enjoy my books, please leave a review.

Book preview

PRINCESS IN HIDING

by

Laurie LeClair

Copyright 2018 by Laurie LeClair

All rights reserved. This work is not transferrable. Any reproduction of this work is prohibited without the permission of the author due to the infringement on the copyright. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the creation of the author or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or people, living or dead, is coincidental.

To my wonderful readers. Thank you for your incredible kindness, generosity, and support through the years. I am blessed to have you in my life.

To my beloved husband, James LeClair. Thank you for being my knight in shining armor.

Chapter 1

Am I dreaming? Is this real?

Princess Sophia Cristobal of Maldovia stood in awe on the bustling sidewalk as throngs of noisy people rushed to and fro, jostling her. It added to the numerous bumps and bruises on her body from the thirty-six hours riding in the cramped, stale passenger bus as it choked out nasty fumes.

Her new best friend of nearly two weeks, Isabelle Morales, nudged Sophia’s arm. See, I told you. It was worth traveling here. King’s Department Store is stupendous, isn’t it?

Magnificent!

Yeah, that, too. All those big words you royals like to use. Her voice held that teasing quality again.

Remember, I’m incognito, so no royal talk.

Oh, you people! You don’t want what you have while everyone else wants it.

That made Sophia smile as she clutched the strap of her smooth, worn leather backpack that hung off her shoulder. Sucking in another lungful of fresh air—thinking she’d never get enough ever again after the awful bus—she tipped her head back to gaze in wonder and delight at the massive stone building that could rival an ancient castle in her native homeland.

A castle in the middle of Dallas, Texas in the States?! The pale beige stone could have sat there for ages. The matching turrets reached to the brilliant blue, late afternoon sky.

The dark cherry wood accents everywhere really make things pop. Well, the flowers help, too.

Sophia glimpsed at the riot of colors—purple, yellow, blue, pink, and red— of the flowers and green leaves spilling over the edge of the roof garden. Delightful!

Belle groaned. Big words again. Then she chuckled. Can you just say wow like the rest of us? Like, wow, look at those.

A smile tugged at the corners of Sophia’s mouth both at Belle’s funny ribbing of her ways and at the sweet memory of her late grandmother’s lush gardens.

Sophia and the queen mother had many lovely visits together there, having tea parties from the time she was a little girl, to tending numerous blooming rose bushes, and to talking to the one person who listened—really listened—to her hopes and dreams. They had been alike, speaking in excited whispers of grand adventures.

Oh, Grandmama, I miss you so much. You’d understand this need for me to escape for a tad before resuming my royal duties.

Takes your breath away, doesn’t it? Just like I told you.

To say the least. Her pulse quickened. Could this be real? She, Princess Sophia, waited to cross that threshold into another world, one where she would drop her title and position to step into a made up fantasy life.

She giggled. Most girls would want the opposite—what I have. And here I’m willing to trade it in, if only for four short weeks.

It was her only chance to experience life before being shackled in an arranged marriage of convenience to a man she didn’t even know. At twenty-three, she’d been sheltered in private schools and a small prestigious college, kept far, far away from reality.

You got the burner phones, right? Belle frowned slightly. Two for you. Two for me. We only use one each time we call our folks—my mom for me and your dad for you—every other week, so we cover the entire time we’re gone. No one else. We’ll be ghosting.

Ghost what?

Belle closed her eyes and shook her head. Off the grid. Like no one on social media will know where we are. No one can contact us. All systems down, got it?

That sounds lovely.

Another shake of her head and another groan from Belle made Sophia chuckle. I’m like a child to you, aren’t I?

Sometimes, Princ—I mean, Sophia—you are. How did you get along without me all these years? She giggled and rolled her eyes.

At least we found each other in the nick of time.

Just when Sophia thought she’d get a life of her own—to live all the adventures she’d dreamed of—her father fell off his beloved horse playing polo and shattered his leg. Months of surgeries, setbacks, and rehabilitation followed.

It had been agonizing to watch him suffer so.

His eagerness to return to his former, healthy self, at the age of sixty-five, finally took hold when he deemed he’d found a worthy enough goal—to walk his precious only daughter down the aisle, sooner rather than later.

Sophia’s heart had sunk at his declaration. Without an ally left, she couldn’t persuade her parents to wait a year or two.

Although they had been joyous, Sophia had been miserable at the prospect.

Her parents search for a royal match began and her desire to break free crested at the same time. Thankfully, they’d arrived in the States for a new treatment for her papa and to stay with wealthy friends. There she met Belle, helping her mother, Mrs. Morales—the maid in charge—tend to the housekeeping chores.

They’d become fast friends—on the sly. Soon Belle confided her longings to study fashion design and work at the infamous King’s to delve into the thriving family owned company and work with the world renowned designers there for her summer break…

Belle squealed. I can’t help myself. I’m finally here after all these years of watching from afar. Well, New Jersey, Long Island, the Hamptons—wherever Mama worked at the time—but it could have been a gazillion miles for that matter, coming from my background.

Don’t put yourself down. Sophia couldn’t begin to count the times she’d said that in the last two weeks. You are not your past. Or your parents’ past.

Funny you say that when you have to abide by stuffy old traditions.

Something dropped in her mid-section. Duty. As old as time. Her destiny was sealed. But you don’t.

Here. Let me get a look at you. Belle tugged on Sophia’s arm and turned her.

Sophia stiffened for a split second. Rarely did people touch her; it wasn’t allowed in her homeland. Only she could initiate a handshake or, when she grew bold, a gentle hug.

Relax, Princess. Belle smirked. It’s me. Not some stodgy fuddy-duddy from your neck of the woods.

I forget… Sophia gulped hard. Fitting in may be more difficult than she anticipated.

Reaching out, Belle smoothed back Sophia’s long dark hair into the mid-pony tail she wore, combing her fingers through the tangles and tugging on the ends to tighten it in place. Here. She bunched up her long sleeve, cupping it in her palm, and brushed the soft fabric across Sophia’s cheek. Dust. From the road, I imagine.

The bus, too.

Belle shivered at that. Yeah, remind me not to sit near the rest room on our way back. Yuck!

Sophia laughed. Not the most pleasant of odors.

You can say that again, Princess. Suddenly, Belle jerked away and ruffled through her worn denim backpack. I got something for you. Remember that last stop? Well, there was a lost and found box I just happened to confiscate these babies from. She yanked out dark-framed glasses. Put these on. Belle shoved them at her.

My eyesight is perfectly fine.

Oh, you have to work on that starch in your tone, Soph. It’s a dead giveaway to you being too prim and proper. Belle placed the glasses on Sophia’s nose, adjusting them to fit behind her ears. Blend. B-l-e-n-d. That’s what we’re after. Dang, that one lens…loose. But you’ll do.

Instead of clarifying Sophia’s view, it made it blur. You look a little…fuzzy.

It’s a screen. Those big brown eyes of yours, yeah, a little too recognizable probably in a land where they cater to the stinking rich people you and your folks rub elbows with.

That stung. Belle. Her voice cracked. She looked over the top of the rims. I’m not like that.

Her friend jerked back a little. Her beautiful green eyes misted over and her dark hair framed her now pale face. Belle bit her bottom lip. Sorry. She swallowed hard. I know that. She gulped in a small, sharp breath. It’s just the people my mom’s worked for over the years…

Without thinking, Sophia touched Belle’s upper arm. It’s better now, didn’t you say? The Andersons are kind and generous.

Belle sniffed and scrubbed her eyes of any telltale moisture. Not so much their bratty teenagers. But they…they’re good to Mama. And they’re paying my college tuition. I can’t ask for more.

To a school you don’t want to go to. Not a fashion one.

Her friend shrugged off Sophia’s hand. It’s okay. It’s a good opportunity for me…

But not the one you want. They had so much in common. We both want what we don’t have.

So, uh, never mind. We have this chance. Now. I’m going to make the best of this trip. She plastered on a smile. A job at King’s for the next four weeks and soak up every little detail I can. Maybe someone, like that Rico guy I showed you from King’s YouTube videos—what a hoot, he is—will look at my designs. Hey, any input at this point is better than nothing.

There you go. Good spirits.

I can’t mess this up, Princ—

Perhaps you can practice calling me something else. You don’t want to slip up, especially if we’re both working for King’s. Suspicion and all.

"Right you are, Soph. She put the emphasis on the last. Got it. Are we ready. Do I look okay?"

Sophia smiled at the ribbon of self-consciousness from her friend. Until this moment, she’d never seen Belle anything but assured. It was nice to see this vulnerability that matched her own. She nudged up the glasses on her face. Brilliant idea on mixing our clothes to look chic and trending, don’t you think? The best of both. Fashion forward thinking.

Translation, we’ve got this. Belle smiled, hooked her arm through Sophia’s, and then turned her toward King’s entrance. Remember the plan.

Applications and scouting the store today—

Research expedition.

We split up. You go upstairs and I’ll meander on the first level.

Two hours later we meet at the top of the escalators and both check out the women’s department as shoppers. Comprende?

Understood.

That’s what I said. But Belle chuckled.

The buzz of anticipation danced in her veins as Sophia took step after careful step to the door of King’s Department Store. It’s really happening… Her voice rose an octave, revealing the giddiness that bubbled inside her.

If only they could pull this off…

Chapter 2

Sophia bolted through King’s Department Store’s revolving doors—her first ever on her own—and over judged. She’d shoved so hard, she raced to keep up with the momentum, her high-heeled sandals clicking against the floor, and went all the way around and popped back out to land on the sidewalk, pitching forward.

She swung her arms, locked her knees, and thankfully held herself upright. Just like one of those Olympians she’d seen at the arena, sticking a landing. She longed to stand up straight with her arms high in