Her Majesty's Driver

By Kate Ashgrove

Princess Josephina Elizalde is having a panic attack on a tarmac in the Potato State. With the weight of a kingdom on her shoulders, and a fiance waiting to meet her for the first time, Josephina decides to take the day off. Her escape allows her to experience things she's only dreamed about, and once she gets a taste of freedom she doesn't want to give it up. But her handsome cab driver may prove even harder to say goodbye to.

Dean Mitchell would never abandon a woman in a bad situation, and the one who has planted herself in his Grab Cab is obviously in trouble. So when she begs him to hit the gas and leave the hefty man chasing her down in the dust, he does. The problem is, now that she's in his care, he can't seem to get rid of her. And as his adventures with his high-maintenance passenger take one unexpected turn after another, he realizes he doesn't want to. But giving in to his feelings for Josie would mean letting go of everything he's worked for. And besides, she's obviously keeping a secret.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kate Ashgrove
• Release date: Jun 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215322161

Book preview

Chapter 1

Josephina

Josephina Elizalde, future ruler of the Astiro Isles and the symbol of hope for her people, was standing on the tarmac near her private jet in the middle of the Potato State. She had never graced the land of Idaho before, but she had heard of it. As a child, she’d memorized all of the United States at her tutor’s insistence. But she was quite certain Idaho was the last one that had caught in her brain, and it had remained as a hazy afterthought ever since.

Sheltered by large mountains swathed in velvety green and rust, the area was unexpectedly pretty. Her personal assistant Brutus often told her a few things about the areas she visited. Josephina had always liked that about him. With as much traveling as she did, there was relatively little she was able to see. She was always being rushed from one event to another, and was therefore only the most noteworthy sites―and then only as photo ops. It didn’t seem like real traveling to Josephina at all. Where was the adventure in that?

Brutus had told her Idaho was all about the potatoes, but the people here enjoyed skiing and hiking and all sorts of outdoor activities when they weren’t about the potatoes. Brutus had informed her that they’d landed here at just the right time, before the dry climate claimed the mountains, transforming them from green to brown.

Of course, they weren’t supposed to have landed here at all. They’d been en route to Denver when Brutus told her that the pilot had reported the check engine light acting up. Brutus was only joking. Josephina hadn’t understood the joke at first. He’d explained to her that people who did not have top-of-the-line limousines at their disposal were often at the mercy of a vague, illuminated message on their dash informing them that their vehicle was in need of repair.

Josephina liked that Brutus wasn’t afraid to tease her that way. It made her feel like a regular person, albeit one who never had to trouble herself with the complexities of vehicle maintenance.

That did not mean she was spared the inconveniences associated with such misfortunes. She was now standing under the hot sun, with heat radiating from the asphalt that extended in every direction, while Brutus went through the newly adjusted schedule for Denver.

They would need to cut out the visit to the brewing company; a shame, since it seemed just the thing to calm Josephina’s nerves. They would still attend the opening of the new hospital wing to which they had made a generous donation they couldn’t afford. She would meet with local government. Shake hands. Smile pretty. Become acquainted with the wealthy man who could change everything for her small country. Impress him. Marry Him. Prepare to have his children.

Brutus hadn’t said those last few things, but he may as well have. Of course Josephina was pleased with the arrangement, and she’d had hardly a moment’s hesitation about moving forward. But as she stood on the tarmac in her stifling jacket (whose idea was the jacket?), doubts were beginning to form, like the bead of sweat that was trickling down the back of her neck.

Josephina had traveled the world, but she didn’t know the ways of the world. What would she and Richard Albrecht, her future fiancé, talk about? She was mortified at the thought that he might find her entirely naïve? And what if she found him completely insufferable. If the pictures were an accurate depiction he looked well enough, with impressive height, a deep complexion, and commanding dark eyes. But she knew little about what kind of man he was.

Most women would have wanted to know that immediately. But it hadn’t seemed important. All that mattered was it was an appropriate match, one that her mother and father were thrilled about. She supposed the idea that she might not approve herself had been there all along, growing like a tumor inside her brain, but she hadn’t allowed it to surface until now.

Brutus continued to list off everything that would be expected of her in Denver. Apart from becoming acquainted with her future husband, they were the same types of things that had been expected of her in the last city, and the city before that, and the city before that.

Josephina’s breath quickened as the world began to spin around her. Suddenly it all seemed like too much. She put her hands to her ears and squeezed, desperate to make the overwhelming feeling go away. Stop, she said, her voice louder than she'd intended.

Moxie’s finger paused over her phone screen as she looked up. A little childish, eh Josephina?

Moxie’s name was not actually Moxie. Josephina had given her the nickname after watching an American gangster movie. It fit her though, a tough name for a very capable bodyguard. She was not large, like Brutus, but Josephina had always felt safe in Moxie’s company. However, at the moment Josephina didn't feel any comfort at all.

She took a deep breath, trying to put herself back together. Just communicating my needs in an attempt to protect my mental health, Moxie.

Moxie’s brows raised. She looked as if she didn’t know what to make of the outburst. Of course she didn’t. It had never happened before. Very well, your highness, she said.

Josephina's hand went to her chest and she pressed hard. Was her heartbeat regular? It seemed to be beating unusually hard and particularly fast. Josephina knew that she was safe, and yet her body was telling her she had to get out of there immediately.

Is this where they bake all the potatoes? she asked crossly.

What are you talking about? Moxie said.

What I’m trying to say is that I need to get out of this heat immediately or I’m going to cook. Brutus, take me inside, please.

You want to reboard the plane? Brutus asked. Let me talk to the pilot.

Josie shook her head, gesturing to the main building. No. In there.

I don’t think that’s advisable, Moxie said.

Of course you don’t think it’s advisable, she said, struggling not to lose her temper. But I’m about to lose my mind, so I suggest you allow me to stretch my legs and cool off and perhaps enjoy one of those enormous cinnamon buns airports are apparently famous for before I fly away to meet the man I’ll spend the rest of my life with. If I were a dog, you would allow me as much. She swayed, feeling lightheaded.

Brutus put a hand on her shoulder, steadying her. Josephina placed her hand on hers, feeling grateful and not a little ashamed. She hadn’t meant any disrespect, but the desperation inside her was growing. If she didn’t do something she was afraid she might lose her composure altogether.

Moxie’s mouth opened. I would never feed a dog a cinnamon roll.

Josephina crossed her arms, holding her ground. Tears burned the corners of her eyes, but she held them back. Crying was not for future rulers.

Moxie paused, looking at her more carefully. She seemed to finally understand the gravity of the situation. I’ll take you, she said.

Josephina nodded. It would have been easier with Brutus. She cared very much for Moxie but showing weakness in front of someone like her was unpleasant. Josephina’s cheeks were hot with embarrassment as the two of them walked quickly toward the main building.

The cool air hit them as they passed through the front doors. Josephina took a deep breath, but it didn’t ease the pressure in her chest.

May we stop at the restrooms, Moxie?

Moxie clenched her jaw muscles. "I would have preferred to have you do that on the jet, your majesty.

Josephina resisted the urge to lash out at Moxie again. It was bad enough to have to ask permission to use the restroom. Now it was as if she were speaking to an exasperated parent. But she took a measured breath, trying to keep her cool. I didn’t think of it then, she said.

Moxie nodded once and led her to a large map. Her finger followed the path to the restrooms. Then she took Josephina’s arm as they walked past clusters of people burdened with cases and carry-ons. Some of them looked excited, as if embarking on a new adventure. Some of them simply looked tired. Those were the ones with whom Josephina related.

Being led along by Moxie was a familiar feeling, and she knew Moxie had to be especially vigilant as it was just the two of them. But this time Moxie’s touch, the way she guided her along, filled Josephina with the sudden urge to shove her away and tell her she was fully capable of walking on her own.

Josephina looked away from Moxie, ashamed of her feelings. She knew very well that Moxie was only protecting her, just as she would protect the king and queen. Her reaction made her feel all the more childish, which made her chest constrict a little more.

Moxie stopped, gesturing toward the bathroom doorway. As Josephina walked in, she heard Moxie hustle in behind her. She stopped abruptly and spun around, holding out her hands.

Moxie, can you please allow me the dignity of using the restroom alone. Surely there is no danger here. And I could use―I could use a moment to collect myself.

Josephina’s throat was so tight she barely managed to squeeze the words out. She was very much afraid that she would burst into tears right in front of Moxie.

Moxie hesitated, her jaw muscle working again. She looked into Josephina’s eyes and seemed to understand. She probably knew Josephina better than anyone, after all―a realization which only served to make Josephina’s eyes sting more.

Moxie nodded once. She turned around and walked back out, probably situating herself as close to the door as possible and daring anyone with a full bladder to enter with her most intimidating look.

Josephina leaned against the bathroom wall and closed her eyes. She took several deep breaths, letting her anxiety slowly dissipate with each exhale.

Slowly she became aware of the sounds around her. Water streaming from a faucet, the clunking of a paper towel machine, and the blast of air coming from an electric hand-dryer. High-pitched giggles wove through the din, and Josephina opened her eyes to see the source.

In front of the mirrors, several teenage girls fussed with their hair and leaned forward to apply lipstick. Josephina had witnessed this sort of care-free camaraderie in movies but had never really seen it up close. She couldn’t help but smile at their energy. At their independence.

A young lady with pink stripes in her hair and a big crocheted hat looked into the mirror, studying Josephina’s reflection. You okay?

Josephina straightened, running her hands over her clothes to tidy herself. I am perfectly well. Thank you for asking.

The girl nodded, not looking fully convinced.

Josephina stepped forward. She frowned as she looked at her own reflection. She tucked a loose piece of hair back, but it didn’t seem to help.

Want some hair spray? the young lady asked, giving Josephina a pitying sort of look.

No, I― Josephina paused. This girl had no idea who Josephina was, and yet she had been kind to her. Josephina was in a strange room in an unknown land, and even though Moxie was just outside, it gave her a sense of freedom.

She wasn’t ready for it to go away. Yes, she said. That would be nice.

The girl smiled and took a tiny hair spray bottle out of her bag. She sprayed the overly sweet-smelling spray on Josephina’s hair, tucking and smoothing with her skinny fingers. Josephina had had her hair done by other people her whole life. But this felt different. This girl wasn’t getting paid.

Josephina smiled, inspecting herself in the mirror. Thank you, she said. Then she leaned forward, lifting her finger to rub away the makeup that was smudged under her eyes.

That’s a gorgeous bracelet, one of the girls said. Her hair was jet black, obviously colored. She had dark eyeliner that turned up at the edges.

Josephina glanced at her bracelet, set with rare blue stones flecked with green. They were hope stones, only found on land owned by the royal family. There were few that had ever made it outside of the royal family.

Thank you. It was new territory, speaking with American teenagers instead of wealthy dignitaries, but surely it was nothing Josephina couldn’t handle. All that was required was a returned compliment. I like your makeup.

Oh, yeah? I can do yours if you want. The girl laughed, but Josephina narrowed her eyes, considering it.

Could you? I only have a minute, but I’m a mess, and I have a―date later.

The girl’s eyes lit up and she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a shimmery purple tube. Josephina considered running. But she didn’t.

The pink-haired girl slapped the tube back into the bag. Keep it classy, Echo. Her date’s not taking her clubbing. She’s bougie, I can tell.

The girls set to work tickling her eyelids with liquid liner and dusting her cheekbones with highlighter. A couple of minutes later they were done, and Josephina inspected the results in the mirror.

Her eyeliner was winged, like Echo’s, and the highlighter was more shimmery than her stylist ever did it. It looked good. But mostly it looked different. Josephina smiled.

Thank you, she said. Could I ask you one more favor?

Chapter 2

Dean

Dean pulled his 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 over to the curb so Ms. Biddle could get out.

Why do you need to drive a hotrod like this, Dean? The items in her massive purse jingled as she fished inside it.

I’d hardly call it a hotrod. Ms. B. But it’s a pretty sweet ride. Isn’t that why you hired me?

I hired you the first time because you were the closest car available, and then I got attached to you, like that stray cat that comes to my back door. She laughed, a warm, hearty sound.

That’s what Aspen said. He chuckled, hoping she couldn’t hear the edge in it.

She gave him a disapproving look. Ms. Biddle didn’t like Aspen. Even when they were dating, she and her friend Mrs. Beck constantly tried to set him up. And currently, they weren’t together, but she didn’t need to