The Crown's Choice: Theron Royalty, #1

By Kirsten Osbourne

Amanda Carter is working as a bodyguard in her first real job, guarding the crown prince of the small European nation of Theron. When she's asked to pretend to date the prince so she can guard him more closely, she immediately agrees.

 

Prince James of Theron has never met a woman he is as attracted to as Amanda. He thinks pretending to date her will be a great way to get to know her better. After surviving one assassination attempt, they realize that though they're pretending, someone else isn't.

 

After the king has a heart attack, James fears he will soon be the ruler of Theron. As he and Amanda plan a wedding, the would-be assassins target Amanda.

 

Will the two of them be able to go through with the wedding? Or will the assassins win in the end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Unlimited Dreams
• Release date: Jan 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223256472

Book preview

Chapter One

The kingdom of Theron shimmered like a jewel in the golden sunlight, its grandeur on full display as the bustling market streets buzzed with life. The air was heavy with the fragrance of blooming flowers and mouth-watering scents wafting from food vendors lining the cobblestone paths. Nestled amidst lush green hills and crystal-clear streams, Theron was a place of unparalleled beauty and charm, a kingdom that demanded great responsibilities from its royal family.

Crown Prince James, the epitome of grace and poise, strolled through the lively town square, his heart swelling with pride for his beloved homeland. His eyes sparkled with warmth as he waved to the people of Theron, who greeted him with reverence and affection.

Good morning, Mrs. Appleby! James called out, pausing by a small bakery. The elderly woman behind the counter beamed at him, her gentle wrinkles deepening into a radiant smile.

Ah, Your Highness! Always a pleasure to see you, she said, offering him a freshly baked croissant. Here, have one of these. I know they’re your favorite.

Thank you, Mrs. Appleby, James replied, taking a bite and savoring the buttery, flaky goodness. He could never resist her delectable pastries. Absolutely divine, as always!

As he continued on his way, James came across a group of children playing with a ball. Their laughter echoed through the air, bringing a broad smile to his face. He couldn’t help but join in their fun, skillfully kicking the ball back to them before sharing a conspiratorial wink.

Whoa, Prince James! You’re really good! shouted a young boy, admiration shining in his eyes.

Thank you, my young friend, James chuckled, ruffling the boy’s hair. I’ve had a bit of practice.

Are you going to play with us again next time? asked a little girl, her eyes wide with hope.

Of course, James answered, his heart swelling at the thought of being a role model for these young souls.

As Crown Prince James walked away, leaving behind the sounds of laughter and joy, he knew that his duty to Theron was both an immense responsibility and an incredible honor. And yet, amidst the grandeur of his kingdom and the love of its people, there remained a longing in his heart—a desire for something more, something that would complete him as both a prince and a man.

Prince James’s brown hair rustled in the gentle breeze as he strolled through the kingdom, his captivating green eyes scanning the faces of his people. There was a warmth to his gaze that drew others in, making even the most jaded of hearts feel welcome in his presence.

Your Highness, called out an elderly woman from her doorstep, her wrinkled hands clasped together in a show of respect. It’s such an honor to see you today.

Please, call me James, he replied with a charming smile, pausing to exchange pleasantries. His laughter rang out like music, and the woman couldn’t help but chuckle along with him.

As he continued on his way, Prince James pondered his father’s recent words. The king had been insistent that it was high time for James to find a suitable wife and secure the future of the royal bloodline. Though he understood the importance of this duty, the prince couldn’t help but feel a twinge of rebellion at the thought of settling down before he was ready.

Hey, James, catch! shouted a familiar voice, breaking him from his thoughts. A ball sailed through the air toward him, and he instinctively reached out to grab it.

Nice catch! praised Tom, a blacksmith’s apprentice, grinning from ear to ear. You’ve still got it, Your Highness.

Is there any doubt? James bantered back, tossing the ball back into play. As he watched the young man laugh, a pang of envy struck him. Tom was free to choose his own path, to fall in love and marry when his heart desired. But for James, the expectations weighed heavily upon him, leaving little room for such personal considerations.

Something on your mind, Your Highness? asked Tom, noticing the shadows that had crept into James’s normally vibrant eyes.

Ah, it’s nothing, James lied, forcing a smile. Just the usual royal concerns.

Ah, yes, the burden of responsibility, Tom nodded sagely, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to choose between all those lovely ladies vying for your hand.

Very funny, James retorted, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. But deep down, James knew that Tom was right. There were ladies pursuing him constantly. It grew tiring at times. He wanted to be the one to pursue the lady who caught his eye.

As he walked away from Tom and returned to the palace, James couldn’t help but feel torn. On one hand, he felt an immense sense of duty to his kingdom and family, knowing that their futures rested on his shoulders. But on the other, there was a yearning in his heart to find love on his own terms—a love that wasn’t dictated by tradition or obligation.

Is it too much to ask for both? he wondered aloud, staring up at the golden spires of the palace. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting vibrant hues across the sky, Prince James sighed, knowing that the road ahead was filled with challenges he could not yet fathom.

THE NIGHT OF THE ROYAL ball arrived with an air of excitement and anticipation. The palace’s grand ballroom was bathed in golden light from chandeliers that sparkled like constellations above, while the ornate marble floors gleamed beneath the feet of nobles and potential love-interests who had come to vie for Prince James’s attention.

Your Highness, said Lady Abigail, a well-known beauty from a prominent family, as she curtsied gracefully before him. May I have the honor of this dance?

Of course, my lady. James offered a charming smile, his green eyes twinkling as he extended his hand to her. As they glided across the dance floor, he couldn’t help but notice the whispers and stares from those around them, all eager to see if he would show any preference toward one of the many eligible women in attendance.

Your Highness seems to be quite popular tonight, Lady Abigail murmured, her cheeks flushed from the dance.

Indeed, James replied, only half-listening as his gaze wandered over the crowd, wondering if it was even possible to find true love amidst this sea of expectations and obligation.

Just then, he caught sight of someone who stood out starkly from the rest—a woman with short-cropped blonde hair and focused blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing. She wore a sleek black suit rather than the traditional gown, and her poised stance set her apart as distinctly professional.

Who is that? he asked, unable to tear his eyes away from her.

I have no idea, Lady Abigail replied, following his line of sight. I don’t think she’s here to try to capture your heart like the rest of us are.

I have to meet her, James mused, his curiosity piqued. Whatever job the woman was doing for his father, it was obvious she was dedicated to it.

I think she might be a bodyguard, Lady Abigail said. I must say, I find it rather odd that you haven’t met a new bodyguard though.

Odd or not, she seems to be quite capable, James replied as he continued to study the woman from afar. He could sense an inner strength about her, a fierce dedication to her duty that he couldn’t help but admire.

Your Highness? Lady Abigail’s voice interrupted his thoughts, reminding him that they were still dancing. Are you quite all right?

Ah, yes. Sorry about that, my lady, James apologized, shaking off his distraction and returning his focus to the dance.

But even as he twirled Lady Abigail across the floor and exchanged pleasantries with countless other guests, his mind kept drifting back to the beautiful bodyguard who had captured his attention in a way that no noblewoman in the room could.

At a distance, the sun’s golden rays played off Amanda’s blonde hair, making it shimmer like molten gold as she moved gracefully through the crowd. Her eyes were a captivating shade of blue that seemed to hold the depths of an ocean within them, and her delicate features were perfectly balanced, creating an image of ethereal beauty.

Are you sure she’s a bodyguard and not some angel sent from heaven? James couldn’t help but wonder aloud, his eyes fixated on Amanda as she expertly navigated her way around the room, assessing potential threats and ensuring the safety of everyone present.

Your Highness, please, Lady Abigail chided with a playful grin, clearly amused by the prince’s open admiration of the bodyguard. One might think you’ve never seen a beautiful woman before.

We all know, I have seen my fair share of lovely ladies, James said, his gaze never leaving the bodyguard. But there is something about her that simply captivates me. It’s not just her beauty, though that is undeniable. There’s a strength and intelligence in her eyes that I find absolutely irresistible.

As he watched the woman move effortlessly through the throng of nobles, her every action executed with precision and purpose, James felt a warmth spread throughout his chest that he had never experienced before. He marveled at the ease with which she carried herself, her posture perfect and her movements fluid, even as she maintained constant vigilance over her surroundings.

Maybe it’s the fact that she is so different from all the other ladies here, James mused, his thoughts racing as he tried to pinpoint the source of his immediate attraction to the bodyguard. She is not here to impress or charm me, and she certainly doesn’t need my protection. In fact, I have to presume the opposite.

Your Highness, I must say this is a side of you I’ve never seen before, Lady Abigail teased, her eyes dancing with mirth. It appears our stoic prince has been well and truly smitten.

Smitten? No, I wouldn’t go that far, James protested, though his heart knew the truth. There was something about the mysterious bodyguard that had captured not only his attention but also his heart in a way he had never thought possible.

As the evening wore on, James couldn’t help but steal glances at her whenever he could. Each time their eyes met, even for the briefest of moments, James felt as if he were drowning in those mesmerizing blue depths, and he longed to know more about the enigmatic woman who had so effortlessly stolen his heart.

Having made up his mind, James rose from his seat and ambled casually in the woman’s direction. He watched as she scanned the room with her piercing blue eyes, taking in every detail of their surroundings. With a deep breath, he approached her, his heart pounding in his chest.

Beautiful evening, isn’t it? James attempted to strike up a conversation, gesturing toward the grand windows that showcased the moonlit gardens beyond.

She nodded curtly, her eyes never straying from her task. Yes, Your Highness, it is.

Please, call me James, he insisted, trying to break down the barriers between them. And you are?

Amanda Carter. Short replies may be best if she didn’t want to lose her job. He wasn’t supposed to focus on her.

So, tell me, how does a beautiful woman find herself working for the royal family of Theron?

Your father hired my firm for added security, Your High... she corrected herself, James. I was assigned to your detail.

Ah, I see. Your accent sounds American, James paused, searching for another topic. I’ve always wanted to visit America. What part are you from?

New York, Amanda replied, her tone remaining professional. Her gaze flickered toward him briefly before returning to survey the room.

Ah, the city that never sleeps, James quipped, hoping to elicit a smile. I’ve heard so much about it.

Indeed, was all Amanda offered in response.

Growing more frustrated by her polite but distant demeanor, James tried a different approach. You must have some fascinating stories from your line of work. Care to share any?

Unfortunately, that information is classified, Amanda replied, her voice cool and detached.

Of course, of course, James conceded, rubbing the back of his neck. Well then, what do you enjoy doing when you’re not protecting royalty? Any hobbies or interests?

Your Highness, I mean, James, Amanda said, finally turning to look at him, her blue eyes locking onto his green ones with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. My main priority right now is to ensure your safety, not to engage in personal conversations.

James’s heart sank as he realized the futility of his attempts to get closer to Amanda. He tried to hide his disappointment behind a smile. I understand. My apologies for overstepping.

Thank you, Amanda replied, her gaze once again