CHAPTER 3
With its glittering crystal chandelier and white twinkle lights, the hotel ballroom looked magical as guests dressed to impress in ball gowns and tuxes danced to a full symphony orchestra.
Princess Isabella looked stunning in a silver sequin ballgown as she graciously greeted everyone who was lined up to talk to her. Benson was standing watch nearby.
As a working royal, attending charity events and supporting worthy causes was one of her favorite things to do. This charity event was extra special because it was the first time her parents, the king, and queen, had allowed her to travel alone on an international trip representing the family. It was also close to her heart because it was a children’s literacy program called Tell Your Story that focused on encouraging young people to be storytellers and to share their personal experiences ensuring there are more diverse stories in books, movies, and on television that truly represent all people.
The princess smiled, remembering how she devoured every book she could get her hands on when she was growing up. Books gave her a window to the world outside her small sovereign state. William Shakespeare was her father’s favorite author, and the king was thrilled when his only child also began enjoying Shakespeare’s stories, starting with his sonnets.
As she grew older, American television and movies also became her passion. Every year she tried to watch and study the TV shows and movies nominated for awards, hoping it would help make her a better writer. She’d wake up several hours early every morning just to get some writing in before her royal duties began.
She dreamed of writing and directing her own epic, empowering movie someday that would leave a lasting impact, something to remember her by beyond her royal title. But when she’d tried to tell her parents about her ambitions, they thought writing was a wonderful hobby if she had time to fit it in while doing her real job, representing the family. She had let the topic drop knowing she’d never be able to be a professional writer with her royal position.
But still, she wrote every day because it brought her so much joy. She’d started writing a lighthearted, witty romantic comedy. Taking a page from the idea of writing what you know, she wrote about a princess who could never keep a boyfriend because none of the guys could handle all the royal rules they had to follow.
So far, she’d never met anyone that truly challenged or intrigued her. She wanted a partner in life, someone smart, loyal, and creative who shared her passion for traveling, charity work, and creating change in the world. She’d never thought about dating an actor or anyone in the movie business until she met Ned. He was doing what she dreamed of doing. Even if he was a bit prickly, she knew he was someone she wanted to know more about.
Her parents always said she would make a great journalist because she was always genuinely curious about people. She was always asking dozens of questions whenever she met someone new. While the interest was genuine, she also figured the more she learned about people, the more material it would give her for her storytelling. She was aware that she had grown up in a royal bubble, in a world her parents had carefully curated. It wasn’t until she started traveling internationally that she was able to experience the other cultures, customs, and traditions she had watched and read about. The more she saw, the more she wanted to learn. She tried to take as many trips as her parents would allow.
Her daydreaming was interrupted when the next person in line to meet her stepped up. It was an adorable little girl that looked to be about six years old.
The princess smiled and leaned down. “Well, hello, what a beautiful ballgown you are wearing.”
The little girl beamed back at her in awe. “My mom made it for me just so I could meet you. You’re a real princess, right?”
Princess Isabella laughed. “I am, and I love your tiara. All those diamonds and emeralds are so sparkly.”
“They aren’t real,” the little girl whispered.
“I won’t tell anyone,” the princess whispered back. “What is your name?”
“Kara,” the little girl said.
“Do you like reading books, Kara?” the princess asked.
The little girl’s smile lit up her face. “I love books and movies. I’m going to write both!”
Princess Isabella was charmed. “Me, too,” the princess said. “But that’s our secret, okay?”
The little girl nodded enthusiastically as her mom took her hand. “Come on, Kara, the princess has other people she needs to meet. Thank you, Princess Isabella, for taking the time to speak with my daughter and everyone here and supporting this program. We are all very grateful.”
“Thank you for being here tonight. It was a pleasure meeting Kara, a future movie maker.”
Kara was still smiling ear to ear as they walked off.
“So, it looks like I’m going to have some competition making movies,” Ned said as he was revealed as the next person in line.
When their eyes met, the spark between them sizzled stronger than ever. “You,” was all the princess could manage.
Ned held up her glove. “I came to return this.”
Benson was by her side immediately, taking the glove. “Is there a problem?”
Ned arched his eyebrow as he locked eyes with the princess. “I hope not. I come in peace, and unlike you today, I’m not trespassing. I bought a ticket.”
“Why?” the princess blurted out before she could stop herself.
“Do you have children that are part of this literacy program?” Benson asked.
Ned chuckled. “No. I don’t have any kids. I’m not married. I’m here to speak to the princess.” He smiled his most charming smile at the princess, “Now that I know you really are Princess Isabella of Starconia.”
“It’s Starsconia. Plural,” the princess said with a sigh. “Why does everyone get that wrong. So, now that you’ve found out I’m a real princess you want to talk to me when before you couldn’t give me the time of day? Well, as you can see, I’m quite busy. So, if you don’t mind…” The princess looked over Ned’s shoulder, focusing on the next guest in line.
“Sorry, that came out wrong,” Ned said. “I wanted to talk to you about helping with my movie.”
The princess froze. When she slowly turned to face Ned, she looked intrigued. “Tell me more,” she said.
Benson gave the princess a warning look. “Princess, no…”
The princess flashed Benson a confident smile. “Don’t worry, Benson. Everything is going to be fine.”