Bad Prince: A British Bad Boy Romance E-Book

J.M Smith

• Herausgeber: Pronoun
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Beschreibung

I don’t ask. I take. I’m the Prince.Royalty means the world is at my feet. But I'm tired of it all.That's until I meet Rose.Her gorgeous eyes. Her seductive curves. They have me hooked.I can't get her off my mind. Those luscious lips could make any man yearn for more. I wish to have them all to myself.I need her.Bad Prince is a full-length standalone bad boy romance with an HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger. Special bonuses included in this alpha special!

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Bad Prince: A British Bad Boy Romance

J.M Smith

Contents

Copyright

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Books By J.M Smith

1.Rose: Meet And Greet

2.Rose: Royal Preparations

3.Bryce: Princely Thoughts

4.Bryce: First Date

5.Rose: The Memories Of A First Date

6.Rose; We Meet Again

7.Bryce: We Meet Again

8.Rose: The Memories

9.Rose: Desire

10.Bryce: The Past

11.Bryce: Royal Games

12.Rose: Royal Games

13.Bryce: The Final Event

14.Rose: The Royal Treatment

15.Bryce: The Orphanage

16.Rose: The Children

17.Bryce: Royal Agony

18.Rose: Royal Pain

19.Bryce: The Hidden Bond

20.Rose; We Meet Again

21.Bryce: Poisonous Family

22.Rose: Demands

23.Bryce: Lingering Despair

24.Rose: The Truth

25.Bryce: The Plan

26.Bryce: The Trap

27.Rose: The Royal End

28.*BONUS* Carter: A Bad Boy Romance

*PREVIEW* Revenge: A Dark Mafia Romance

29.Chapter 2

30.Chapter 3

31.Chapter 4

32.Chapter 5

33.Chapter 6

34.Chapter 7

35.Chapter 8

36.Chapter 9

37.Chapter 10

Copyright

© 2016 J.M Smith. All rights reserved.

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Books By J.M Smith

1) Carter: A Bad Boy Romance: My Book

2) Revenge: A Dark Mafia Romance: My Book

Rose: Meet And Greet

I stood in line waiting.

It was a long line veering from one end to the other like a well-laid stack of dominoes. The voices remained boisterous filled with glee and a hint of optimism for their future.

What were all of us waiting for? It was the ultimate gathering.

The Prince had declared a “meet and greet” for everyone in the city. All eligible bachelorettes were welcome to speak to Prince Bryce; the strong-featured and handsome son of King Charles.

I wasn’t interested, but Wanda had dragged me to the gathering saying it was an “opportunity of a lifetime, ” and I didn’t feel like saying no. Wanda had been there acting as an older sibling and best friend even as I was bullied by other children at school. She was the one who showed up and shooed them away. Wanda was goofy, but she was protective.

The red-haired Wanda was now fixing her makeup in a nearby mirror checking for imperfections. I had been watching from afar unwilling to consider taking a look myself.

“You’re lucky with the beautiful brunette hair. I wish I had hair like that to show around to someone as handsome as Prince Bryce,” Wanda moaned still feverishly running her hand up and down to get her wavy strands to settle. For now, they were winning the battle.

“I don’t care. I don’t even want to be here Wanda.”

“Please. You’re the one who has a chance of getting to meet him. I mean who doesn’t like someone with curvy, tall, and beautiful features?”

“Well, I don’t have time for all of this. Note it down that I only came here for you and that you owe me one.”

“Yeah, whatever,” said Wanda now satisfied with her hair even though it had already moved back to where it was before.

The line was moving slowly.

The weather was pleasant in London for now. It was easy on the skin, and I didn’t feel like the sun was pummeling me. England in August was pleasant and agreeable as the sun peeked out of the clouds for moments here and there.

I looked up into the heavens hoping those clouds wouldn’t sprinkle down as they so often did.

“It’s not going to rain,” said Wanda determined to keep me alongside for the wait.

“It probably will with my luck.”

“Oh please. You’re such a bore. One of us could be the Prince’s chosen lady, and here you’re thinking about the weather!”

“I don’t want to be a ‘chosen lady’ Wanda. I want to go back home and read a book. I can assure you that would be far more satisfying than waiting in a line that is never going to end.”

“Oh, it’ll end. Just keep waiting,” she groaned frustrated at my unwillingness to show a lick of optimism.

It was another two hours before we had the chance to get closer.

The sun had started to begin its descent as the afternoon settled in. The weather was better, and most women were now covering themselves up as the temperature dropped to a mild chill.

Wanda also began to shift around as her hair flopped down.

“Who makes us wait this long?” I said after looking at her agitation.

“Please, we’ll get there soon enough. I can already see the doors.”

She was right.

The large, wooden doors stating “English Royalty” glistened down with its golden elegance exuding a sense of importance.

Two guards stood near the entrance. They weren’t moving and seemed to ignore all of the pestering from women around them who wanted to get in as soon as they could. One of the guards, a shorter man, was wearing a red uniform with a ghoulish hat that had feathers coming out from the top. It made him look rather silly as he scratched away while his partnered turned away. It was an uncomfortable get-up and one he must have been wearing for hours now.

He looked up at us as we marched towards him. My dress, a golden outfit, flowed from the seams as the wind rustled. I managed to grab it before it veered upwards. He didn’t even bat an eyelid and pointed towards the entrance. It was time for me to walk in.

“You wait for your turn,” he said as Wanda tried to follow behind me.

Wanda remained behind waiting to go next with a sincere look of disappointment.

“Good luck!” she managed as I began walking towards the door.

“Thanks,” I managed with a groan.

The halls inside were luxurious. A beautiful shimmering chandelier welcomed me hanging low from the endless ceiling. Sizeable lion statues were sitting on each side giving off a regal vibe as if royalty frozen into this state of sophistication.

Red carpeting extended from the entrance all the way to an expansive doorway to the left.

A lady, tall and prudish, pointed towards the door for me to follow. She was sweating apparently tired from her job of guiding women from one end of the palace to the other.

I walked towards the door she’d pointed to.

A guard stood outside and asked for my name.

“Rose Swan.”

“Alright, Miss Swan, please make your way into this room. Do not speak unless you’re asked to and please do not make silly remarks, which will lead to an immediate eviction from the premises. We do not take lightly to such misbehavior on the part of bachelorettes. Thank you,” he said with a dronish English accent that filled the hallway with each syllable causing me to yawn.

“Sure.”

“Go inside,” he said without looking at me.

I quietly entered the room.

It was large but empty with nothing more than the same red carpet from outside, a large coffee table, and two chairs.

On one of those brown suede chairs sat a man. It was Prince Bryce I presumed.

He was muscular wearing a black leather jacket, which hugged his torso revealing the bumps and valleys of his physique. He sat sluggishly for a Prince leaning back without a care for me or anyone else for that matter. His hair was slicked back, sharp black just like the rest of his features.

“Hi, I’m Prince Bryce,” the man said with a rugged English accent, and a hint of royalty draped all over it.

He stood up as I entered without having once looked at who had entered.

His eyes moved towards me and stopped for a second. He gazed up and down before extending his hand.

“And you are?” he asked with a sheepish smile on his face.

“Rose Swan.”

“Ah yes, someone mentioned that to me a few seconds ago. I must be getting tired from all of these meet and greets.”

I stood there listening.

“You can sit down,” he said pointing to the chair beside him.

I sat down now paying attention to his eyes. They were deep like the ocean almost settling into a contemplative gaze as he kept them locked on me as I shifted to look presentable.

“So you think the Royal Bride is something for you?” he asked as the awkward staring became increasingly uncomfortable.

“Not really. My friend Wanda asked me to come.”

“Your friend Wanda?” he laughed.

It was a beautiful, gentle smile. His teeth were picture-perfect almost radiating as he grinned from one ear to the other.

“Yeah. She made me come even though I didn’t want to.”

“So you’re not into the little meet and greet then?”

“Not at all.”

“Well, that makes two of us then.”

I watched as he slumped over almost happy I had said that.

“You know I have to pay attention to all of these bachelorettes cause of my dad. He wants me to get married when I could care less. I mean look at me, I’m a 24-year-old man, and he says it’s time to find a wife.”

“Why not just cancel it?”

“King Charles is not as disconnected as you might assume. You see those clowns standing out there; they will report to him if I misbehave,” he said with a groan pointing towards the same dronish man who had welcomed me in the beginning.

“Well, the line is getting longer by the minute. You might want to think of something to get out of this.”

“Any ideas?”

I mulled over things for a moment. His eyes looked at me with anticipation clearly fatigued by the situation.

“I have an idea.”

He leaned in even closer.

“MOUSE! MOUSE!” I yelled sending the Prince to squeeze back into his chair from fright as I got up and raised my hands pointing in various directions.

The guard and woman from outside came running in.

I kept pointing at random places saying the mouse was there.

“I hate mice,” said the Prince now with a smile on his face at what I had done.

He mouthed, “well played” in my direction.

“I saw it. This is unsafe for the Prince,” I said.

“Yes, I cannot participate in such conditions. Miss Swan is correct.”

“But Prince, there are so many bachelorettes waiting outside for you and the line is getting longer. What will we say to them?”

“Say, we’ve found someone.”

“What?” the lady said now focused on him as he walked towards his seat to sit down.

“Yes, I have chosen a potential bride and feel she is the one.”

I started to walk towards the entrance as this unfolded.

“Rose Swan is the one I wish to pursue.”

I stopped dead in my tracks, shocked at what he had just said. When I turned around, he was standing beside me with an arm around my shoulders.

“This Rose Swan?” she asked almost taken aback.

“Yes.”

“But Prince Bryce, you have many others to look for.”

“Am I the Prince or you, Priscilla?”

“You are.”

“Good. Tell the women I have found a potential bride and wish to pursue her for now. They can all leave.”

I looked up at him as he stood there. A whiff of musk came from his direction as he pressed tighter to me in a bid to convince the guard and Priscilla I was the one.

“Are you crazy?” I whispered in his ear.

“Yes. For you.”

I pressed by hand against my face. This wasn’t going as planned.

“Now what?” he asked Priscilla who was red-faced and confused at how quickly the Prince had made his decision.

“I-I-I believe we shall set up a date between you two for later in the evening. Let’s say dinner?” she stuttered in response almost failing to regain her composure.

The guard started looking for the mouse again.

“Perfect. Is that fine with you Miss Swan?”

“Yeah, I guess,” I said with a reluctant smile on my face wanting nothing more than to go home.

“Right. So, Priscilla, please make the preparation and show Miss Swan to the room so she can enjoy what our palace has to offer.”

“Of course, Prince Bryce.”

I stood there perplexed at what had just happened. Priscilla pointed towards the entrance for me to leave the room and follow her.

I followed.

Rose: Royal Preparations

I sat there in another spacious room with purple curtains draped from one end to the other. A bookshelf stood tall filled with English literature next to a robust brown executive desk made of the richest of materials.

My eyes shifted from one end to the other.

What had I just got myself into?

It seemed like the right idea to help Prince Bryce out of his problem so that I could get out of mine, but it seemed I had made things worse for myself.

Why did he have to put me in this position?

As I thought this, Priscilla came in now having reclaimed her calm demeanor with a clipboard in hand and a larger woman next to her. The woman was red-haired, plump, and had a vibrant smile on her face.

“Right. This is Rose Swan, and she’s the one who has to be fixed up.”

“Excuse me. Fixed up?” I asked wondering what she was going on about.

“Yes. We can’t have you meet the Prince looking like this. It’s appalling,” she said letting the final two words settle in before moving towards the plump woman to whisper something into her ear.

“I think I look fine.”

“Well, yes you look lovely dear, but there is always room for improvement, and that’s where I come in,” said the red-haired woman who was still beaming from ear to ear as if the smile had been plastered onto her face never to leave again.

“What room for improvement?” I asked frustrated with the situation I was in.

She pushed me down onto a dark gray chair with an extended back. The moment my butt landed on the cushion, it folded in, letting the memory foam welcome me. It felt nice, but the lady’s hands overwhelmed me as they worked on my face, body, and anything else she could get her fingers on.

It was disturbing.

I tried to push her away, but she was already taking out her makeup from a large, maroon bag which had multiple layers inside it seemed.

The makeup utensils were endless as she took out various shades, pressed them against my cheek for assessment, and then tossed them aside in frustration.

This went on for at least an eternity before she was satisfied.

I gave up as Priscilla watched keenly.

“What’s your name again?” I asked trying to get her to ease up on the hard pushes of the bristled brush.

“Jenna. I have been working as the primary makeup artist for the royal family for a decade now. It is a job I take pride in. Don’t you think they look delightful when those photos come out every year? I think they do. It’s all me of course.”

She stopped as I sighed in relief. It was momentary as she started vigorously again putting various shades of red on my skin making me look like a clown, at least that’s what I thought.

“Can I at least speak to my friend? She’s outside and was behind me in line. She must have been the first one you saw when you opened the door,” I asked looking over at Priscilla who was now getting bored with how the makeup was being done and had started playing with her pencil, fiddling it between her fingers.

Her ears perked up.

“Wait, that crazy red-haired girl who was making a commotion outside when we told them it was time to leave?”

“Yes, she can be a tad exuberant at times.”

“You think we’ll let that psychopath into the castle? She should be thrown in jail.”

“Please, I require her to be alongside as she’s come a long way with me,” I pleaded wanting to have someone with me during a time where I was not having a lot of fun, to say the least.

“Fine,” she relented after looking at the face I was making. It must have appeared as if I was being tortured considering how quickly she conceded.

In a moment’s notice, Wanda was straddling into the door still unhappy it seemed at what had happened.

“Finally! I thought I was never going to be let in,” she said.

“Wanda!” I said getting up from the chair to Jenna’s displeasure. I hugged her.

“Wait, why are they doing makeup on your face? Yikes, that looks awful. Anyway, what is all of this?” she asked peppering me with questions as soon as she had let go of suffocating me.

“I have been chosen to meet with Prince Bryce for a date,” I said with a sluggish tone defeated by the situation in front of me.

“You what?!”

“Yeah, he chose me.”

“I knew it! Oh my, God, I am so happy for you sweetie!”

“Yay!” I said in a mocking tone now collapsing back into the seat as Jenna’s eyes looked at me intensely.

Jenna was now applying blush with a new fervor as I closed my eyes making sure powder didn’t flicker in.

“So when do you get to meet him then and how was it?” she asked.

“It was okay. We met for a few moments and then he decided I was the one he wanted to have a date with. I guess you could say it didn’t take long for him to make up his mind,” I replied now remembering once again what a mistake I had made looking after that Prince who might have been handsome, but had one-upped me at my own game.

“Wow!”

“It wasn’t as exciting as you think.”

“Who cares? You are going to have a date with Prince Bryce! Does he look as handsome as they say he is?” she whispered now moving closer to me as Jenna tried ignoring what we were talking about.

“He’s okay. Muscular and rugged. Has a beautiful smile too.”

“Oh yes! I love that smile of his. He looks so good in pictures. I wish I had the chance to see him too, but they said he had chosen someone. I didn’t realize it was you.”

“Yeah, I was the lucky one he thought was fit for the job.”

“Come on now! It isn’t a job. You could end up being the royal bride,” she said poking me with her finger to enunciate the point even thought it wasn’t working.

“We’ll see how it goes. At least, I’ll get dinner, and he’s charming enough to handle for one date I suppose,” I said while thinking about how the leather jacket hugged his body as he had leaned over. The musk was intoxicating, and I was still reveling in it from time to time when I had a chance to remember.

“Wow, you’re going to have amazing dishes to eat as well. I heard you can take whatever you want.”

“Oh God! Wanda, don’t be so cheap.”

“What? I’m just saying, it’s going to be awesome.”

Jenna stepped in as the conversation started to die out.

“Alright, Miss Swan, you are ready to go, take a look in the mirror.”

She held up the mirror for me as I peered in to see the damage she’d done to my face.

It looked surprisingly beautiful.

It had blended in nicely with a hint of pinkish blush settling on the top of my cheekbone, while the mascara lead to pronounced eyelashes that looked great from all angles. I was impressed with the matching lipstick as it felt light on the skin and had a peppermint smell to it.

“You look gorgeous,” said Wanda with both hands on her face exuding pleasure.

“Thanks,” I replied impressed with the makeup Jenna had done.

Jenna gave me a quick thumbs-up before looking at Priscilla and leaving the room.

“It is time for you to go pick out your dress,” Priscilla said standing next to me as I continued to look in the long mirror on the wall, which appeared to have an ability to slim anyone that looked into it.

“A dress too?” I asked.

“Yes, you’re not going to wear this…rubbish,” she said thinking of a word to describe my golden dress, which I had chosen in a rush after Wanda had forced me to do so. I had to agree, it was not the best option, but I wasn’t flowing in money.

“Alright, fine,” I replied giving in again.

She grabbed me by the elbow and directed me towards the next room, which had rows upon rows of gorgeous dresses.

There were colors I had never seen before in my life, and the designs were marvelous.

“Each dress is worth more than you can imagine,” said Priscilla now keeping a keen eye on Wanda who seemed to be like a kid in a candy shop moving from one dress to the other getting her hands on all of them to the tall woman’s dismay.

“Wanda, I think you should go easy on those,” I said trying to ease the tension in the room.

“Oh sorry!”

Wanda walked back towards me.

I looked over at the dresses thinking about which one was perfect for me.

It was going to be a hard choice.

The room was large adorned with multiple long mirrors, cushioned benches, and women who were working on new dresses to the side and cleaning older ones that would be sent to random parts of the country for use.

“You can select any dress you like,” said Priscilla while pointing to the racks of dresses.

“Any dress?”

“Yes.”

Wanda and I started going through the dresses. There were so many options. I could have gone with the gorgeous black slip dress, white sheath dress covered with jewels, or even a 1950s flare dress with a mixture of gray and black.

There were so many choices, and I was lost for words.

“I like this one,” said Wanda pointing towards a parrot green sheath dress that made Priscilla cover her face once again.

“That’s too much Wanda. It should look respectable for the occasion,” I said.

One dress stood out to me. It was on the last rack and had a simpler undertone to it that worked for me.

The gorgeous dark gray lace dress with frizzled cotton near the edges was perfectly in sync with its overall look.

I pointed towards it and told Priscilla the decision was made.

She nodded.

The rest of the time was spent going through accessories and what I would wear along with the lace dress.

In the end, I chose matching classic pumps, and a high-end designer bag I’d never seen in my life. It seemed like something rich people wore, so I went with it even though it seemed boisterous.

“Well, you are ready to go then,” said Priscilla who now seemed worn out by everything as her hair sat loosely across the face.

I looked into the mirror standing wearing a dress I had never imagined would be possible.

It was time to meet the Prince.

Bryce: Princely Thoughts

She was sexy.

I often ignored woman because most were attracted to the throne. I hated how they’d try to seduce me with preposterous poems and nonsense no one other than an idiot would fall for.

It was something that had always bothered me, but I knew it was a part of being a Prince.

But, Rose was different.

She was attractive and didn’t give a shit about me.

I liked that. I wanted to have her more than anything else.

The little mouse incident was even better. It showed she was intelligent on top of her curvaceous body. Plus, who could forget those sexy golden locks of her?

I chuckled to myself.

Her presence was a delight for my nose too. It was the minty scent she’d been wearing when she entered. I was hooked. Just wrapping my arms around here was amazing and I got to do that with any woman I wanted these days.

“Prince Bryce, it is almost time to meet with Miss Swan, would you like to put on something nice?” said the shrill voice; it was the young Butler, John Stevens, a good man who seemed to always find his way around to bother everyone. He was a stout man with a calming disposition.

“Yes, I’d like to put on that suit I’ve been saving for a good occasion,” I said to the butler who stood at the entrance of my room.

It was a room I loved because it was mine to do with as I pleased. It didn’t have the regular ‘royalty’ appearance to it that other rooms did. I hated those high-spirited colors, which were supposed to be ‘elegant’ as my dad said. I would rather go with something dark filled with motorcycles and pictures of cars I liked. This is what I cared about, not some rubbish associated with royalty.

“Ah, of course, Prince Bryce.”

The Butler left as soon as he had come.

The room was empty as I sat down on the king-sized round bed once again thinking about the meeting.

I wanted to be with her.

I wanted to kiss Rose and let her know I was the one she should be with.

This was bizarre. I didn’t want to let my father win, yet I couldn’t stop thinking about Rose.

Why should I have to do as he pleases when I can marry a woman on my own?

But, Rose was something else. I had never thought a woman like her would come my way in such a manner.

This royal bride meet and greet seemed like a success.

I walked over to the mirror playing with my hair with it's slicked back look the way I preferred. My necklace was hidden under the dress shirt I had put on; it was something I always kept close to me. The necklace was one I had found after the Kingdom’s soldiers had shot and killed a man. It was his necklace, and I always kept it with me making sure I didn’t go around doing the same as my father.

I could do anything, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to kill.

The necklace slithered back behind the dress shirt as I adjusted my leather jacket again.

John Stevens entered once again with a neatly tailored black suit crafted by the finest tailor in all of London. My father had it specially made for me even though I had never worn it, but now seemed like the right time to do so.

“This will be all, Sir?” asked the Butler who observed as I grabbed the suit and positioned it in front of me looking into the mirror.

“Yeah, that’s all. Thanks, John.”

“My pleasure, Sir.”

I quietly put on the suit looking at it from all angles.

Would it impress Rose? Surely, a man as handsome as me could woo her?

I didn’t want her to change. What if she ended up falling for the riches? This is what I hated. I couldn’t be with a real woman cause all of them wanted to go for my money and nothing else.

But, she seemed like a woman who didn’t care. She didn’t even look at me until I had started talking to her.

I sat down as the suit neatly pressed against my torso settling into a nice slim fitted look.

As I put on my brown-leathered watch, I gazed out the window. The sun had set as a subtle mist developed over top.

It appeared as if the clouds had decided it was time to sprinkle London with a bit of moisture.

The line had disappeared outside. A few women could be heard screaming at the top of their lungs as I peered out. It seemed as if they hadn’t got the memo or didn’t care for it.

Guards continued to push them away in a bid to get them to leave.

It didn’t work.

I chuckled at the sight. I could have looked like a donkey, and these women would have married me.

What a joke.

I’d rather be with someone like Rose. She had something about her that was better.

“Sir, Miss Swan, is waiting for you on the palace rooftop as you suggested,” said the dronish voice of Peter Jones, a royal guard who had been letting bachelorettes in earlier in the day.

“Ah, excellent.”

“Shall I tell her you’re coming?”

“Yes, I will be right there. Give me five minutes,” I said.

The guard left immediately.

I hoped she was wearing something sexy the way she had when she’d come in. If I had my way, I would have told her to keep the alluring golden dress on the way she had first shown up, but I knew that overbearing Priscilla would get in the way.

But, Rose seemed like someone who’d look hot in anything.

I sat there daydreaming about her again.

“Sir?”

“Yeah, I’m coming,” I said as the guard entered again.

“Right.”

I shook my head in displeasure.

Why did my father decide to hire this man?

I quietly walked out the door and into the main hallway leading to a magnificent staircase, which broke into two adjacent parts meeting at the top. I chose to take the right one as it was nearer.

Priscilla waited at the top of the steps.

She pointed towards the French doors near the center of the floor.

“Yes, I know where the rooftop is Priscilla. Thank you,” I said shooing her away.

As soon as I opened the door, there she stood looking as elegant as ever. The dress was perfectly fitted to her body, the golden hair still as luminous as ever.

I could have just stood there and watched forever.

She turned.

A gentle smile crept on her face welcoming me onto the rooftop.

Bryce: First Date

The mist had faded into the English summer night leaving a soothing tinge of airiness behind.

I watched as her eyes lingered on the view in front of us.

“It’s beautiful,” she said as I observed her beauty and how the blonde hair rested perfectly on her shoulders.

“What is?”

“The English summer.”

“Ah yes, it is indeed one of the most beautiful things about this palace.”

She turned around and smiled again, the dress sparkled on her skin as the moonlight touched it gently.

“You look gorgeous,” I said.

“Thanks. You look nice too.”

“Perhaps, we can sit down then?” I asked pointing towards the beautifully laid out table with a striking vase full of roses and two gold-ornamented plates.

I watched as she looked over as her hazel eyes set on me. She was observing waiting for my move.

I could sense it.

“You thinking about the mouse?” I laughed.

“Ah yes, I’m sure the guard is still looking for it,” she replied with a beautiful smile peeking out.

Just as the conversation had started, John walked in ready to take their orders.

“What would you like to have Sir and Madam?”

I looked up at her. She was watching the Butler with great attention.

“He’s John, the Royal Butler,” I said making sure she understood why he was there.

“Ah nice to meet you. I’ll have anything he’s having.”

“Well, that’s not the spirit of a date. You should have what you want,” I said pointing towards a little menu the Butler had crafted just for the evening. “You can have anything from here.”

She began to look through the two-page menu to see what she would be able to eat.

It appeared as if she was having trouble with the dishes and I couldn’t blame her. Most of the dishes were snobbish and a waste.

“The sushi is good,” I said pointing towards the right side of the menu. It was filled with multiple sushi dishes.

“Sure,” she said.

I told John to get us two plates of sushi along with wine.

“Doesn’t seem like you’re into fine dining?” I asked.

“Yeah, I am not much of a fine dining kind of person. I just go out and eat a burger or something when I get the chance,” she said with a sheepish grin that made my heart race again.

It got to a point where I had to put a hand over my heart to make it stop.

It wouldn’t.

‘What the hell is going on with me?’ I thought to myself as she watched.

“You feeling alright?” she asked.

“Oh yeah of course,” I said putting my hand back down.

I got up and walked over to her side.

“You know what. The sushi is shitty, and I think a burger would be smart right now. I mean this weather screams for a good hamburger. What do you say?” I asked putting my hand out for her to accept.

“Hamburger? Right now?”

“Why not?”

“I mean we were supposed to eat here weren’t we?”

“Well, there is no point in eating something you don’t like. Plus, who doesn’t like a good burger?”

She raised her hand and grabbed onto mine making sure to keep an eye on her dress as it nearly tangled with the table.

We started to walk towards the door, as lingering clouds opened up, letting the air breathe as we exited.

“Sir, where are you headed?” ringed Priscilla who had been watching us from afar.

“We are leaving to eat burgers.”

“Sir, there were many options on the menu.”

“Well, we didn’t like any of the options. Tell the driver I am going to take the car out today, and he can give me the car when I arrive downstairs.”

“But ---“

“Are you my mom, Priscilla?” I asked.

“No Sir.”

“Good, let’s go then.”

Rose wore a smile on her face. It seemed she wasn’t too fond of Priscilla either.

The tall assistant gave a stern look before scurrying off to give the driver a call.

The keys were ready as we arrived downstairs a few minutes later. It was a Jaguar that I loved driving around. It was one I had put together myself through hard work and sweat. It had taken months to get the right parts because I didn’t want to buy one with dad’s money.

King Charles had been disappointed.

He said it was bad for the kingdom’s reputation, but I could care less. I was more than happy to have my way.

Queen Teresa or my mother for those who cared was a gentle woman. She never meddled in my business and even took the time to listen to what I had to say about this “meet and greet” business. However, who was going to overpower my dad? King Charles always had his way with these matters, and it appeared everyone else had to fall in line.

“Bryce!” echoed the baritone voice ringing across the hall and filling it with a sense of prominence.

It was a husky, strong-featured man with a precisely defined gray beard and a posture straighter than a ruler. His deep blue eyes were similar to mine, and he had the aura of someone who preferred to have his voice heard. The red suit with golden buttons accentuated this feeling as he progressed towards us.

“Yes?”

“Where are you headed?”

“I’m taking Rose out with me for our first date,” I said almost refusing to look at him in the eyes in disdain.

“Rose?”

“Yes, the woman who won your silly meet and greet thing from earlier today.”

This cheered up the King who had to control his joy as he peered over to the golden-haired Rose who was now blushing at the brand-new attention from the King of England of all people.

“Well, hello there Miss Rose,” the King said with a smile on his face as he pecked the back of her hand.

I twiddled my thumb as he started to speak to her.

“Don’t mind Bryce. He’s a sweet, young boy with a rather troubled way of behaving. They say it’s a phase,” he said trying to whisper the last bit.

“I heard that,” I barked.

“You should have heard that. Now, take the fair lady out for your date and make sure to behave. You are a representative of the kingdom.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” I said mockingly.

King Charles shook his head in disapproval before giving Rose another smile and walking away.

“He’s nice,” she said.

“Yeah, until he starts telling you what to do and how to do it.”

“Try listening to him once in a while. Starting with taking out this fair lady out for a date,” she smiled repeating what the King had said earlier.

“I’ll try my best fair lady.”

We walked towards the Jaguar and settled in. This was when I realized I didn’t know where to go.

“So, where do we go to have a good burger?”

“Wait, didn’t you say burgers are something you like as well?” she asked with a grin on her face.

“Well, yeah, but they usually bring it to me in the palace.”

“Lovely,” she said shaking her head.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“You think royalty is a waste of time don’t you?” I asked.

She sat there for a while as I started to drive. It must have been a few minutes before she responded.

“Yes, royalty is a waste of time. I mean you’re born into it. Nothing was earned. What is the point of this royalty? What are you going to do with it? Get yourself a ‘royal bride,' have children, and call it a day? Wow, so much purpose!” she said waving her hands around with a passionate vigor to enunciate her point.

I sat looking at her at a nearby stoplight.

“Damn, you hate us that much?”

“I don’t hate you. I just don’t understand royalty in general. I mean you didn’t even go out to get a burger!”

“Yeah, that sounds pretty shitty I know.”

“At least, that’s going to change today. Ed’s Burger at the corner of that next street is good. I’ve been there before.”

“Perfect.”

She rolled down the window a little as we started to drive towards the middling joint at the end of the street. The light flickered as I parked and watched to see if anyone was following. You always had to do this as a Prince because anyone could be after you.

It was empty.

It said “OPEN” at the front of the entrance with nobody inside.

“Shall we?” I asked pointing towards Ed’s Burger.

“You’ll like it,” she said with a grin.

As we walked towards the joint, I turned around to her.

“You know about what you were saying in the car? I agree. Royalty sucks ass. We have no purpose. Everything is handed to us. I’m going to change that one day.”

“One step at a time,” she said as I opened the door to let her in.

“Of course.”

“Let’s see how long you can last before royalty kicks in. You’ll be surprised how many things you take for granted,” she said as we looked at the menu above the counter.

The man, who must have been Ed, stood behind the counter watching with astonishment as I walked up and began reading what was on the menu. He fixed his hat and rushed to the front when he noticed who I was.

“S-S-Sir Bryce. I mean, Prince Bryce. Pleased to meet you. It’s a real pleasure,” the man said fumbling over his words and managing a deeper stutter as he progressed through the sentence. His husky voice had turned into a squeaky whisper by the end.

“Surprised to see Prince Bryce here?” laughed Rose asking the cashier.

“Yes, we’ve never had royalty here before. It’s a real honor.”

“Even here you are treated differently,” she said turning around to me and pointing towards how the cashier had reacted.

“Hey, what’s your name?” I asked the man who was still gawking at me with full-hearted amazement.

“E-E-Eddie or Ed like people call me.”

“Okay Ed, I want you to treat us like we’re regular people. Don’t think I’m the Prince. Just serve us the way you would.”

“Yes of course,” the man replied confused with my request but not wanting to say anything to anger me.

“What would you like?” he added.

“Just two regular burgers with large fries and cokes,” said Rose budding in when the man asked.

“Nice,” I said.

“These are the best burgers. Trust me.”

“Of course, I’m sure they are.”

We sat down and in ten minutes the burgers came to the table, piping hot, and made with extra care. Ed had spent time making sure I was content with the burger even though I had told him not to go over the top.

Rose smiled watching as the man continued to fumble over himself with each step.

“Okay, I can’t control how other people react to my presence. That’s impossible,” I said frustrated with Ed and how he was behaving. At this point, he was now playing with the ketchup and appeared to have hurt his foot by stubbing his toe against the garbage bin.

Rose turned her head around at the commotion before laughing again.

“Clearly, they seem to panic.”

“Yeah, idiots.”

“You or them?” she laughed again happy with her joke.

I laughed too.

The rest of the night was spent feasting on the burgers, and it was one of the best feelings I had got the pleasure to have. She was bright, sexy, and had the ability to carry a conversation better than anyone else I had ever seen. She was as calm as anyone too. She was the opposite of Ed.

“I had a great time Rose,” I said as we left Ed’s Burger and made our way to the Jaguar.

“It was nice,” she said.

By the time we had arrived at the palace it was past midnight, and she looked at her watch before starting to move towards leaving.

I leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

She turned around and pecked me back.

“Miss Swan, will we have the chance to meet again? Perhaps, over ice cream or whatever regular people do?” I managed to say thinking of something she would prefer.

“Ice cream? Interesting choice,” she beamed from ear to ear with the suggestion.

“So where are you going to be staying?” I inquired as she started to leave.

“I’m not sure. I have to find Wanda first and then she’ll tell me where we are supposed to go.”

“Where did you come from?”

“Outside London. 50 kilometers out or so.”

“Ah, I see. Perhaps, you can reside in the palace for now? You will get your own room, and I am sure my father will love to have you over,” I said recollecting how King Charles had been behaving when seeing the lady I had chosen.

“I suppose we could do that,” she said waiting as I parked the car and began walking with her.

SPLASH.

A loud noise came from the left as we entered the premises.

“Wanda?” said Rose.

Rose: The Memories Of A First Date

She was in the pool, wet and excited, taking laps from one end of the pool to another.

Bryce and I watched from afar in astonishment as she continued to do this for a while before coming to a stop and noticing us. She had a beaming smile and wore a golden bikini as she strode out.

Her love handles hung to the side as she walked towards us.

“Hey guys!” she screamed before coming to a stop.

“Shhh,” I whispered asking for her to be quiet.

“Oops! Sorry.”

“Why are you swimming at this time of the night?” I asked.

“It appears Miss Wanda has taken a liking to the palace. I believe you will as well over time,” said Prince Bryce still smirking at what Wanda had been doing in the pool.

“Yes, I love this place,” said Wanda with her eyes getting larger by the minute from excitement.