Catherine shifted her gaze back to the man standing tall at about 6ft3 meters in front of her. Only after hearing the voice of Sir Bradley did she realize this wasn’t an illusion at all, the man even knew her last name. She quickly fell to her knees and bowed her head towards the king’s feet in a state of panic.“Greetings to the Great King of the golden lands, master of the endless skies and boundless seas. Blessed with the strength of the sun and Southern Cross, ruler of the vast and bountiful lands of Australia, beloved by all who dwell beneath your banner, I am your loyal subject”, Catherine said in one breath as her head remained bowed. She heaved a small sign of relief thanking God she still remembered the “King’s Official Salutations” which was taught in middle school.“Rise”, she finally heard his deep and authoritative voice. She raised her head to look at him while still kneeling as if pinned to the ground. She could not find the strength to stand back up as he had commanded
"Are you always this nervous around royalty?" he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice. Catherine's heart skipped a beat at the question and bit her lower lip feeling embarrassed. She felt her cheeks heat up as she fumbled for a response."N-no, your grace. I'm just..... really surprised by your visit," she managed to say, trying to keep her voice steady.The king chuckled. "I know. You look like you've seen a ghost. But you look quite adorable when you're flustered", he said, making Catherine look up at him in surprise and her cheeks blushed even more. She couldn't believe that the king was actually flirting with her. ‘I thought they said he was a cold and unexpressive person with lifeless eyes’, she thought, yet he seemed to be the total opposite of that right now. She had never felt so tense and yet so exhilarated at the same time.She tried to steady her raging thoughts and asked, "Ehmm, your majesty, may I know the reason for your visit?"The king's expression finally turne
Shawn leaned back on the couch, his eyes fixed on Catherine's face. Looking at the way she fidgeted with her dress and bit her bottom lip tightly, his Adam's apple bulbed up and down. She probably wasn’t aware of how seductive she looked right now. He already knew he was attracted to her from the start when he couldn’t stop looking at her photos online. But seeing her in person right now..... He swallowed and tried to clear up his thoughts to focus on what he came for."I know, it's a bit of a surprise visit. But this is a matter of great importance and I had to come and see you in person”, he said firmly.Catherine frowned, still feeling confused. "See me? Why would your majesty want to see me in person?" She asked. His aides stood still, watching their exchange with keen interest.Shawn's eyes flickered with amusement at her question. "Are you sure you don't know? You really don't know why I'm here?" He added while smirking, his voice calm and measured. Catherine's heart skipped a b
“It’s ok,” he said with a slight wave of his hand. “I understand that this may come as a shock to you, and I do not expect an immediate answer. Take some time to consider my proposal, and if you choose to accept, we can discuss the details further, as well as make an official announcement,” the king said.Catherine nodded slowly, still in awe of the king's offer. She couldn't believe that she was being considered as a potential queen. It was something that she had never even imagined in her wildest dreams. She knew right now she needed time to recollect herself as well as steady her breathing and her current disheveled appearance due to her obviously embarrassing goosebumps.“Uhmm, excuse me, sir, I....I....I’ll just go in my room for a while and come back,” Catherine quickly excused herself and didn’t bother to wait for the king’s reply, her mind was in a turmoil. She rushed to her room and slammed the door shut behind her, then immediately started pacing about and trying to make sen
“I’m glad you decided to take on the challenge swiftly, Miss Jones,” he said approvingly.“Of course your majesty, why would I want to waste time? I mean, many other girls would kill for this opportunity, right?” she replied while blushing shyly and looking down. The corner of Shawn’s lips curved into a small smile. Now more than ever, he was really satisfied with the Royal seal’s selection of Catherine.“Yes, you are right,” he said. She just nodded while looking away with a coy smile on her face."So first of all, Miss Jones, let me say that you are not alone in this. You will have a team of advisors, mentors, and experts to help you navigate this new world. You will also have access to the latest technology and resources to help you stay connected and informed. And we will provide you with the necessary training and education to help you succeed,” Shawn said firmly.Catherine took a deep breath and nodded her head. "I will do my best, Your Majesty," she said with determination.The
“Yes, do take care, Miss Jones,” he finally said and turned to his heels.“Please, let me escort you out, your grace,” Catherine offered in a pleading tone, it was the least she could do to appease him.“Sure,” was the only reply she got as they both locked eyes with each other once again.Catherine took the initiative to walk forward and led the way out of her apartment the same way she led them in. They both walked outside into her front porch and through her small garden without saying anything further, each lost in their own thoughts, while his personal aides and bodyguards followed behind them. She soon noticed the two black Jeep packed outside her gate. The cars were not particularly sparkly or exquisite enough for a king to ride on. But she soon guessed that it was probably so as not to attract too much attention, especially since this was in the USA. It made Catherine realize just how much trouble he must have gone through, hiding to come and see her like this.“Wait, your ma
After the king and his escorts left, Catherine still stood glued to the ground outside her apartment even after more than half an hour. She was still having a difficult time believing and processing everything that just took place. The king of Australia personally came to her apartment with his royal subordinates to inform her that she had been chosen to be the queen. She had constantly dreamt of a life of luxury and fame, but she never imagined it would come in this form, this totally exceeded her expectations. Catherine just couldn't believe her luck. She honestly never desired to become the queen even after taking part in the screening as an eligible young lady. It just never crossed her mind because she never thought it would become a reality. Thinking of the encounter, Catherine realized that she had never been so nervous in her entire life, but she had managed to keep her cool and hold a decent conversation with the king. She wondered if she had made a good impression on him a
Shawn sat in his study, deep in thought, and dreading the upcoming meetings he had with his ministers and cabinet members. The announcement of who was chosen as the queen was already scheduled to be made the next day and he needed to be prepared for any potential outcomes. He let out a frustrated sigh and rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of his responsibilities as king bearing down on him. To make matters worse, since he met Catherine Jones in her apartment a few days ago, his mind kept drifting back to her every now and then, making him unable to focus on work effectively. He was correctly lagging behind in a whole lot of paperwork because of this. The memory of Catherine's warm smile and the canny conversations they had kept haunting him nonstop. He had called to check up on her about twice during the week and currently, his fingers were inching to call her again. ‘What was this feeling?’ he thought irritably. He let out another sigh and leaned back in his chair, closing hi
Lady Rory Williams slipped into a red suede gown, looking drop-dead gorgeous. Her ethereal beauty was shining ever so brightly, one can say even more than the sun. Today, she was a woman on a mission.....It was the second time she’d be visiting the palace walls as a royal delegate who had every right to be there. The first time, she’d only been introduced to the court as a new member. But this time, the royal seal would be holding a luncheon party to welcome her officially into the noble service.It wasn’t a necessary occasion to be held for newcomers of the court but, her uncle Damien had pulled some strings on her behalf as expected, making sure his “precious” niece got the best treatment.It wasn’t just an ordinary welcome party for Rory though. It was a great opportunity to execute her plans. Hopefully, her heartthrob, King Shawn, would be in attendance. It was his palace, after all, and it was mandatory that he attend or at least show face to every royal event held at the palace
Catherine was well aware of the strict royal system in Australia. The expectations placed upon nobles were too extreme, and any misstep could result in public ridicule and embarrassment. She couldn't help but imagine the whispers and laughter that would ensue if word got out about her day-long nap. It was going to be a big deal, and the media would eat it up. The thought of becoming a laughingstock in the kingdom made her stomach churn with anxiety. ‘Oh, my God. I’m fucked!’ There were a lot of eyes and ears in the palace, and if this gets out, she could as well step down as the King’s Fiancée. As a journalist and former newspaper editor, Catherine could already imagine the thousands of humiliating front-page headlines. “Lady Catherine Is Lazy And unfit to rule!” “Does Australia Needs A Lazy queen?” “The Jones Girl Is A Downgrade For A Queen.” “The Royal Sleep Scandal: Lady Catherine's Day-Long Nap Raises Eyebrows in the Kingdom! “The Future Queen Who Snoozed!” “Sleeping B
After watching her for quite some time, Shawn's hands moved with a delicate touch, helping her remove her clothes, shoes, and jewelry till she was left with just her inner, comfy wear. He let out a frustrating sigh as he gazed at Catherine's delicate figure, peacefully asleep. The way her body curved and the gentle rise and fall of her chest immediately stirred a desire within him that he couldn't ignore.The softness of her skin and the way her hair cascaded over her shoulders all added to her allure. Shawn's heart raced, his mind filled with a mixture of longing and desire. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her, his gaze tracing the contours of her body. Catherine’s absence during the past week had left a void in Shawn’s heart, and he had missed her presence more than he could have ever imagined. “She's like a dream, a fantasy come to life.”Her body was so soft and inviting that he couldn’t help but have dirty thoughts. But as much as he was captivated by Catherine's beauty,
Catherine couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion as King Shawn's thumb continued to caress her cheek. She felt herself leaning into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment.She wanted to back away but couldn't find the will to. This man had a way of making her weak in the knees. She was unable to think straight.She had been extra anxious and apprehensive ever since she stepped into the grand palace, waiting for the worst to happen. All her thoughts were that he would end their relationship and maybe tell her he was getting back with his gorgeous blondie Ex.But now, the man said that he missed her. She didn't know what and how to reply to that at all. The fact that his fingers were also gently caressing her face while he stared deeply and lovingly into her eyes was also something she wasn’t expecting.“What's wrong?”“Uh?” Catherine asked with a puzzled expression on her face.“Your face… Are you sick?”“What's wrong with my face, Your Majesty?”“It’s extra flushe
“OMG, Bestie, go online asap! Check what’s trending at No. 1,” Steven cried out hysterically as soon as he walked into Catherine’s bedroom at the Jones Mansion.Catherine, sprawling on her elegantly adorned bed with her long brown hair cascading like a river of silk, raised an eyebrow at his urgency. She was used to her best friend's dramatic entrances, but this one seemed particularly intense.Even her pet, Zowie, who had been lazily lounging on her lap, jerked up at Steven's frantic entrance. His screams made her scared as she darted under the bed with a startled “meow.”"Steve, keep it down. Look how you scared Zowie away. What has got you so worked up?" Catherine inquired, setting aside her favorite Colleen Hoover book.Steven, with his phone, clutched tightly in his hand, was practically vibrating with anxiety.“Just go online, Babes. Hurry!”“Okay, Okay. I've heard you.” Catherine reached for her phone and quickly navigated to the top trending news online.Her eyes immediately w
The Royal Palace, Sydney.An incredibly gorgeous blond with emerald green eyes alighted from an exquisite car in front of the castle’s grand halls. Her tight-fitted white body suit hugged her hourglass figure perfectly. The bright smile radiating from her face made her look like a beauty goddess sent from above as she posed for the paparazzi stationed at the entrance.“God, I'm so nervous to see my Shawny. I feel like it's been ages already,” Rory muttered to herself as she followed the palace guards who led her through the enormous gardens and walkway.Memories of the last time she visited the palace flooded her mind. It was a painful experience she wished to forget – one that left her broken within. She had gone on her knees, cried bitterly, and begged him to give her another chance to prove her love.The chance to be his wife and rightful queen!Rory had been so hopeful and trusted in the love they shared in the past. She thought it was about time they rekindled those lovely feelin
King Shawn emerged, looking delighted as he saw Catherine leaning against the bookshelves. He closed the door to the study behind him and walked over to her, his gaze never leaving her pretty face. Catherine's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, and she couldn't help but smile despite the circumstances. She prayed that he wouldn't notice the change in her mood, so she spoke first. “What was the urgent situation about, My lord?” “Nothing serious, My dear. I already handled it,” Shawn explained, his deep voice filled with relief and exhaustion while his huge figure hovered over her. "I apologize for the interruption, my Dear." Catherine's disappointment melted away, replaced by a surge of understanding and empathy. "No need to apologize, Shawn. Duty comes first, after all." The King reached out, gently cupping her cheek with his hand. "Thank you for your understanding," he replied, his thumb caressing her skin. His gaze fell on her cute, plump lips, the desire to kiss her almo
Catherine's steps were light as she approached the ornate double doors to the King’s study. She wondered how long it would take for him to handle the sudden emergency. She couldn't wait for them to get back to their kiss and brewing romance right where they left off. She pushed the doors open gently, not wanting to disturb the sanctity of his space. The room seemed to radiate an air of sophistication and mystique that drew her in. It was dimly lit, with the soft glow of a chandelier casting intricate shadows across the mahogany furniture. As soon as she entered, her gaze settled on the large desk, where an assortment of papers and quills lay scattered, a testament to the countless hours he spent attending to his kingly duties. Catherine’s eyes wandered around, looking for something to keep her busy till he returned. She walked over to the shelves. It was lined with volumes of old books and various artifacts from different corners of the kingdom. Memories of their last visit to his
Time seemed to slow down as they locked eyes, both hesitant and eager to bridge the gap between them. They both leaned in, hearts pounding, ready to seal their lips with a tender kiss, just like the one they had before on the rooftop. But just before their lips could meet, a loud distant sound echoed through the hallways, interrupting their sweet moment. It was the unmistakable sound of urgent footsteps approaching. They pulled away, startled, and turned to see four palace guards rushing toward them. Shawn's hands slipped from her chin and the wall as he straightened, his expression quickly transforming from desire to resolve. Catherine took a step back, trying to regain her composure, her heart still racing from the nearness of his touch. Her cheeks were red from embarrassment at being caught in such an intimate moment. The guards skidded to a halt before the couple, their eyes widening as they took in the scene. Their surprised expressions were evident, as this was the first time