Page 12 of Royal Extra After

“Is that the only reason you want to find love, for the research?”

The princess smiled as she looked up at him. “Of course not. I want to find love because, at the end of the day, love is all that really matters. Without love, what do you have? I want to find my person that will love me no matter what. I want someone who will support me and challenge me, and I want to challenge and support them. I want it all…”

Benson, taking it all in, cleared his throat and joined them. “Princess, it looks like you’re all done here, and it is getting late.”

The princess laughed. “Benson, it’s only nine o’clock. Ned still needs to show me the castle he’s shooting in. Why don’t you go work on The Elderman Report. Like you said it needs to be done. I’ll join you after we’re finished here.”

Before Benson could respond, the princess stood up and walked him to the door. She whispered to him so Ned couldn’t hear. “Can I please have just a few minutes alone with Ned? I’m twenty-six years old, not sixteen. You’ll be right next door if I need you. I promise to behave myself.”

Benson looked like he wanted to protest, but the princess had already opened the door for him.

“Thank you, Benson, for everything and for going over that very important report.”

“Thank you, Benson,” Ned called out. “The dinner was great. I really appreciate you both setting this all up.”

“It was our pleasure, right Benson?” the princess asked with a smile.

Benson nodded. “I’ll be right next door if you need me for anything.”

“We won’t,” the princess said as she shut the door.

“Benson really takes his job seriously,” Ned said. “That’s admirable.”

“It is,” the princess agreed. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful for all Benson does for me. It’s just sometimes a little suffocating. It’s like I have a constant shadow.”

“That would be hard,” Ned agreed.

“Okay, so now show me this castle you’ve been telling me about,” the princess said, wanting to lighten the mood. “Let’s go in the living room.” Ned followed her as they walked over to the fireplace. “Do you have the pictures and videos on your phone, or did you bring a tablet? I can’t wait to see it.”

“And I can’t wait to show it to you, but I have a better idea,” Ned said as he flashed her his irresistible smile. “To really get a feel for its grandeur and scope, you need to see it in person.”

The princess laughed. “Okay, sure. Just have your helicopter land on the roof, and we’ll go right now.”

“I can’t get us there tonight, but I can tomorrow morning.”

The princess’s mouth dropped open. “What? You’re serious?

“Absolutely,” Ned said. “These final castle scenes will be key to setting the tone of this movie. I could really use your input and advice. I know you’re busy and heading home soon, but just in case you could find the time, I had to ask and see if…”

“Yes!” the princess answered, excited before he could finish. She flung her arms around him in a heartfelt hug. “That would be amazing!” As she felt his breath on her cheek, she suddenly realized what she’d done. She was in his arms. Embarrassed, she started to pull back but then saw the way Ned was looking at her.

As he gazed into her eyes, she knew he was going to kiss her, and she had never wanted anything more. As he leaned in for the kiss, she shut her eyes. Her heart pounded so hard she could barely breathe. Just as his lips were about to touch hers, she heard the front door opening.

They both jumped apart as Benson entered.

“I forgot my…” Benson started but stopped. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the princess and Ned. The princess, breathless, felt her face heat up.

“Benson, we were just going to call you,” Ned said.

The princess nodded. “We were.”

“Really?” Benson asked, skeptical.

“Yes,” Ned said as he approached Benson. “We need your help planning.”

“Planning for what?” Benson asked, still looking suspicious.

The princess joined Ned. “Benson, Ned needs our help again tomorrow with the movie. Isn’t that wonderful?”

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