The Billionaire Prince and His Secretary

Chapter 1

Ember POV

I sat at my work table just outside John’s office, engrossed in organizing his schedule for the coming week. The steady rhythm of the keys clicking under my fingers was a comforting sound, a reminder of the order I brought to the whirlwind life of Prince John. Despite the grandeur and the high stakes of my job, I found solace in the routine.

I had been the secretary-s***h-personal-assistant of Prince John, the only son of King Jerry and Queen Nathalia of The Royal Kingdom of Solandia, a small country located between France and Italy. I have been working with him for a few years already, ever since he started working for his grandfather. John, aside from being a prince, was also a CEO and a billionaire. He inherited the empire that his grandfather built. Aside from being the nicest and yet busiest boss I thought there was, he was the epitome of a man oozing with s*x appeal.

Busy as I was, my thoughts were easily interrupted by the soft, melodic voice of Princess Alya. The future queen of Solandia, the twin sister of my boss, was walking towards me, her presence both regal and warm. Princess Alya, the epitome of beauty, brains, and grace, was someone I deeply admired. Her kindness and friendly nature were genuine, and she had a way of making everyone feel valued and seen. Her radiant smile, framed by her glowing face and small baby bump, made her look every bit the blooming mom-to-be.

“Ember, how wonderful to see you!” Princess Alya greeted me enthusiastically. Her eyes had always sparkling with joy, but since she and Sir Leo, her childhood best friend, had reconnected and their relationship had become official, they sparkled even brighter. Despite her royal status, she had always treated me like a friend, not just another member of the palace staff or her brother’s secretary. We had bonded during the time I worked directly for her in the palace, and those memories were cherished treasures.

“Princess Alya, it’s always a pleasure,” I replied, standing up to offer her a respectful bow before she waved me off with a laugh.

“Please, no formalities. Especially not from you,” she insisted as she handed me an elegant envelope embossed with the royal seal. “Leo and I would love for you to join us at our wedding. You can bring a plus one, of course. Just let us or the coordinators know in advance. You know, for security reasons.”

My heart skipped a beat as I accepted the invitation. “Thank you so much, ma’am. This is such an honor.”

Before I could say more, John appeared in the doorway, his tall, commanding presence filling the space. His piercing eyes locked onto his sister with a curious expression.

“Alya, what brings you here?” he asked. His voice was the smoothest baritone that always sent a shiver down my spine. He was handsome, intelligent, and kind–a combination that made him the subject of many of my daydreams, though I knew he was far out of my reach. To him, I was just his secretary, his personal assistant, nothing more.

“I’m delivering wedding invitations,” Alya explained, her hand resting gently on her baby bump. “Leo will be joining me shortly. We wanted to make our guests feel special, so we are personally inviting them.”

John’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “That’s a wonderful idea. I’m sure everyone will appreciate the personal touch. But don’t let my niece or nephew get stressed. Uncle John has to spoil someone soon.”

Princess Alya faked a laugh and then rolled her eyes. Sometimes these two could be a riot. They are the most entertaining siblings I have ever met! They were both loving to each other, but could easily go from getting along one second to killing each other the next second.

“Remember, Ember, you can bring a plus one,” Princess Alya said when she turned back to me. She gave me a wink and a wide smile.

Before I could respond, John interjected smoothly for the second time. “Actually, Ember won’t need a plus one. She’ll be my plus one.”

Both Alya and I stared at him, stunned. My mind raced to comprehend what he had just said. Did he really mean it? Was he truly asking me to accompany him to the royal wedding as his date? That couldn’t be true!

The thrill that surged through me was overwhelming. My heart pounded so loudly that I feared they might hear it. I tried to maintain composure, but I felt like I might burst with excitement.

“John, are you serious?” Alya asked, her eyes flicking between us.

I didn’t know why Princess Alya was looking at me like she was trying to catch something between me and John. There was nothing between us!

“Absolutely,” he confirmed, his gaze never leaving mine. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes, as if he enjoyed our reactions. “Ember has been an invaluable part of my life and work. It’s only fitting she attends as my guest.”

I could barely contain myself. My hands trembled slightly as I clutched the invitation, my mind swirling with a mix of disbelief and euphoria. “Thank you, Sir John. This means so much to me.”

John narrowed his eyes on me. That was when I remembered I called him Sir. He told me not to use ‘sir’ to address him.

“Thank you, John,” I repeated, minus the ‘sir’.

Princess Alya looked delighted. “Well, that settles it then.” She gave me a knowing smile before turning to leave. “I have more invitations to deliver, but I’ll see you both soon. Remember, Ember, no plus one necessary. And please stop with the formalities, okay? Call me Alya.” She waved at me before glaring at her brother.

As she walked away, I watched her retreating form, feeling a rush of gratitude and excitement. John’s eyes were still on me, his expression unreadable.

“Thank you, John. I…I don’t know what to say,” I stammered as my cheeks blushed.

He stepped closer, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “How about you say you’ll save me a dance?”

I laughed, the tension easing slightly. “I’d be honored, John.”

With a final nod, he returned to his office, leaving me to process the whirlwind of emotions. As I sat back down at my desk, I realized this royal wedding invitation was more than just a piece of paper. It was the beginning of something new and thrilling–something that could change everything.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I could hardly focus on my tasks, my mind repeatedly drifting back to John’s words and the upcoming wedding. What did this mean for us? Was there a chance that the man of my dreams saw me as more than just his secretary?

One thing was certain: the days ahead promised excitement, intrigue, and perhaps even a touch of romance. I closed my eyes and then screamed silently. I couldn’t wait to see what unfolded next! When I opened my eyes, he was there, in front of me. I stood up abruptly, panicking that my supposed silent scream had been loud enough to reach John.

“Is there something wrong?” we both asked at the same time.

Of course, I had to go first and give him an answer. “Nothing’s wrong. Uh, I was just…I was just thinking about what to wear. I am sure there is nothing in my closet that will suit this kind of event.” I smiled brightly, proud of myself that I gave a smart and realistic answer.

“Oh. I was about to ask you about that. The wedding is in a few weeks already. If you don’t have anything to do on Saturday, let’s go and see if we can find you a dress here in Solandia. Or would you rather shop in Paris?” my handsome boss asked.

My jaw dropped at what he said. “I’m sure I can find something in Solandia,” I managed to say, albeit slowly.

“Okay. Get ready on Saturday. Can you also ring that shop where we bought my last suit? Tell them we will be there at nine in the morning. We can go shopping for your dress after that.” He nodded his head before he went back to his office.

I stood frozen for a few seconds before I went to do what he instructed me. My hands shook as I called the shop and told them John’s request. Even when I was done with the call, I could not believe I would be going shopping with John on the weekend. There were times I had accompanied him out shopping before, but those were for his clothes.

The day could not get any better. I only hoped it was not just a dream.