Isabelle (House of Jensen Series book 5)

Chter 7

All our family and friends were in the room including Federico. My heart starts beating really fast when I locked eyes with him. The man was beautiful and had great cheekbones. I could see the hurt and pain on his face as he looks at my intertwined hands with James.

Why was I feeling bad all of a sudden? I didn't know he liked me. It's not my fault he's hurting. "Let's see the ring," shouts my friend Andrea a black lawyer. I hold up my hand with the engagement ring on it. I see Federico turn and Carl's sister places an arm on his shoulder. They were having a quiet conversation. It bothered me to see him so unhappy for some reason.

James POV

In the past

James walks into his bedroom lost in thought. How is it a woman no a princess gets kidnapped in broad daylight.  Why is everyone talking about her being kidnapped and not a ransom amount?

He calls his bank, "Lord James I'm sorry to hear about her highness fate. If there's anything I can do let me know," the bank manager assures him.

"That's why I'm calling I want a large sum of money to be available to pay a ransom If needed."

"Surely your lordship that's something for her parents to deal with."

"I don't remember asking you for your opinion on my girlfriend's case."

The bank manager clears his throat, "I'll see to your request sir."

He ends the call and looks at his screen saver of Isabelle. "I'll find you I promise."

"Who do I know who can help?" He ask himself out loud

He thinks for a moment but he couldn't think of anyone. He didn't have those sort of friends. Then an idea hits him. Crown Prince Federico lives in Italy and there was bound to be mafia guys there. Maybe he knew someone.

He dials his number, "Who is this?"

He was taken back by the female voice, "Hello I'm looking for Federico. It's Lord James."

"I will see if his royal highness is available to take your call."

"I don't understand I called his mobile didn't I?"

She laughs, "You thought the future king of Italy would give you his personal mobile number."

"I don't see why not I had it before."

"I'll tell him you called. Do you want to leave a message?"

"It's urgent Isabelle was kidnapped today on the way home from an engagement. I want to know if he knows any mafia type people who could get her back."

"Really James mafia," James knew he messed up big time by the anger dripping from every word Federico spoke.

"She's been taken and I don't know what to do."

"What did her parents say?"

"The thing is Fede."

"Your Royal Highnesses,"   Federico corrects him.

"Whatever,  she's missing and I need to find her."

"So far what have you done to find her?"

James was taken back by the abruptness of the question," I called you."

"I'm in a different country yet I have spoken to her parents, offered them help and resources and you called me."

He hang up and James look at his phone in disbelief.

"Damn it now I have to actually do something."

He runs downstairs and sees his mother crying, "Mama please don't cry. I'm sure the palace is doing everything it can to get her back."

Countess Susan wipes her eyes, "You're right they have the police and the army they will find her."

Present day

Why is Fede here James ask himself he couldn't believe he was  invited to his engagement party. When I'm a prince I won't need to bow to him he thinks to himself. He couldn't wait because he saw the conflicted look Isabelle was giving him. He's hurt I'm glad, Isabelle is mine and mine alone thought a smug James. Even his own mother told him she expected Isabelle to marry Federico. When he told her that he would be proposing to Isabelle.

He takes Isabelle's hand in his and she drops it and moves away from him.  He watches as she walks towards Federico. He wanted to drag her back to his side but couldn't. Her family and palace security was in the room. Not to mention it would look bad on him.

James watches as Federico and Isabelle starts a conversation but not before she curtsies to him. Damn I forget you still need to bow to someone more senior than you. He curses under his breathe and fake smiles.

"Son you're not listening," He looks at his mother who was looking at him like she was expecting an answer.

"I'm sorry what were you saying?"

"I wanted to know if you were excited to start life as a royal?"

"I'm, mI really am." He sees king Johan and walks over to him, "Hi."

Johan gives him an arrogant look, "I'm sorry what did you just say?"

"I said hello."

"Your Majesty. You miss that part out and you don't speak to me unless I speak to you first."

James clinches his fist at his side then sees Johan looking at him as if sizing him up. "I'm sorry Your Majesty."

He bows since he forgot to do that too. "I'm really looking forward to being a prince and a royal."

"When the wedding happens you will become a prince and not a day before. You'll do no royal duties before then and you'll only attend the public family get togethers. I allow you to."

"Your father went on engagements with your mother and grandfather before he was married to your mother. And Bianca was curtsied to and Carl accompanied her to Denmark. That all happened before the world knew of your wife and child."

"My father was born a prince and my wife was still a crown princess even if the public didn't know about her. Which is why Carl walked behind her in CCTV images of that day. He knew his place."

"What happened to the nice guy I have know my whole life?"

"He grew up and became a king who had to literally fight for his life and now rules a country. Playtime is over I've indulged you enough." He turns and walks away from James towards his sister and Federico.

James takes a glass of champagne from a waiter and looks at all his family and friends. Johan aside he was happy even if he couldn't play at being a royal for now. Being a real life prince charming well that would come later and he couldn't wait till that happen.