The Prince Pretends to be a Driver To Find A Good Wife | THE ROYAL IMPOSTER | LOVE AND BETRAYAL |
The Prince Pretends to be a Driver To Find A Good Wife | THE ROYAL IMPOSTER | LOVE AND BETRAYAL |
The Crown of Shadows
Part 1: The Princess Returns
The royal jet touched down just as the morning sun cast its golden light across the sprawling Kingdom of Ezani. Servants lined the entrance of the palace courtyard while soldiers stood at attention in polished ceremonial armor. Every member of the royal household knew that today was no ordinary day.
Princess Daniela was coming home.
For five years, the younger princess had studied business in the United States, far from the traditions and expectations of Ezani. The king had hoped the distance would mature her, temper her impulsive nature, and allow old rivalries to fade.
Instead, it had done the opposite.
The aircraft door opened.
Daniela stepped onto the red carpet wearing oversized sunglasses, an expensive designer suit, and enough confidence to make everyone nearby lower their heads. She paused deliberately, allowing the cameras and palace staff to admire her before slowly removing her sunglasses.
A faint smile curled across her lips.
“Finally,” she muttered. “I thought I’d die of boredom on that flight.”
A butler hurried toward the limousine to retrieve her luggage.
Daniela stopped him with a cold stare.
“Why are my bags still in the car?”
“I’m terribly sorry, Your Highness. We’ll—”
“We’ll?”
She folded her arms.
“You people move far too slowly.”
The servants immediately rushed to unload dozens of luxury suitcases.
“And be careful,” she added sharply. “One of those handbags costs more than everything you’ve earned in your lifetime.”
Silence followed.
Nobody dared answer.
Daniela smiled to herself.
It felt good to be home.
More importantly…
It felt good to remind everyone exactly who she believed the true princess of Ezani was.
Inside the palace, King Richard stood waiting with open arms.
The years had aged him.
His once-powerful frame had grown thinner, and silver streaked through his hair. Yet his eyes still carried the warmth that had made him beloved throughout the kingdom.
“My princess,” he said with genuine joy.
Daniela ran forward and embraced him.
“Daddy! I missed you.”
“My little girl…”
For a brief moment, she became the affectionate daughter she once was.
Queen Isabella followed, kissing Daniela’s forehead.
“My darling. Welcome home.”
Unlike the king, Isabella’s eyes measured everything.
Every smile.
Every reaction.
Every opportunity.
“I had your favorite dishes prepared,” she said.
Daniela smiled.
“At least someone knows how to welcome royalty.”
Standing several feet away was Crown Princess Amanda.
Elegant.
Composed.
Dressed in a simple cream-colored gown rather than extravagant designer clothing.
She had spent years governing the family’s businesses while Daniela studied overseas.
“Welcome home,” Amanda said warmly.
“I hope your flight wasn’t too exhausting.”
Daniela barely looked at her.
“As if you actually care.”
The room became noticeably colder.
King Richard sighed.
“Daniela…”
She shrugged.
“What? I’m simply telling the truth.”
Amanda forced a smile.
“I was genuinely happy to see you return.”
“Save your happiness.”
Daniela walked past her.
“I didn’t ask for it.”
The words struck harder than a slap.
Amanda watched her younger sister disappear down the hallway, wondering once again where the cheerful little girl she had grown up with had gone.
That evening, Queen Isabella sat inside Daniela’s luxurious bedroom.
Daniela paced back and forth furiously.
“I leave this kingdom for years,” she complained, “and what do I find?”
She mimicked the palace servants dramatically.
“‘Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Amanda.'”
“‘Future Queen Amanda.'”
“‘Executive Director Amanda.'”
Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
“I’m sick of hearing her name.”
Isabella remained calm.
“You need patience.”
“No.”
Daniela stopped pacing.
“I should be sitting beside Father.”
“I should be running the businesses.”
“I should be the future queen.”
Queen Isabella studied her daughter carefully.
“Anger will never win you a throne.”
Daniela crossed her arms.
“Then tell me what will.”
The queen leaned forward.
“Strategy.”
Her voice dropped almost to a whisper.
“Your father already sees Amanda as responsible.”
“If you keep losing your temper, you’ll only convince him she’s the better choice.”
Daniela clenched her fists.
“I deserve more.”
“And as long as I live,” Isabella replied softly, “I’ll make sure you get everything you deserve.”
Daniela smiled.
“I want a senior position in the family company.”
Isabella blinked.
“What?”
“Executive Director.”
“Vice Chairman.”
“I honestly don’t care what title.”
“I want power.”
The queen hesitated.
“You’ve never worked a single day inside the company.”
“I went to one of the best business schools in America.”
Daniela stepped closer.
“You’ve always made things happen for me.”
“Do it again.”
The following morning, King Richard called a meeting inside the royal boardroom.
Executives from the family’s multinational companies gathered alongside members of the royal household.
Amanda sat quietly beside her father.
Daniela entered several minutes late.
She didn’t apologize.
Instead, she took a seat directly opposite Amanda.
King Richard cleared his throat.
“You requested this meeting.”
Daniela smiled confidently.
“I’ve decided to join the family business.”
Several executives exchanged surprised glances.
“You never showed any interest before,” the king observed.
“People change.”
She folded her hands.
“I studied at one of America’s finest business schools.”
“I returned with knowledge this kingdom desperately needs.”
King Richard looked toward Amanda.
“What do you think?”
Daniela slammed her hand onto the table.
“There it is again.”
Everyone turned.
“Why does Amanda have to approve everything?”
King Richard frowned.
“Enough.”
“No.”
Daniela continued.
“I’m tired of everyone treating Amanda like she’s already queen.”
The room fell silent.
Amanda finally spoke.
“There are several management positions available.”
Daniela laughed.
“You want me answering to department managers?”
“I graduated overseas.”
“You stayed here.”
Amanda remained calm.
“I stayed because Father needed someone.”
The words lingered.
Daniela looked toward Queen Isabella.
Before Amanda could continue, Isabella interrupted.
“Daniela has a point.”
Amanda’s eyes widened.
The queen continued.
“When only one daughter was allowed to study abroad, Daniela was chosen.”
Amanda slowly nodded.
“I remember.”
“I worked harder than anyone for that scholarship.”
“I was told to remain here because the family business needed me.”
She looked directly at her mother.
“So why is Daniela now returning to claim the work I spent years building?”
Even the executives lowered their eyes.
No one wanted to be caught in the middle of a family war.
King Richard rubbed his temples.
Finally, he spoke.
“The business belongs to both of my daughters.”
Daniela smiled victoriously.
Amanda simply nodded.
“I understand.”
Then she added quietly—
“But responsibility belongs to both daughters too.”
Daniela looked away.
Responsibility had never interested her.
Power had.
Late that afternoon, Amanda found her father alone inside the palace library.
He was coughing again.
The sound worried her.
She poured him tea.
“You’ve been working too hard.”
King Richard smiled sadly.
“You always blame yourself.”
Amanda knelt beside him.
“I’m sorry about earlier.”
“You shouldn’t apologize.”
“I know your sister can be difficult.”
He reached for her hand.
“You are not only Crown Princess.”
“You are the Ada of this family.”
Amanda nodded.
Among their people, the Ada—the first daughter—was expected to hold the family together when everyone else fell apart.
“If anything happens to me…”
Amanda interrupted immediately.
“Please don’t say that.”
The king squeezed her hand.
“You must protect your sister.”
“You must protect this kingdom.”
“And only then…”
“…will you truly deserve the crown.”
Tears filled Amanda’s eyes.
“I promise.”
“I’ll never abandon this family.”
King Richard smiled proudly.
“There is one more responsibility awaiting you.”
Amanda already knew.
“Prince Alexander.”
The king nodded.
“The alliance with Dani Kingdom may be the only way to save Ezani.”
Amanda looked out the palace window.
She had never met Alexander.
Yet everyone expected she would one day marry him.
Duty.
It always came before happiness.
Across the kingdom, inside another royal palace hundreds of miles away, Prince Alexander stood overlooking the city from a balcony.
A royal messenger bowed before him.
“Your Highness…”
“The Kingdom of Ezani is searching for a personal driver for one of its princesses.”
Alexander smiled faintly.
“Interesting.”
“Make the arrangements.”
“My prince?”
“I’ll take the position.”
The messenger nearly dropped his papers.
“Your Highness…you cannot possibly mean—”
“I do.”
Alexander’s smile widened.
“If I’m expected to marry one of Ezani’s princesses…”
“…I’d rather meet them before anyone tells me whom to love.”
Three days later…
A black sedan entered the palace gates.
A tall young man stepped out wearing a perfectly tailored chauffeur’s uniform.
He carried himself with unusual confidence.
Amanda noticed immediately.
“You must be Alex.”
He bowed respectfully.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“There is something you should know.”
She handed him a small folder.
“You’ll be driving my younger sister.”
Alex glanced toward the palace.
“I’ve heard she’s…spirited.”
Amanda couldn’t help laughing.
“That’s one way to describe her.”
She hesitated.
“Just…be patient with her.”
Alex smiled politely.
“I’ll do my best.”
Neither of them realized that this simple meeting would alter the fate of two kingdoms.
Nor did they know that hidden within the walls of Ezani Palace was a secret buried for more than ten years—a secret capable of destroying a royal family, starting a civil war, and changing the identity of the rightful heir forever.
And somewhere in the shadows…
Someone had already begun planning the king’s murder.
Part 2 will continue with Daniela’s abuse of her new driver, Alex and Amanda’s growing friendship, the conspiracy surrounding Queen Isabella, and the first clues about the mysterious secret from ten years earlier.
The Crown of Shadows
Part 2: Whispers Behind the Throne
The first rays of sunlight had barely reached the palace courtyard when Alex reported for duty.
Unlike the other palace staff, he had already learned one important lesson.
In Ezani Palace, every smile concealed a secret.
Every hallway carried whispers.
And every member of the royal family seemed to be fighting a battle no one else could see.
Alex adjusted the cuffs of his chauffeur’s uniform as he waited beside the gleaming black royal sedan.
A palace maid approached him cautiously.
“You must be the new driver.”
“I am.”
She lowered her voice.
“I have only one piece of advice.”
Alex smiled.
“I’m listening.”
“When Princess Daniela is angry…”
She paused.
“…pretend you don’t exist.”
Before Alex could ask what she meant, the palace doors swung open.
Princess Daniela descended the marble staircase like a queen inspecting her kingdom.
Designer sunglasses covered her eyes despite the early hour.
She barely acknowledged Alex’s bow.
“So.”
She walked around him slowly.
“You’re the new driver?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I hope you’re better than the last one.”
“I’ll do my best.”
She stopped inches away from him.
“I didn’t ask for your best.”
“I asked whether you can obey.”
“I can.”
“Good.”
She tossed her handbag into his chest.
“Carry it.”
Alex caught the expensive leather bag without a word.
For a brief second, Daniela searched his face for irritation.
She found none.
Interesting.
Most servants either trembled or protested.
This one simply obeyed.
Perhaps breaking him would take a little longer.
The drive toward the royal headquarters was silent.
Daniela scrolled through her phone while Alex focused on the road.
After several minutes she looked up.
“You’re unusually quiet.”
“I prefer listening, Your Highness.”
“That’s wise.”
She smiled coldly.
“People who talk too much often forget their place.”
Alex nodded politely.
“As you wish.”
Daniela leaned back in her seat.
Something about him irritated her.
He wasn’t frightened.
He wasn’t arrogant.
He was simply…calm.
And calm people were difficult to control.
Meanwhile, inside the executive offices of Ezani Holdings, Amanda was already reviewing financial reports.
Unlike her younger sister, she preferred arriving before everyone else.
The employees respected her because she worked harder than anyone.
Not because she carried the title of Crown Princess.
When Daniela finally entered the building nearly two hours late, conversations stopped.
Employees stood respectfully.
“Good morning, Princess Daniela.”
She barely looked at them.
Amanda noticed.
“You could at least greet them.”
Daniela shrugged.
“They work for us.”
“They also help keep this kingdom alive.”
“They’re employees.”
“They’re people.”
Daniela laughed.
“You’ve always been too sentimental.”
“And you’ve always mistaken kindness for weakness.”
The sisters exchanged another long look before Daniela walked away.
The tension was becoming impossible to ignore.
Even the executives had started choosing sides.
That evening, Queen Isabella entered Daniela’s private sitting room carrying two glasses of wine.
Daniela accepted one.
“How was your first day?”
“Boring.”
She sighed dramatically.
“The company worships Amanda.”
“They practically bow every time she walks past.”
Isabella remained thoughtful.
“They’ve worked with her for years.”
“Then perhaps it’s time they worked with someone better.”
The queen studied her daughter carefully.
“Power isn’t seized through tantrums.”
“I know.”
“It is earned…”
She paused.
“…or taken.”
Daniela’s eyes lit up.
“I like the second option.”
Isabella’s smile vanished.
“There are people watching every move you make.”
“You must learn patience.”
Daniela looked toward the palace gardens outside her window.
“I’m tired of waiting.”
“So was every ruler who ever changed history.”
Elsewhere in the palace, King Richard sat alone inside his study.
The room was filled with old maps, royal decrees, and portraits of generations past.
Chief Elder Nwosu entered quietly.
“You wished to see me, Your Majesty?”
The king nodded.
“I fear my family is falling apart.”
Nwosu remained silent.
Richard sighed deeply.
“When Amanda and Daniela were children…”
A faint smile crossed his face.
“They were inseparable.”
“They shared everything.”
“What happened?”
The old chief hesitated.
“I wish I knew.”
The king stared at the portrait of his daughters painted years earlier.
“Sometimes I wonder if I made the wrong decision.”
“Sending Daniela abroad?”
“Yes.”
“I hoped distance would heal whatever darkness entered her heart.”
He closed his eyes.
“It only made it stronger.”
That same night…
Alex wandered through the palace gardens after finishing his duties.
Moonlight reflected across a small pond surrounded by ancient trees.
“It really is beautiful.”
“So you’ve discovered my hiding place.”
Alex turned.
Amanda stood beneath a flowering tree holding a small lantern.
“I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t realize anyone else came here.”
She smiled.
“Almost no one does.”
“This garden reminds me that even palaces need quiet corners.”
Alex nodded.
“I understand.”
For a while they simply walked together.
No royal titles.
No servants.
No expectations.
Just two people enjoying the peaceful evening.
“I heard about this morning,” Amanda said softly.
“My sister wasn’t too difficult, was she?”
Alex laughed.
“Should I answer honestly?”
“I insist.”
“She certainly knows how to make an impression.”
Amanda couldn’t help smiling.
“That’s one way to describe Daniela.”
They both laughed.
It felt…
Easy.
Something neither of them had expected.
Amanda noticed his speech.
“You don’t sound like most drivers.”
“My father was a school principal.”
“He believed words reveal character.”
“He taught us to speak with respect.”
Amanda looked at him with new curiosity.
“He must have been a remarkable man.”
“He was.”
Alex’s smile faded slightly.
“I lost him several years ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
“So am I.”
Silence settled between them once more.
Not uncomfortable.
Peaceful.
High above the garden, hidden behind silk curtains, someone watched them.
Daniela.
A slow smile appeared on her face.
“So…”
She whispered.
“This is becoming interesting.”
She had seen the way Amanda smiled.
She had noticed how easily Alex made her laugh.
Perhaps…
Perhaps she didn’t need to fight Amanda directly.
Perhaps Amanda could destroy herself.
“If Father discovers the Crown Princess growing close to a servant…”
Daniela laughed quietly.
“The throne might become available all by itself.”
The following afternoon Daniela decided to test her new driver.
She deliberately scheduled five unnecessary meetings across the city.
Alex drove without complaint.
She ordered him to carry heavy shopping bags.
He complied.
She changed destinations repeatedly.
He simply nodded.
Finally, outside an expensive boutique, she stopped walking.
“You’re late.”
Alex checked his watch.
“I arrived exactly when you instructed.”
“You should have anticipated I’d finish shopping early.”
“I’m sorry, Your Highness.”
Daniela smiled.
“There.”
“I finally heard something I like.”
Back at the palace, gossip spread quickly.
The servants gathered in the kitchens.
“I’ve never seen anyone survive an entire week with Princess Daniela.”
“He’ll quit soon.”
“I give him three days.”
“No.”
One elderly cook shook her head.
“That young man is different.”
“How?”
“He never reacts.”
“And people who don’t react…”
“…are usually hiding something.”
That evening Queen Isabella met secretly with Chief Nwosu inside an abandoned wing of the palace.
Their conversation remained hushed.
“The king is becoming suspicious.”
“He remembers too much.”
Nwosu frowned.
“We cannot allow him to reopen the events of ten years ago.”
“He won’t.”
“He must not.”
The queen looked toward the dark corridor.
“Daniela is becoming impatient.”
“Then control her.”
“I’ve tried.”
“If she discovers the truth before we’re ready…”
Neither finished the sentence.
Some secrets were too dangerous even to speak aloud.
A few days later, King Richard collapsed during a council meeting.
The room erupted into panic.
“Your Majesty!”
Amanda rushed to his side.
Daniela froze.
Royal physicians hurried into the chamber.
After several terrifying minutes, the king regained consciousness.
“It is only exhaustion,” the physician assured everyone.
“But His Majesty must avoid unnecessary stress.”
Amanda stayed beside her father until everyone else left.
“You frightened me.”
The king smiled weakly.
“I still have too much work left.”
“No.”
She squeezed his hand.
“You have family.”
“You need rest.”
Richard looked into his daughter’s eyes.
“There may come a day when I cannot protect either of you.”
Amanda shook her head.
“Don’t speak like that.”
“If that day comes…”
His voice became barely audible.
“…trust your heart.”
“Not appearances.”
Amanda frowned.
“What do you mean?”
The king closed his eyes before answering.
“There are truths buried in this palace…”
“…that even I no longer fully understand.”
Before Amanda could ask another question, the physician insisted the king rest.
His cryptic words lingered in her mind long after she left the room.
Later that night, Alex stood alone on his balcony overlooking the palace grounds.
He removed a small silver ring hidden beneath his glove.
Engraved upon it was the royal crest of the neighboring Kingdom of Dani.
He stared at it silently.
“I came here to choose a future queen.”
Instead…
He found himself questioning everything.
Daniela’s cruelty.
Amanda’s compassion.
The queen’s strange behavior.
The king’s declining health.
And whispers about an incident no one dared discuss.
This assignment was becoming far more dangerous than he had imagined.
Behind him, a shadow emerged from the darkness.
A hooded messenger bowed respectfully.
“My prince.”
Alex turned immediately.
“Did anyone see you?”
“No, Your Highness.”
“The investigation has begun.”
“And?”
The messenger hesitated.
“There is evidence that someone inside this palace has been lying for more than ten years.”
Alex’s expression hardened.
“What kind of lie?”
The messenger lowered his voice.
“It concerns the birth of one of the princesses.”
Alex’s heart skipped a beat.
“If the information is true…”
“…the rightful heir to the throne of Ezani may not be the person everyone believes.”
The night suddenly felt colder.
And somewhere inside the palace…
Someone was already preparing to kill the king before the truth could ever be revealed.
