A Royal Mess and Her Knight To Remember Read Online Free Page A

Taos.
    A breath later came a flash of lightning. Not good. She grabbed her phone, clutched it to her chest and stared up at the sky. It wouldn’t hurt to call home. Just to assure everyone that she was fine, of course, because they worried about her.
    Another crack of thunder and lightning, and she dialed, hoping she wouldn’t be electrocuted before she heard a familiar voice.
    A strict female voice answered. “Tell me everything, Natalia.”
    Not her father, but Amelia, and nearly as good as her father, even if the woman had the strangest and most disconcerting ability to read her mind. “What if there’s nothing to tell?” Natalia asked, keeping a wary eye on the sky.
    â€œNatalia, sweetness, you always have something to tell. Now spill it. You’re okay, of course. I’d know if you weren’t.”
    Yes, she would. Amelia had that inexplicable way about her when it came to the princesses. When they’d been young, Natalia and her sisters had been convinced Amelia was a fairy godmother. Complete with fairy dust.
    Sometimes Natalia was still convinced. Mostly, she had accepted and was just grateful. “I’m okay,” she agreed, looking around at the flattest landscape she’d ever seen. And in case Amelia had grandiose ideas of sending escorts, Natalia hurriedly added, “More than okay.” Another clap of thunder shook the ground beneath her feet. “P-p-perfect, in fact.”
    â€œHmm.” There was a long pregnant pause, in which, clearly, Amelia expected Natalia to spill her guts.
    Tempting, but she managed to keep her mouth shut—barely.
    â€œWe’re here if you need us, Natalia.”
    â€œYou mean if I’ve screwed up.”
    â€œâ€˜Screw up’ is not a very princesslike term.” Amelia’s voice was diplomatic, and contained the hint of an indulgent smile. “But if you need anything, anything at all, I’m just a phone call away.”
    Natalia knew that. Probably she wouldn’t evenhave to make that call, Amelia would just know. What a comfort that was. Her throat tightened just thinking about how much she was cared for. She cared for them in return, and making them proud was her biggest goal here. She could do this, she could do anything. After all, she was a princess. And maybe, just maybe, she would have a little adventure while she was at it.
    â€œNatalia? This week you wanted all alone, it’s a long time for someone like you. There’s no shame in that.”
    â€œYou mean someone inexperienced in the real world.”
    â€œIf you need anything…” Amelia repeated calmly, refusing to be baited.
    â€œI won’t. You understand this, Amelia, don’t you?” Natalia needed to hear her say it. More than she’d known.
    â€œYes, sweetness,” Amelia said, her voice softer now. “I understand. This is a way to prove yourself. You’ll do great. Just keep your head.”
    â€œI can do that. See you soon.”
    â€œSee you soon, lovely.”
    Natalia hugged the phone close to her heart, as if she could retain the warmth and love. And she could, if she closed her eyes and concentrated—
    â€œDo you have the time?”
    Natalia nearly leaped out of her skin at the voice. It was a young man, in his early twenties, looking like he’d skipped far more than just lunch. His face was gaunt, his head and hair—if he had any—were completely covered in a knit beanie despite the humidity. And his eyes…sparkled with malice.
    Uh-oh. Her heart started a rapid tattoo. Why hadn’t she told Amelia where she was?
    Because she could handle this, that’s why. And besides, as irrational as it sounded, Amelia probably already knew.
    Much calmer than she felt, she said, “The time? Why, yes, I do…” Please, go away. She twisted her wrist to check. “It’s just after three— Hey! ”
    He snagged the carry-on, the jacket over it