The King's Daughter (High Born Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

I am ok,” I clear my throat, breaking the hold his eyes seemed to have on me. This is the first time I have met him and yet I feel a strong connection already. “I came here to see Beauty.”
    He looks behind me, towards my horse and nods, “The Princess’s horse.”
    When his eyes turn back to me, he surveys me and takes me all in. I think he is about to figure out who I am, “You must be one of her Ladies then.”
    “Must I be?” I ask.
    “Well yes,” he laughs, the sound is deep and sends a shiver throughout my entire body. “The Princess would not allow herself to be here, alone with me.”
    “No of course not,” I nod. “I am one of her Ladies.”
    “So you must have needed a break from court,” his hand finally let’s go of my arm and I miss having his touch.
    “Something like that,” I agree.
    “I can understand that,” his eyes widen and I watch him as he checks in on some of the horses. A handsome man who seems to care for horses as much as I do. His comment makes me come to the conclusion he has experienced life at court, which is interesting.
    “Do you live at court back in Scotland?” I think to ask him.
    He smirks at my question, running a hand through that thick dark hair again, “You could say that.”
    I tilt my head, studying this young man. He is being very secretive, but then again so am I.
    “You should come and ride with me,” my eyes widen at his suggestion. “The horses,” he adds. “You should come by and ride the horses with me,” he clears his throat and I have to laugh.
    “I had better be going,” I announce. “But that sounds fun.”
    “Perfect,” He smiles back and we stand face to face, smiles fixed on our faces.
    “Were you going?” He asks with a cheeky expression.
    “Yes,” I quickly answer and curtsey to his bow. I walk past him, highly alert of him watching me and before I open the door, I turn back and see him watching me. “Goodbye.”
    “Goodbye my Lady,” he inclines his head with a wink and I leave giggling to myself. 

A week has passed and I had a visit from Lady Andrews. She made me feel bad that I have not read or practised my languages and music since I arrived here. Unfortunately for Lady Andrews, my mother caught word that she was here and was insulted she felt the need to check on me. My mother wanted us to have a Spanish Lady Mistress but my father got his way and we were raised and looked after by Lady Andrews. After that awkward meeting in my chambers, I do as both my mother and Lady Andrews have asked. I do not bother with the dances, but I do adore my reading so it wasn’t a huge request of me. Jane also enjoys a good book, so we sit together in the library by the windows and quietly read.
    “Sorry to interrupt, Princess,” my father’s dutiful messenger interrupts. “The King requests your presence.”
    Everyone knows that when the King asks for your presence, it is not a question but a demand. Even for his children. I let Jane know I will find her later and follow Thomas to where my father is waiting.
    “It’s good to see you settled in, Princess,” Thomas quietly breaks the silence.
    “Thank you, Thomas,” I reply happily.
    Thomas is getting to be an old man and I’m actually surprised that he’s still here, especially working as the King’s messenger. It soon becomes clear that I am to greet my father in his chambers which is not a surprise. As well as his bedchambers, the King’s chambers include its own library, study and seating area. We pass the many guards and reach the large doors, Thomas alerts my father that I am here and we are welcomed inside. I see my father sat in the sitting room, a large fire heats the room.
    “Grace,” he stands to welcome me, holding me close and placing a kiss to my forehead.
    “Hello Father,” I smile up at him.
    “How are you getting along?” He asks, leading me to take a seat. A fatherly smile on his face.
    “I’m doing well,” I reply.
    My father nods, “I have been