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

informed about Prince Antonio.”
    My smile falls, “You have?”
    “I want you to know that although Antonio came across poorly, I am considering his request his marriage proposal,” my heart drops. “I will be writing to King Alonso, but until then be gracious and kind.”
    “That is easier to say than do, Father,” I frown. “Surely a marriage between us is not right.”
    “Antonio needs to be dealt with for his sneaky proposal, but a marriage could be important to England,” I do not agree with him, but of course I cannot voice my opinion. “Before you go running off to the Queen, remember that you are England’s Princess and you have a duty to honour. It is your birth right.”
    “I understand,” I reply, although I do not agree. I am furious.
    Father holds my face in his hands, wiping away a tear that I didn’t even know had fallen, “I wanted you to hear it from me, before you saw him tonight.”
    “Tonight?” I ask.
    “There’s to be a feast in honour for your cousin, Lady Mary. The Duke of Wessex has asked for her hand,” he announces. “Prepare well, Grace. There’s to be more suitors attending.”
    He pushes me along and I take the hint. It’s time to leave, not that I wanted to stay a second more, “Rumour has spread that my very beautiful daughter is now available to marry and we will have many men visiting to claim your hand.”
    I look back to my father’s very happy face before I leave, “Very well then.”
    I walk through the castle in a daze. I cannot believe my father is thinking of a marriage between us. I feel sick. My feet carry me outside and I close my eyes at the relief of cool air on my face.
    “Grace?” I open my eyes to see George walking towards me. “What is the matter?”
    “I need to clear my thoughts,” I reply.
    A knowing look covers his face. “Father?”
    “So you’ve heard,” I grumble.  “I might be the next Spanish Queen.”
    I should be thrilled, but I do not want to marry Antonio, “He seems a vein and horrid man.”
    “I am certain it will not come to that,” George laughs, standing closer. “I will be sure not to send my future daughters into horrid marriages.”
    That brings out a laugh from me.
    “You never would,” I answer, completely certain. “You will be a marvellous King and father.”
    “I sometimes dread the thought of becoming King,” he looks at me, a sad expression clouding his features. “I wish to the heavens that Charles was still alive, he would have been King and I wouldn’t need to worry.”
    Charles was our parents first born, and heir to the English throne but sadly he died in infancy making George the next in line.
    “Stop talking nonsense,” I scold him. “I too wish that Charles was still alive, but it’s not what God intended. You are to become the next King and I know you will be the best yet.”
    “Really?” He asks.
    I lean my head on my big brother, “I am certain of it.”
     

     
    Later that day, I attend Mary’s celebratory evening. She walks towards me with a huge smile. No wonder, not only is the Duke of Wessex very wealthy, but he is very handsome. Lady Mary is a beautiful woman and comes from good blood. She is my father’s niece and comes with a high place in court. I am thrilled for her.
    “Grace,” She curtseys in front of me. “It’s lovely to see you.”
    “And you too,” I honestly smile, holding out my hand to her. “So, you are to be married!”
    “Yes,” She giggles.
    I then turn to look at my Ladies, “Mary, these are my Ladies. You know Louisa and Beatrice of course, and this is Catherine and Jane.”
    “So lovely to meet you all,” Mary greets them one by one. “Thank you for coming to the feast, the King insisted that he host the engagement party for The Duke and I.”
    “That does not surprise me,” I laugh, although I’m feeling rather bitter about my father right now. “My father enjoys his parties and he likes to think he has arranged this whole marriage