The King's Daughter (High Born Book 1) (23 page)

And as we travel, we both console one another. Both struggling with emotions considerably different, but we care for each other no matter. We are husband and wife now and if we cannot lean on the other, then how will we face the day we rule Scotland?

“Grace?” I hear James calling me from somewhere in the distance. “Grace?”

My eyes flutter open, the carriage is rocking as we continue over uneven roads. I can hear birds singing outside and it feels homely. I lean my head from James’ shoulder and wince from the stiffness of my neck.

“We are here.” James speaks quietly. “We are home.”

Waking up from the sleepy fog, I look through the curtains and see beautiful greenery everywhere. The sight is glorious! I did not know a place could have more scenery than England. I turn back to James, my mouth open in wonder. He knows how much I love the outdoors and he did tell me that Scotland is massively green, but I did not take him seriously.

“This is beautiful.” I whisper, feeling as if I speak louder I will ruin the moment.

“I have much more to show you.” He speaks from directly behind me. “I knew you were right for Scotland.”

His words truly touch me. I continue to look out the little carriage window as we drive. Taking in all of Scotland’s beauty. James becomes nervous again, fearing for his father the close we get to the Scottish castle. As we come from a clearing my new home becomes clear to see, high up on the mountain, with a great view of everything below it. The carriage travels upwards and we enter through large gates, thick bricked walls surround and keep what is inside safe. Another set of gates are opened and when we are clear of them, circling a large patch of grass we escape the carriages and get to stretch our legs.

A man approaches the front doors and James smiles up to him. “Michael.”

“Welcome home Your Majesty.” He bows his head.

“Grace, this is my father’s messenger.” He gestures to the grey haired man in front of me. “Michael, this is my wife, Princess Grace.”

“How lovely to finally meet you Princess Grace.” Michael bows. “The rest of the family will be down shortly, they have been alerted of your arrival. We have all been looking forward to this day.”

“Lovely to meet you Michael.” I smile, I already know I will like Michael as much as James obviously does. It’s clear to see that he is more to this family than just the Kings messenger.

My Ladies appear from their carriage as servants appear and take charge of our belongings. “Michael, these are my Ladies in waiting.” I introduce. “Lady Jane, Lady Catherine, Lady Louisa and Lady Beatrice, this is the Kings private messenger.”

All my Ladies greet him kindly as James wraps me in his arms. “We are finally here.”

We enter the castle, my Ladies go to my room with my belongings and James quickly asks after his father. “Michael, please I beg you to tell me the truth of how father is?”

Michael looks down to his feet, shaking his head. “I am afraid he is not good James.”

“Will he live?” James desperately asks. Michael shakes his head again, and I see my husband’s face crumble.

“James!” I hear a woman shout from the far end of the hall. “My son!”

James turns to face her and I as soon as I see her, I know this woman is the Queen, James’ mother. Their features are so alike, a girl and a young boy quickly following behind her, James’ brother and sister.

“Mother.” James greets her, I see tears in his eyes and I know all he wants to do is check in on his father. It would be exactly what I would want to do. “This is my wife, Princess Grace.”

“Oh how lovely to meet you.” She greets me. I receive the same air of authority that my mother carries and I take note to tread carefully and respectfully. I do not want James’ mother disliking me, I want a peaceful life here.

“And you too Queen Margaret.” I curtsey. “Your country is truly beautiful.”

She smiles at me. “Not as beautiful as you my dear, my son has landed lucky with you.”

James wraps an arm around me and kisses me sweetly. “I most certainly have.”

“I am the lucky one your highness.” I argue. “James is my gift from God.”

I look to him and see the man I have, the man I love and who I will spend the rest of my life with.

“The rumours are true then.” Princess Mary steps forward, she must be James’ sister because she has the bright fiery red hair he described to me. “I have heard about the love you two carry like no other royal couple.”

I blush at her comment and James laughs. “Indeed they are.”

“Princess Grace.” Queen Margaret introduces. “Meet my daughter, Princess Mary and my son Prince Thomas.”

We pay respects to each other, both of them attractive children but I am amazed at how much Thomas looks like James.

“My dears, you both look tired from your journey. Why don’t you retire to your rooms, I will have dinner sent up to you? The celebratory feast is not until tomorrow so do not fret.” The Queen reassures.

“I will take Grace to the bedchamber and then I want to see father.” He tells his mother.

“Of course,” His mother agrees. “He is in his private chambers.”

“James, if you are going to see your father, I would like to come.” I confess.

“But he is ill Grace.” James frowns.

“I do not care, he is the King and I want to respect him. He is your father after all. I know this is hard for you and I want to be there for you.” I plead, I know James will be hurting when he sees his father and I do not like the thought of his being alone.

“Are you sure?” He asks.

“Certain.” I quickly respond.

James holds me tight and I see his family smiling as they watch us. “Thank you.” James whispers.

“You would have done the same for me.” I answer, knowing it to be the truth.

James takes my hand, and together we make our way through the castle to his father. I keep looking to James from the corner of my eye, checking to see if he is holding up. Three guards are stood outside the entrance to his father’s private chambers and when they see James and I, they make way. Servants watch over the King inside, and James slowly makes his way to the bed. In this large room, a bed stands with a man who was once so powerful, lies weakened by illness. It is a sad thing to see, and I am overwhelmed with emotion as I stand back and watch James slowly approach.

“Father?” James asks and his father opens his eyes, smiling so much when he sees his oldest son standing beside him.

“James!” King Alexander croaks. “You are home.”

“Yes father, and I am married.” James announces.

King Alexander gasps, and it turns into a cough. “Princess Grace?” He asks and I feel a chill run down my spine.

“Yes father and she is here.” James tells him.

“Well do not keep her from me son.” King Alexander demands. “Introduce me.”

I hold back my laugh and join James’ side. “Father this is Princess Grace.”

“Hello King Alexander.” I curtsey. “I am glad to finally meet you.”

“Nonsense.” He laughs. “I am an old dying man and you are a beautiful Princess.”

“Father.” James’ scolds.

“No.” I shake my head. “It is an honour to meet you. Truly your highness.”

“Well I thank you Princess.” He manages a smile. “You will look after my son?”

I look back to James. “I will.”

“Is it not the King who cares for his Queen?” Asks James.

“Have you never listened to me my son?” King Alexander asks. “The Queen makes sure her King is looked after at all times, all Kings know that.”

“I will give you two some alone time.” I turn to leave but James stops me.

“You do not have to.” He insists.

“I know, but you need some time.” I pat his hand. “I will wait for you outside.”

As I leave father and son alone, I pass the guards and see a door leading to a balcony outside. I turn to the guards and order them to inform James where I went, and escape through the door. I look out at the view and tears gather, emotion from the man I just met. I feel so bad for James, his father dying like that. 

James finds me and wraps his arms around me from behind. “Thank you.”

“For what?” I ask, enjoying James holding me.

“For being you.” He simply replies. We look out to the view for a little bit until James decides it is time for bed. “Come on, let us retire to bed. I want to be close to you.”

“How can I say no?” I tease, accepting his outstretched hand and entering back into the castle and James guides me to the room. James had informed me yesterday that when we arrived at his home, we will be sharing a bedchamber, no separate beds. I was shocked, but I do enjoy the idea of sharing a bed.

We enter the room and I look around. “Very Princely.”

“Princely?” He laughs.

“Yes.” I respond. “Not feminine at all.”

James thinks this to be funny and laughs the whole time we undress. When we lie in bed, James begins to make me feel sleepy by kissing down my back.

“I look forward to our many mornings and nights together.” He continues to kiss.

“As do I.” I yawn, struggling to not surrender to the sleepy fog.

“Sleep my love.” James gifts me one final kiss, and I finally give in to defeat and sleep.

This morning is the second one I wake in the same bed as James, and this time he is leaning on his elbow looking down at me with a lustful look. “Good morning my Scottish Princess.”

At this I laugh, stretching beside him. “Good morning my Scottish Prince. How long have you been watching me?”

“Not too long.” He answers.