The King's Daughter (High Born Book 1) (3 page)

After breakfast the next morning, I want some fresh air and decide a walk in the garden is just what I need. I let my Ladies know of my plans and that I would like to go alone. Once they have made me promise that I will take a guard, I go on my way towards the gardens. Ten minutes into my walk, I spot a bench amongst the flowers and trees. The birds are chirping and the sun is shining, it would be a shame not to take a seat and appreciate it all.  I smile to the guard as I sit down and he nods to me before taking his position. I actually feel bad that he has to follow me everywhere, but it is his job and I honestly feel safer with him here. I regret not bringing a book, this is the perfect reading spot and I make a mental note to bring one out with me whenever it is a lovely day like this. I close my eyes, contented, leaning my head up towards the sun and let my skin soak it up. Taking a deep breath, I feel myself finally relax. This is just what I needed.

It is very peaceful, but when I notice my father’s mistress I decide it is time to move on. My guard follows me to the stables, but before I enter, I stop and face him, “I’d like to be alone in here.”

Without a question, he nods and then turns to stand guard at the door. I step inside, smiling as soon as I catch sight of the many horses the castle has. I head straight to where my horse is kept. Beauty, is the horse my father gifted me when I entered court. She is beautiful, hence her name, she is here and I have not had much opportunity to spend time with her. As I begin to stroke her soft black coat, I hear a rustling and panic. Anyone could be in here.

“Oh, hello,” I turn to see a young man as he comes from around the back of the stables. He is so tall and very handsome. My heart speeds up at the sight of him. He flashes me a smile as he steps closer, and I feel myself smiling back. How could I not? Bright white teeth show and his dimples pop as his smile widens.

“I did not know anyone was in here,” he runs his hand through his dark hair and I have to shake myself from the daze I seem to be in.

“No it’s fine,” I smile. “I just wanted to see the horses.”

His face relaxes and it’s then I notice how bright his blue eyes are, they stand out from where I stand so far away. His broad shoulders and wide frame make him seem a strong man, one that would protect his Lady in any circumstance. His accent is strongly noticeable as Scottish and I wonder what he is doing here. He smiles at me, “I can understand that, a pretty girl like you should not be alone though.”

His comment about me being pretty makes me want to giggle, but I hold it back. I am pleased he finds me attractive. Such a huge change from Antonio, “I have friends waiting for me outside. I just wanted a minute alone.”

I get the impression that he does not know who I am.

“I shall leave you then,” he begins to turn and I realise that I do not want him to leave.

“You’re Scottish,” I point out and he stops in his tracks, smiling back at me. Those dimples show again and I begin to feel a little hot.

“That I am. I am here visiting relatives and decided to help out.”

I cannot lie, but I find myself gravitating to his accent. It is rather lovely.

“That is very kind of you,” I offer. I’m smiling again and I do not know why, this conversation seems oddly intimate but we are not talking of anything improper. I am acting responsible, even though I am alone with a very handsome man who seems to be effecting me a lot.

“I like to do what I can,” he wipes his hands on his trousers and I take those few seconds to try and calm my beating heart.

“Have you been here long?” I think to ask.

“Not too long, but I am not planning on heading home just yet,” he winks and it sets my heart off again. I place my hand over my heart, and try to fan my face with my hand. He gives me a funny look and I get the feeling he knows the effect he is having on me. He is a very good looking man, he must have many admirers and know the signs of a girl who is appreciative to his handsomeness, “Are you ok?”

He reaches his hand out to me, and when he touches my arm I become very aware of his hand. I swallow thickly, hoping my throat does not sound too dry, “I am little light headed.”

“Would you like to sit down?” He offers, staring down into my eyes and I see that there are so many different shades of blue in his eyes. They are truly beautiful.

“No, 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 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 between you both.”

“He did a little,” Mary agrees.

“Mary, he gave your future husband permission and then hosted a party,” I laugh.

As we talk, Prince Antonio approaches and extends his right hand to me, “Care to dance, Princess?”

I look up across the room and lock eyes with my father, I should have known he would be watching me. I place my hand in his and we walk towards the dance floor. People part ways as we make our way and begin our dance. 

“I must say Grace, you are looking rather beautiful,” Antonio speaks directly into my ear.

“Thank you,” I smile, making sure to look happy for the many onlookers.

Antonio laughs, his breath blowing onto my neck, “You smell so good.”

“I wish I could say the same,” I reply and this makes Antonio laugh again.

“You shouldn’t be so guarded with me, Grace. I have your best intentions in mind,” Antonio adds.

“I highly doubt that,” I reply sharply.

Antonio looks deeply into my eyes, “I could be your husband.”

The dance eventually comes to an end and as soon as it does, I take my leave. However, I cannot go back to my chambers just yet. That would be rude. Instead I have to suffer the attention from Antonio and the other suitors my father has set up for me, but I do enjoy how Antonio frowns whenever they get close and stop my conversations with him.