The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1] by Robin Danner

Author:Robin Danner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atlantic Bridge

Chapter 7

Rowena, formerly of Bevelaire, and the intended bride of Prince Talin, sat with a bevy of female companions in the prince's box. Her fair skin was shaded by a colorful parasol she twirled in one hand. She laughed prettily at the archery contest competitors who had gathered in front of the stands to offer her their compliments.

It was a beautiful day, and the people of N'ior had turned out in droves to attend the contest.

Talin reached for his bride's hand, and they stepped to the front of the box for him to speak to the onlookers. “Greetings, people of N'ior. My lovely bride and I would like to welcome you to today's festivities. The winner of the contest will have the first dance with the fair Rowena at tonight's ball. Let the contest begin!"

A trumpeter sounded out a fan-faire, and the contestants lined up according to the lot they'd drawn earlier that day.

Nadia observed from her position near the relative privacy of the judge's box. She was not in uniform as Talin had granted her a reprieve for the day, so she could watch Hugh compete. She'd worn her riding clothes instead, hoping to escape after the competition for a brisk ride around the city.

She told herself not to look, but she kept glancing toward the prince's box. Mathis had still not made an appearance. She sighed and turned her attention back to archers.

Hugh would take his turn near the end of the competition, and there were five archers before him. Her nephew stood with the others, dressed casually, but he held himself erect in the perfect stance of a soldier.

Hugh noticed her eyes upon him and cheerfully waved.

She waved back, easily smiling at the boy who'd become a man seemingly overnight. In a few months, he would be knighted and would continue the family tradition of protecting the kingdom.

"Your nephew seems quite excited."

Nadia nearly jumped a foot at the unexpected sound of a voice beside her.

She clasped a hand to her chest and took a deep breath. “Your Highness!"

Mathis shook his head. “Don't you think it's about time you called me by my given name?"

"Mathis, then,” she corrected with a light laugh.

He was dressed in plain brown breeches and jerkin, but it did little to hide the air of elegance that poured from him.

"I fancied a bit of alone time today, so I escaped from the palace and came here on my own.” He smirked and tugged at the cap that covered his dark hair.

Nadia couldn't stop the grin from spreading across her own face. “Shame on you."

"Are you happy to see me?"

She was, dreadfully so, but she wouldn't admit it that easily. “Perhaps."

They'd parted last night with his words still running through her mind. He'd promised her a place at his court. She wasn't sure what that meant, but he claimed he wanted more than just a brief tumble.

Though the reasons to refuse ran through her mind, they sounded weaker by the moment. Why should she deny

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