Read Horse Charmer for Free Online Page B

Queen Sarahann," Erich said. "Welcome to Castle Vespera. My people are at your disposal."
    "Thank you for your hospitality, King Erich," Cassia said.
    Erich quickly descended the stairs and kissed both of their hands. Cassia wasn't quite as charmed as she had been the first time. Torr followed his father more sedately. He did not offer to kiss either of their hands.
    "The news of the wedding has been met with great joy," Erich said. "There's nothing like a royal wedding to fill the people with hope."
    "I'm pleased to hear that," Sarahann said. "I wish I could say the same for my people. I'm afraid the announcements weren't met with as much enthusiasm."
    "I'm sure once the wedding has occurred," Erich offered Sarahann his arm, "your people will settle down."
    He led Sarahann up the stairs leaving Torr and Cassia alone at the base. Cassia sighed. Her mother was going to openly run the show instead of using Cassia as her puppet. She looked at Torr. He silently stared at her. It was hard to believe he'd be her husband.
    "Prince Torr." She bowed her head. She'd been brought up with manners even if he hadn't.
    "Your Highness." He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. Maconahay and one of her other guards stepped up and he shot them a look of disgust. "Shall we go in?"
    "Of course," she said as she hesitantly took the arm he ceremoniously offered.
    "They left us so we'd have a few minutes to talk before we finish up the wedding plans."
    "Oh." She couldn't think of anything to say.
    "Do you have a beau?"
    She shot him a look in surprise. "What?"
    "You're a lovely young woman. All princesses have suitors."
    "Not all of us," she said thinking briefly of Luki. "No, I didn't leave a beau at home. You have a lady friend?"
    Torr was quiet for a moment. "Yes."
    He led her down a side hallway.
    "So, not everyone is looking forward to a royal wedding," Cassia said.
    He slanted her a look of appraisal as they stepped into the small meeting room and sat down at the thick mahogany table. A blush heated her cheeks as everyone turned their attention to her.
    "You look well, Princess." Erich broke the silence.
    "Yes, thank you," Cassia said.
    "Good," Erich said. "I know you're probably feeling overwhelmed at the moment. A courtship would have been preferable, but drastic times…the wedding will be as scheduled."
    "I understand," Cassia said.
    "Very well," Erich said. "I've made arrangements with the friar, and a seamstress is ready to start your gown."
    "I brought my gown to be fitted for her," Sarahann said.
    "I'm sure the seamstress can work with that. The ceremony will be held on the castle battlement so the people can watch. Even with the short notice this wedding will be a full royal wedding with honor guards and everything that accompanies it, so you needn't worry, Princess Cassia."
    She looked at him in confusion as he turned to her. "I'm not."
    "Good," Erich said. "If you'd like to be shown to your chambers the seamstress is expecting you."
    "Of course," Cassia said, recognizing the dismissal.
    "We'll speak later?" Sarahann asked.
    Erich nodded. "Once you've seen to those wedding details that can't wait any longer. There was only so much Torr and I could do." He motioned to a chambermaid. "Show them to their rooms."
    "Thank you," Cassia said with a curtsy as she rose from her seat. "Prince Torr. King Erich."
    "Princess Cassia," Torr responded with a small bow, both he and Erich standing as the ladies did.
    The chambermaid led them down multiple hallways and up several flights of stairs before they saw the small group of Karahan guards clustered in the hallway. They snapped to attention at the sight of their princess and queen.
    "Madam Celeste," Maconahay said, "is waiting for you." He motioned to the door behind him.
    "Thank you, Captain." Sarahann led the way into the room.
    A small crowd awaited them. Cassia and Sarahann's handmaidens, Mistress Witen and the boys, and two Karahan guards out of uniform. The only reason Cassia knew they