Read Princess in a Strange New Land for Free Online Page B

horse?” Akna asked, glancing at the magnificent creature she had been so entranced by only moments before.
    “One of many—but he is my finest stallion,” John said with a nod. “I promise you a morning of fine adventure.”
    Curious, Akna watched as the stable hands carefully fitted the steed with a bridle and saddle. The majestic creature tossed its head expectantly as it was led back to them.
    “Easy now.” John spoke in low tones to his animal as the boy handed him the reins. He turned to Akna. “Side-saddle, my lady?”
    “Pardon me?”
    “Would you like to ride side-saddle as the ladies do? It is easier.”
    “How do men ride?”
    “Like this,” John said as he expertly boosted himself into the saddle.
    Akna had to shield her eyes as she looked up to see John towering over her. He sat regally in his saddle, his deft fingers loosely holding the reins. The sun shone gold in his hair, and his eyes twinkled mischievously in the light. Akna snorted.
    “We Inuit women can do whatever you English men can do,” she said, tossing her chin defiantly.
    “As you wish,” John said with a sly smile. “Help her up,” he instructed the young lad attending them.
    With John’s hand gripping her forearm and the stable boy giving her a lift, Akna awkwardly swung herself into the saddle in front of John—and she immediately understood his mischief. So seated, she had to grip the pommel of the saddle to stay on, and the curved saddle made her slide back into his chest, where she found her bottom flush against his groin. He snaked an arm around her waist to anchor her firmly against his chest, and she felt every muscle of his thighs contracting against hers. There was a low chuckle at her ear.
    “Please remember that this position was your choice, my lady,” John whispered as she gave a shiver.
    Then, with a swift kick, they were off. Akna stifled a gasp as their great mount surged forward with a whinny, galloping across the fields. The sudden upward jolt startled Akna, but not as much as the feel of John’s hand slipping below her thighs to lift her. But before she could protest, John’s lips were at her ear.
    “Clench your thighs around the horse,” he instructed, holding her fast. “And lift yourself so that it does not jar you every time he rises. I will help you.”
    Akna did as she was told and found that the ride was smoother. Slowly, she began to become aware of the gorgeous scenery flying by. She also began to appreciate what John loved about riding—the feeling of the wind in her face, the light smell of polished leather and the pounding hooves of the horse beneath them. It filled her with a sense of joy to be atop such a powerful beast.
    As they crested a hilly rise, John slowed his steed and gently lowered Akna back into the saddle. With each step, he felt her pert bottom rubbing between his thighs—and it was sweet agony. Glancing down, he imagined her poised in such a position but free of her dress, her bare bottom grinding against his hips. He would grip those hips and push her down until he could thrust himself deep within her waiting wetness. He would make her scream in ecstasy. He grunted. Soon he would not be able to hide his growing hardness.
    “What is that?” Akna asked, interrupting his steamy reverie.
    John glanced to where she was pointing.
    “That is the king’s maze,” John answered. “They are bushes that have been grown and trimmed to form a labyrinth. They say that the most lovely rose garden hides at its centre.”
    “How fascinating,” Akna mused.
    A plan began to form in John’s mind. He turned the horse toward the garden, easing them into a leisurely trot.
    “Would you like to try it?” John asked. “I have never been to the centre myself.”
    “Yes!” Akna agreed enthusiastically. “Such a thing I have never seen before!”
    When they reached the entrance to the leafy maze, John slipped from the saddle and tied the reins of his horse to a tree before helping Akna