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

of noblemen stepped into view.
    “Why, if it isn’t Sir Frederick and his…diplomatic charge!” one man exclaimed.
    “Greetings, Sir Boswell,” John said, looking up as if surprised. “We were just discussing our native flora and fauna.”
    “How…educational,” Sir Boswell commented blandly. “And how do you find our flora and fauna, Lady Akna?”
    “The landscape is breathtaking,” Akna said, forcing her voice not to crack. “But I have yet to see much of your animals.”
    “Well, perhaps a trip to the stables would be of interest then,” Boswell said. “A worthy suggestion, Sir Frederick?”
    “Indeed it is,” John replied, mustering all his manly enthusiasm.
    “Well, jolly good seeing you.”
    The men exchanged muttered goodbyes as they walked off. Both Akna and John let out the breaths they’d been holding. Feeling flustered, Akna stood and dusted her skirts.
    “A trip to the stables then,” she said, somewhat stiffly.
    “Lady Akna—”
    “Please, John,” she stopped him, lifting a hand and unable to look him in the eye. “I believe I have toured the castle enough for the day. Please escort me back to my boudoir.”
    “Yes,” John replied after a long pause. “The seamstress will want to finish that dress. This way, my lady.”
    Akna brushed past him, their elbows accidentally touching. She glanced up, her eyes bright. It was impossible not to feel the electric tingle between them. Denying it was foolishness. But for now…for now, she wanted to be alone. She wanted to see if his fancy would last for a time or just until his curiosity was sated.
    “Tomorrow,” she said finally, placing her hand in the crook of his arm. “Tomorrow let us go to the stables.”
    John relaxed. She was not casting him off just yet. John offered her a slow, devilish grin.
    “Yes,” he affirmed as he began to lead her back to her quarters. “I am looking forward to finishing what you started.”
    “What
I
started?” Akna exclaimed in mock surprise. “I believe that honour belongs to you, Sir Frederick.”
    “Is your memory impaired, my little savage?” John teased.
    “Who is the savage who attacked me?”
    “I didn’t see you protesting.”
    And so they continued their light bickering all the way back, each eager for the next day’s meeting.

Chapter Four
    She hadn’t been able to sleep. And when their appointed time drew near, she hadn’t been able to wait either. Her near-tryst with John had been at the forefront of her mind, so much so that she had skipped dinner and spent the night ruminating in her quarters. Was John simply after her for a novel tryst in order to sample a different type of woman? He himself had admitted to never even conversing with a woman of her race, so perhaps once he’d satisfied his curiosity he would drop her as he had his many other lovers. It wasn’t that she knew what she wanted with him just yet, but she absolutely refused to be treated as a plaything.
    So Akna had wandered the halls aimlessly, instinctively winding her way toward the gardens. She longed for a bit of respite from the cold stone of the castle, and the crisp morning air called to her. As she stepped into the gardens, she noted a strange set of hedges in the distance. But her puzzled thoughts were quickly forgotten as the sounds of neighing filled her ears. Akna had found the stables. Though the wooden sheds themselves were not particularly awe-inspiring, Akna could not contain her wonder at the sight of the creatures they housed.
    Akna had seen horses from a distance, but she had never before been so close. They were creatures unlike any she knew, unparalleled in grace and strength—even when she thought of the majestic caribou that her tribe hunted every summer. They were tall, so tall, and their coats gleamed in the sunshine. Akna stepped closer, nodding as the stable hands stepped back to allow her access. She stood across from a towering chestnut stallion who stamped his front hooves