The Heir by Suzanna Lynn Read Free Book Online

his
mother were higher in rank, Baylin extended the courtesy to show
his guests they were welcome at court.
    “You do us a great honor,” King Gideon said
over the blare of the crowd, bowing to Queen Valasca, then Prince
Baylin.
    “The honor is truly ours,” replied
Valasca.
    When the greetings had concluded, Baylin
hushed the crowd for one final time. “Please enjoy yourselves. Eat
and drink your fill. Let the festivities begin!”
    The Prince pulled out a chair at the head
table for his mother, just as King Gideon drew a chair for Queen
Fia to be seated. Baylin glided a chair out for Princess Isla, who
blushed sweetly and sat down. He seated himself between his mother
and the Princess as footmen brought out large platters of food for
the royal family.
    As they all were served, Isla leaned in and
whispered to Baylin, “Your Grace, it is very nice to see you
again.”
    The Prince smiled at her. “As it is to see
you, Princess. I hope your journey was tolerable under such
dreadful circumstances.”
    Isla took a sip of wine. “Oh yes, quite.
Your uncle, Lord Cadman, received us at the docks last night when
we arrived. He was so very kind and courteous. He and his personal
guard saw us safely up to the castle.”
    “Lord Cadman? Yes, so courteous.” Baylin
took a long drink of wine, nearly emptying his goblet. Yes, very
courteous; when he wants something, that is. I wonder what his
plans are for Isla and the royal family. I will not let him corrupt
this sweet, innocent girl like he has my father.
    “Apologies, my Prince, did you hear me?”
Isla whispered.
    Baylin had been lost in thought, not
realizing the Princess had continued talking to him. “What? I’m
sorry. I’m a bit tired from all the festivities. Do forgive me. And
please, call me Baylin, no need for titles tonight.”
    Isla giggled and touched him on the arm.
“Not at all, Baylin. I understand. I was saying how happy I was to
be able to make it to Grasmere with all my trunks intact. I have a
very fine collection of silk gowns in them. Of course, they would
be nothing without the matching shoes I had custom made by …” The
Princess rattled on and on about things the Prince had little
interest in. He smiled and nodded in politeness.
    The remainder of the night was a dizzying
blur to Baylin. He made conversation with his mother and the royal
family, not hearing most of the discussion due to the clamor within
the great hall. The people talked and laughed, enjoying the food
and warmth the castle offered.
    By the time the celebration began to wind
down, Baylin could barely keep his eyes open. He excused himself to
return to his chamber.
    Once he arrived, he found Luana had fallen
asleep on the fur rug in front of the hearth. She was wrapped in
blankets and had obviously been reading due to the large stack of
books lying about.
    Baylin walked over to where she lay and
gently moved the hair from her face, causing her to stir. Her
emerald eyes seemed to glow in the firelight as she looked up at
him.
    She gave him a slight smile and he knew the
worst was over. She has forgiven me.
    He took her into his arms and lifted her
from the floor, carrying her to the bed. As he laid her down on top
of the furs, she pulled him in closer and kissed him.
    “Promise you’ll always love me?” she asked
with pleading eyes.
    He leaned down, kissing her lips softly.
“Always.”

Chapter Five

    During the next couple of weeks, Baylin used
the excuse of Luana’s health to avoid having to spend much time
with the royals from Mirstone. He had sent word through a steward,
begging forgiveness for leave due to his being overly concerned
about the health of his heir. However, Luana knew it was only a
matter of time before he would have to meet with them and get
reacquainted with Princess Isla.
    Luana woke after sunrise to the sound of her
maids setting out the morning meal and the feeling of Baylin’s arms
around her. She had almost forgotten her worries of the war and
King