The Heir by Suzanna Lynn Read Free Book Online Page B

Princess. “Yes, she is.
Master Keon expects she will have the baby by the end of
summer.”
    Stop talking as though I’m not here. Luana was furious. This woman had intruded on a wonderful morning
and now she was standing here judging Luana as though she were some
animal.
    The Princess walked a few steps closer and
reached out to touch Luana’s hair, causing Luana to seize up with
tension. Isla laughed. “Let’s hope your son does not inherit
certain aspects of her appearance. Can you imagine a boy with this
hair? He would more look like an elf than an heir to Grasmere!”
    Baylin ran his hand down the back of Luana’s
hair gently. The soft motion and warmth of his touch helped to calm
her. He looked at Luana lovingly. “Actually, I’m quite fond of her
hair.”
    Isla looked taken aback but quickly gathered
her composure in feigned fondness. “Oh, certainly it is very
pretty. Just more suited for a girl.”
    To Luana’s shock, Baylin smiled up at the
Princess. “Thank you, Isla. Though I assure you a boy is most
desired, daughters would be just as loved.”
    Luana saw a lightning-quick flash of a sneer
cross Isla’s face, but it was replaced with a forced smile. “I’m
certain the gods will bless you with many children. Obviously you
will have this one with your bed wife.” Princess Isla reached out
and took the Prince’s hand. “You must know I pray to the gods every
night that it will be a son. I know how much you and the Kingdom
hope for a boy. However, certainly your main concern will be
producing true heirs with your Queen someday.”
    The words cut through Luana like a
double-edged sword. His Queen. She knows the King plans to marry
Baylin to her. Luana’s heart ached. She looked down at her
hands in her lap.
    Baylin placed a reassuring hand on Luana’s
shoulder as he addressed the Princess. “Right now my only concern
is the well-being of Luana and our child.”
    “Certainly.” Isla’s gaze fell on Luana,
piercing so that her blood ran cold.
    Baylin began to walk toward the door. “Isla,
perhaps you should go back to your chambers with your family. I
will join you all within the hour.”
    Never taking her eyes off Luana, Isla
hissed, “Well, I suppose.”
    Baylin opened the door. “I promise, within
the hour.”
    Isla finally broke her glare at the bed wife
and walked to the door. She stopped in front of Baylin and looked
back at Luana. Her face was turned so only Luana could see the
slight smirk on it. The Princess tuned to face Baylin with a
sickeningly sweet smile. She reached out and touched his face,
sliding a finger down his jawline. “Don’t be long. According to
Father, we have much to discuss about our futures.”
    The Princess leaned toward Baylin and kissed
him on the cheek, throwing a knowing glance at Luana. The sight of
Isla’s hands on him made Luana clench her fists in her lap so hard
that her nails cut into her palms. Luana looked away, unable to
handle the scene any longer.
    “Goodbye, Isla.” Baylin shut the door behind
the Princess as she left. He made his way over to Luana and knelt
next to her. Luana was still sitting in her chair at the table with
her fists gripped tightly. “Dearest, I am so sorry.”
    She wanted to cry, but she was too angry to
let the tears fall. “She seems to be very pleased with the
arrangements the King has made for the two of you.”
    “No,” Baylin protested. “There are no
arrangements as far as I’m concerned. It is you I love. I refuse to
marry Isla.”
    Luana turned her gaze to the growing light
out the window. “You cannot say that. As long as your father is
King you must do as he commands.”
    “I will change his mind,” Baylin said
gruffly, standing to his feet.
    Luana sat in silence for a few moments. She
watched the clouds float in the sky, casting shadows on the land
below as they lazily passed by. You can’t win every battle,
Baylin. Not even you can fight the King’s will.
    He took Luana’s hands and brought her to