The Princess by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online

everyone was aware of the royal family, and for the most part, the family was respected. The newspapers covered stories that the king and queen released; in fact, someone from one of the papers was coming on Friday to take her picture, but as a rule, Shelby had not followed the media very closely. She knew about the big events, but lately there hadn’t been many of those.
    Will my marriage to the prince be considered big? I hope not. I find I just want to be on my own, left to myself to do my job.
    Shelby had a sudden need to read and study her Bible. The only thing in her life that never changed was God’s love for her. She spent the next hour studying in the book of 3 John and praying. By the time she left to eat lunch with King Regent Anton and Queen Regent Ketra, her head was out of the clouds and her feet were firmly planted on the ground.

    “We won’t keep you very long,” Ketra said as soon as the three were seated. “Nikolai was not available for lunch, and we know you must be busy too. It’s hard to settle into a new place, and I am well aware of how strange it can all be.”
    Shelby felt herself relaxing. If memory served her correctly, Anton had been the royal in this marriage, not Ketra. Shelby thought they might have much in common.
    “I am wondering when I’ll know my way around,” Shelby admitted.
    “There’s always someone to ask,” King Anton put in, “but a map would probably help.”
    “Yes, it would,” Ketra inserted, “and I have just the one. Anton drew a map for me after we were married, and I know I still have it. It’s probably yellowed and bent, but I’ll find it after you leave and send it over.”
    “Thank you,” Shelby said sincerely.
    “We enjoyed your parents and brother, Shelby,” the king offered. “Brice told me he’s studying physics. He’s an impressive young man.”
    “I think so,” Shelby agreed, “but then I’m biased. I’ve really missed him since he went to school.”
    “And how about now?” the queen asked. “Do you miss your parents?”
    “I haven’t had time yet, but I know it will come. It’s nice to know I can see them whenever I want to.”
    “I’m glad for you that they’re close,” the king stated. “Ketra’s family was from the north, and she pined for them, didn’t you, my dear?”
    “I thought I would die that first year. I was so much in love with Anton but so lonely for my family. Finally the girls started to come, and I didn’t have as much time to miss them.” Ketra suddenly stopped and studied Shelby. “I can’t remember the last time we had a redheaded king or queen. This should be fun.”
    Shelby’s face reddened in an instant.
    “Now, Ketra,” the king chided compassionately, “see what you’ve done.”
    The queen looked apologetic, and Shelby was thrilled when lunch was served and she could bow her head, first for the prayer and then over her food. She had an enjoyable time with the couple and even made a swift visit to meet Anton’s mother, but Shelby walked back to her room with her head in a muddle. Right now she felt as though she were swimming in mud, with no clue as to the direction of the surface.

Four
    Within a week of living at the palace, Shelby was finding her feet. She liked to rise early and even fixed her own breakfast most mornings. Someone always had coffee on to brew but wasn’t always present when she arrived. The staff, however, was swiftly growing accustomed to seeing her at the kitchen table for breakfast. Invariably she had her Bible, the newspaper, her date book, or all three. On this morning, just eight days after she’d been married, she ate without looking at any of them. The staff moved around quietly, seeing that she was in great thought.
    And indeed she was. Shelby’s mind was still on the church services the day before. One of the first questions Shelby had asked the king and queen was about the church they attended. She had been glad to hear it was a church she was familiar