The Princess by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online Page A

with, one that shared her biblical beliefs, but her next question had been almost as important to her: Did the church have a ministry to the deaf? Shelby had been involved in that ministry in her own church for a long time and had no desire to give it up.
    Yesterday she had come into church on her own, gaining stares that told her many people had seen her picture in the paper. She deliberately sat far over on the right-hand side so she could see the man signing at the front. Having grown up with a deaf father, she had been able to follow every word but soon chose to look at the pastor and concentrate on her notes. She had enjoyed it very much and been convicted several times. While she knew dozens of people who went to church because it made them feel good,Shelby didn’t want that. Her desire was to be convicted of sin and to change to be more like Jesus Christ, even if it hurt.
    She was still in the midst of all these thoughts about the day before when the prince walked into the kitchen. She was glad that she’d just swallowed the toast in her mouth, or she might have choked.
    “Murdock,” he began genially, “I have to make a change on the schedule. Do you have your book?”
    “Of course, sir. What day?”
    “This Friday.”
    Shelby stopped attending at this point and simply watched him. He was in slacks, white shirt, and tie; clearly his jacket had been discarded elsewhere. And she had been right—he was very tall. Handsome too. His hair was jet black, and although she couldn’t see his face clearly, she had seen through her veil that his eyes were a startling sapphire blue. Shelby was still just watching him when he turned and noticed her.
    “Hello,” he spoke kindly, smiling a little in her direction.
    “Good morning,” Shelby said softly, keeping her seat.
    The prince finished his business with Murdock and finally turned to look at her again.
    “I don’t believe we’ve met,” he said conversationally, shocking Shelby into silence. The redhead stared at him until he laughed a little and glanced at Murdock and Arlanda.
    “I take it I have met our guest and forgotten.”
    But the two servants were staring at him in equal shock, and a cold feeling swept down his spine. The face he turned back to Shelby was not at all friendly. That lady stood to her feet before speaking.
    “I’m Shelby,” she said breathlessly. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
    The red in Nikolai’s face could only be matched by Shelby’s, which was nearly purple with mortification.
    “The apology should come from me,” Nikolai said stiffly. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.” He said not another word, gave a slight nod in her direction, and strode from the room.
    Shelby watched him leave but couldn’t bring herself to look at the housekeeper or minister. She gathered her papers, her eyes downcast.
    “Thank you for breakfast,” she said just before she walked out, still not looking at either of them.
    On her exit, Arlanda and Murdock shared a long look, both feeling as miserable and confused as the princess had looked.

    The prince felt a headache coming on as the day limo took him to his first appointment. He had told himself that if he just had a little time it would be easier, so he had stayed away for a week. Now he’d made a complete fool of himself.
    He was not accustomed to seeing anyone but the staff in the kitchen. Having the princess sitting there was the last thing he had expected.
You have no one to blame but yourself, Nick, and you know it. You could have stayed and talked to her a little, but no, you ran like a fool.
    “And that’s just what I am,” he said softy. “A fool.”
    “Did you need something, sir?” Ivan, his driver and companion, asked from behind the wheel.
    “No. Thank you, Ivan.”
    Nikolai gave himself a little shake. He had to meet with a Council member in a few minutes, and his head must be clear. Much as he needed to think of a way to handle this marriage that he found