The Secret Princess (19 page)

But after a moment’s silence, she asked eagerly, “Do you hear?”

At that moment, the wailing cry of an infant met his ears. “Is it—?”

“Your niece. She is furious but well. They are both well.”

Chapter Nineteen

Castlehead, three days later

L
uke stood in the tower, his elbows propped on the parapets, staring out to sea, lost in thought. Though the sun stood high in the sky and this tower, being in Castlehead, was not the same spot as the Sardis tower where he’d shared his first kiss with Evelyn, nonetheless, Luke could think of little else besides that moment.

He’d been wrong to be angry with her. He could see that now, having forgiven his brother—or more accurately, begged forgiveness of him. Luke had been wrong to harbor anger against his brother, as well.

The root problem, he realized now, was that he loved Evelyn. He’d loved her from the moment he’d opened his groggy, half-dead eyes on the dirt floor of that hut in the borderlands and seen her
lovely face, heard her whispered prayers and felt her healing touch. That love had only grown when he’d met her again, and with every new thing he learned about her. He loved her with a desperate, burning love.

A love she’d only ever denied him. She’d run away. Fled from him, lied to him, turned her back on his declarations of affection and refused to return his love. Perhaps the villagers
had been correct after all—those who’d said the pale-haired woman was only a figment of his fevered mind. For truly, though Evelyn lived and breathed, she’d slipped from his fingers like a rising mist and fled from him as the haze of morning flees from the light of the sun.

That, then, was why he’d pushed her away in such anger and turned his back on all he’d cared for. He loved her, but
she did not return his affection. The realization speared through his tender heart, making him gasp for breath as though he’d been struck by a real spear. For all the ardor in her kisses, she’d turned him away time and again and fled at the first opportunity to the far reaches of Christendom.

He loved her. He feared he might always love her, and the pain in his heart might never cease. What
could he do? If there was even a small chance she might return his love, should he travel to tell her?

Luke stared out to sea, hardly blinking as he studied the far horizon into which his love had disappeared. As he stared, he could almost picture the ship she’d left on, his brother Prince Mark’s ship. But this ship was pointed toward Castlehead, not away. And it drew nearer instead of disappearing
over the horizon.

Finally, Luke realized it was Mark’s ship headed to Castlehead after another long journey. Good. Mark was just in time for the celebration of the birth of their niece. Luke hurried down the stairs to announce the ship’s approach. Perhaps Mark would have news of Evelyn. If nothing else, his brother could give him his assurance that she’d crossed the sea safely, since Luke
had not seen his brother in five months, not since he’d sailed away with Evelyn and Bertie on board. His decision about her would have to wait.

Aachen, AD 802, autumn

Evelyn heard footsteps in the courtyard behind her and turned from her parchment, settling the quill securely in its tray.

“Grandfather?” She rose to greet her mother’s father. “You’re home from the palace quite early
today.”

Her grandfather embraced her lightly, kissing her cheek in greeting as she kissed his.

“There is someone here to see you.”

Evelyn felt her heart leap inside her. “Who is it?”

To her surprise, a smile spread across her grandfather’s face, and he turned back to look in the direction he’d come, though he did not move from the spot where he stood.

Evelyn turned, as
well, in the direction her grandfather looked and realized for the first time there was a broad-shouldered figure who’d entered behind her grandfather who’d been standing quietly among the shadows as they’d spoken.

The man hesitated only a moment, then stepped slowly into the light. As he entered the sunlit courtyard, first his legs, then his upper body and finally the features of his face
were illuminated so Evelyn could see him clearly. She recalled instantly all the times when, missing Prince Luke, she’d thought she’d spotted him passing by or had caught a glimpse of him from the corner of one eye, only to turn and find she’d been mistaken.

And so she stared in disbelief at the man who stood before her, certain her eyes deceived her. Had her longing heart fooled her eyes
into thinking Prince Luke stood before her?

“Evelyn.” Luke’s words carried through the air between them in an awed whisper. “You are even lovelier than I remember you.”

“I—” Evelyn began, then rubbed her eyes and took a step closer. “I must be dreaming.”

Luke grinned. “Is it a good dream?”

“The very best.” Somehow she’d made her legs move so that now she stood just in front
of him, close enough to see the twinkle in his eyes and catch a hint of his scent. “Is it really you?”

“Check my scar,” he offered, lifting the hem of his habergeon to reveal the healed wound she knew so well.

She reached for him with trembling fingers, and he cupped her hands in his. “How did you get here?”

“By ship and then by caravan.”

“But why?”

“To bring word to Charlemagne
that his daughter Gisela has borne him a healthy granddaughter, named Charlotte, after the emperor.” Luke paused, drawing her fingers to his lips and brushing a kiss lightly against them. “And to see if there is any chance for us. I must ask you to forgive my anger, which I held far too long against you.”

“You are entitled to your anger. My offense was great.” Evelyn thought she might weep
for the joy of seeing him but found herself too happy even for tears.

“Far greater was my offense, for begrudging you a secret you kept to save your brother’s life. Your decision was an honorable one. I have foolishly denied myself the joy of your company far too long, but I believed you did not return the love I felt for you. But I had to offer you my heart one last time to see if you returned
my affections.”

He gripped her hands with desperate gentleness as he continued. “Many times on my journey north, I have wondered about the unquenchable love I feel for you, which compelled me to seek you out in the borderlands and now to find you again far from my own kingdom.”

Evelyn felt tears of happiness rise to her eyes as he spoke and as the shock of his presence gave way to joy.
“I feel for you the love of a woman who prayed over you through the night and would not let you die, a love that continued to burn even when you rode away from me in anger, and we were separated by a long journey. I love you with all the love I have to give.”

Luke’s expression of cautious hope broadened to a grin of pure joy, and he swallowed, managing to speak only one word before he kissed
her. “Good.”

Evelyn melted against the prince as he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up almost to her toes as he kissed her fervently. She held him tight, her happiness overflowing. After all the times she’d had to push him away, now she could hold him close and confess how she truly felt. Suddenly, Luke pulled away.

He dropped down onto one knee. “Will you be my bride?”

Overcome by emotion and surprise, Evelyn simply slumped down toward him, all her longings realized in that moment. She tried to look in his eyes, but he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her up as he stood, kissing her as though he could make up for all the time they’d been apart.

Distantly, she heard her grandfather chuckle. “I believe she accepts your proposal.”

“Yes,” Evelyn whispered when she pulled back for just a moment. “I do.”

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from TAMING THE TEXAS RANCHER by Rhonda Gibson.

Dear Reader,

The world was a very different place in the year AD 802,
and yet the people weren’t so very different from people today. They cared about
their families, about honor and love, and the Christians of Lydia tried to live
out God’s love in spite of the greed and craftiness of their neighbors. Then as
now, as old Deacon Bartholomew put it, “
far more
blessed
are those who die to this world but are alive in their hearts.”

I hope the people of Lydia came alive for
you in this story. For more information about the kingdom of Lydia and the
books that tell the stories of the princes and princesses of that kingdom,
visit my website at
www.rachellemccalla.com
. You can also find me on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

And may the love of God be alive in your heart, not just today
but always.

Blessings,

Rachelle

Questions for Discussion

1. Evelyn believed Luke was dead. When she learned he was alive—and a prince—she was amazed. Have you ever felt certain an old love—a person, thing or activity—was gone forever from your life, only to find it resurrected? How did you feel?
   
2. Luke enters Fier with confidence, trusting that King Garren’s honor and the peace treaty between them will
   keep him safe. However, King Garren doesn’t honor the treaty. What does this contrast tell you about the two characters? In what ways are the two men similar? How are they different?
   
3. Because of her grandfather, Evelyn has learned not to trust royalty. When she learns Luke is a prince, she immediately assumes he cannot be trusted. However, he soon proves otherwise through his actions and the
   risks he takes on her behalf. Have you ever felt wary of someone, only to learn they are more honorable than you thought? Or has someone you trusted betrayed you?
   
4. Luke gave his word to Bertie that he would help the boy and his sister find freedom. Do you think his promise—and his insistence on keeping it—added anything to his sense of betrayal when he learned Evelyn had kept her and Bertie’s
   parentage a secret from him?
   
5. Luke’s status as a prince requires him to marry a worthy woman—someone of rank, certainly not a slave. He understands the importance of a diplomatic union and doesn’t argue with the idea, yet he can’t help the way he feels toward Evelyn. How do you feel about his attitude? How is his culture different from yours, and how is it similar?
   
6. The laws of vengeance—eye
   for eye, tooth for tooth, life for life—were pervasive in ancient times, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries. Though they seem unfamiliar and harsh to us today, they were the reality for most people throughout history. How did Prince Luke’s Christian beliefs run counter to the laws everyone else followed? How do your Christian beliefs differ with those of the cultures around you?
   
7. Evelyn is delighted with the gift of the prayer book. Living in a pagan household, she has found it difficult to keep her faith alive without any reminders of Christianity. Do you have books that encourage your faith? In what ways do they sustain you? Have you ever taken them for granted, or are you overjoyed just as Evelyn was?
   
8. Prince Luke has noticed many clues that indicate Evelyn has not
   always been a slave. She is educated, articulate and expresses her thoughts in a manner uncharacteristic of her station. How do his observations play into his questions about her background and his growing love for her? Do you rise above your circumstances as Evelyn did?
   
9. What do you think of Prince Warrick? Though his father, Garren, was a harsh, deceitful king, Warrick claims a desire to
   follow the Christian beliefs of his betrothed. Do you believe he is sincere? What do his actions tell you about his character?
   
10. What do you think of Bertie? He is very reluctant to forgive Warrick for killing his father in battle. Do you believe his forgiveness is sincere? What about Bertie’s other actions—his quest for riches and his claim to the crown of the Dometian tribe? What do you think
    he will do in the coming years?
    
11. King Garren is crafty and greedy. How do these attributes lead to his downfall?
    
12. Luke is greatly offended not just at the truth of Evelyn’s parentage but that his brother didn’t send messengers to tell him that truth once he’d learned it. Why do you think Luke was so upset? Was his anger rooted only in the slight against him, or did it come from much deeper
    feelings? Have you ever transferred your anger from one issue to another? What kind of forgiveness is necessary to clear away all the pain?
    
13. Old Deacon Bartholomew speaks bluntly of life, death and forgiveness. Do you agree with what the deacon had to say? Have you forgiven those who’ve wronged you?
    
14. Once Luke forgives his brother, all the anger he’s clung to falls away, and he travels
    to Aachen to seek Evelyn. Do you think his sudden reversal in attitude makes sense? Have you seen God change lives in a similar way? Are there any changes you need to make today?
    
15. How do you feel about Prince Luke and Evelyn? Do you believe they make a good match?
    

Chapter One

Granite, Texas
Spring 1886

“W
hat are you doing here?” Daniel Westland scowled at his younger brother, Levi. He’d been running late, and seeing his brother standing there, looking freshly cleaned and pressed, was not what he’d expected. The wildflowers in Levi’s hands spun daintily in the breeze that swished about them as the stagecoach pulled to a stop.

Dust
filled the air, and both men shaded their eyes against the grit. As soon as the horses came to a complete halt and the dust settled, Levi answered, “I imagine I’m here for the same reason you are, big brother.”

Levi grinned. His green eyes sparkled with mischief. Daniel’s scowl deepened. Surely Levi hadn’t sent off for a mail-order bride, also? But then again, maybe he had. Daniel pulled
his hat farther down on his forehead to shade his eyes from both his brother and the sun.

While they waited for the driver to leap down and open the carriage door, Daniel thought of the woman within the stagecoach. She was a schoolteacher and had written that she felt it was time to have children of her own. The letter promised she had all her teeth, that she was twenty-eight years old and
believed in God.

Daniel’s jaw tightened. Once more he wanted to scream that he didn’t have time for this, he had a ranch to run! Why his mother, Bonnie Westland, felt the need for grandchildren now was beyond his comprehension.

Truth be told, he wasn’t ready for a wife or children, but his mother was feeling the pinch of old age. At Christmas she’d decided that her sons needed wives
and she needed grandchildren. She’d proclaimed over dinner that the first son to marry and produce a grandchild would inherit the ranch.

Daniel swept his hat off and ran a weary hand through his hair. His mood darkened as he again noticed the fresh bouquet of wildflowers in Levi’s tan hand. Why hadn’t he thought to pick Miss Hannah Young flowers?

The two men’s gazes met and clashed.
Levi winked at him and then continued to watch the door expectantly. Why did Daniel let his younger brother get under his skin so? He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

Unlike Levi, he didn’t have time to stop and smell the flowers, or in this case pick them for a stranger. He slapped at the dirt on his pant legs. He’d been more concerned about fixing the west fence on the ranch before
he had to meet the stagecoach and his mail-order bride than he had sprucing up for her.

The driver set a wooden box in front of the coach door and then reached for the handle.

Daniel quickly did a self-inventory. His tan shirt hid most of the day’s sweat and grime. Thankfully, he was wearing dark brown pants or he’d really look shabby to his new bride. His work boots were covered in
a fine layer of dirt and mire. He knocked a chunk of dried mud off the hem of his trouser leg.

The sound of Levi’s low, appreciative whistle brought Daniel’s head up.

A vision of loveliness stood in the doorway of the coach. As she stepped down onto the wooden box, her blue travel dress floated about her, much how he would imagine ocean waves would look. Silky black ringlets framed her
heart-shaped face. Stormy blue eyes scanned the small town and then alighted on him.

She held his gaze for several long minutes, and during that time Daniel felt as if his heart were being squeezed and his lungs had lost all means of holding air. He hadn’t expected Hannah Young to be so beautiful.

Levi stepped forward and clasped her hand in his. “I’m Levi Westland.” He helped her step
down from the box until her feet touched the ground. “Are you Millicent Summer?”

Her voice sounded soft and almost musical. “I’m sorry, Mr. Westland. I’m Hannah Young.” Confusion laced her pretty blue eyes. “I am here to meet Daniel Westland. Did he send you to pick me up?”

“No, ma’am. I’m his brother, Levi.”

Daniel stepped forward. “I’m Daniel Westland.” His words squeaked out,
making him sound much like an adolescent instead of the thirty-three-year-old man he was. He cleared his throat and stepped forward, extending his hand.

She smiled and placed her small gloved fingers in his. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Westland.”

The coach driver set two large bags down beside her. “Here is your luggage, ma’am.” He picked up the wooden box and replaced it inside the carriage.

Hannah released Daniel’s hand and thanked the driver.

Levi looked inside the vehicle. Disappointment laced his voice. “Weren’t there other passengers?”

The driver grunted as he climbed back aboard the stage. “Not this trip.” He slapped the reins over the horses’ backs, heading to the livery at a fast pace.

Levi stood watching them go. The dejected look on his face said it all:
he had hoped to have a bride today, as well. Was Levi disappointed because he was behind in the game? Or had he somehow learned to care about Millicent Summers through her letters?

The look on his younger brother’s face bothered Daniel. He squashed the feelings. He couldn’t let them affect him now. Thanks to his mother’s challenge, the ownership of the family ranch was at stake.

He returned
his attention to Hannah Young and offered what he hoped was his best smile. “It’s nice to meet you, too. Are you ready?” At her slight nod, he pressed on. “I thought we’d head on over to the preacher’s house, and then enjoy an early supper before going out to the ranch.” Now that the time to actually get married was here, Daniel felt as if someone had tied a big stone around his neck and was
about to toss him into the river.

Would he ever feel right about marrying a woman who he wasn’t sure he’d be able to protect and love? After the death of his sister and his inability to protect her on the ranch, what made him think he could take care of a complete stranger? If only his mother hadn’t interfered in his life, he’d never have to find out.

He picked up her bags and looked
again in Levi’s direction. His brother stood off to the side with the flowers still clutched in his hand. Confusion furrowed his brow.

A featherlight hand landed on Daniel’s forearm. “I’m sorry, Mr. Westland, but am I correct in my assumption that you are planning on our wedding being today?”

“Of course.” He turned toward the buckboard, which waited in front of the general store. The
sooner they got this over with, the better.

Her hand slipped from his arm. He’d taken several steps before he realized Hannah was no longer by his side. Daniel looked over his shoulder and saw that she stood where he’d left her, her arms crossed and a stern look upon her face.

He walked back to her. “Is something amiss, Miss Young?”

A new sharpness filled her voice as she informed
him, “Mr. Westland, I don’t believe that is what we agreed upon. Per my letter, we will not be married until I am properly courted, and only if we find there is love in our hearts for one another.”

Daniel dropped the bags. He didn’t like the firmness in her voice when she spoke to him. He wasn’t one of her students, and they had to get married today.

Anger caused his next words to come
out swift and full of emotion. “Madam, getting married today isn’t something I relish, either. But it is what happens when a man places a mail-order bride ad and a lady accepts the offer. I did not agree to any other terms. I have a ranch to run, and the sooner we get this...” for a moment he faltered for words “...this marriage thing over with, the better. Now come along.” He reached for her arm,
figuring the tone he’d just used with her had scared more than one cowpoke into doing what he ordered.

She stepped back out of his reach. Determination laced her blue eyes and she responded in a stern manner of her own. “I don’t think so, Mr. Westland. I sent a letter and told you my stipulations. By sending me tickets to come here, you agreed to those terms.”

Daniel spread his legs
and planted his fists on his waist. He ignored the grinning Levi, who’d taken a sudden interest in them. His sibling no longer resembled a dejected hound dog.

He turned his gaze from his little brother and focused on her. “Miss Young, I did not receive your letter and would never have agreed to your demands. Did you or did you not answer my mail-order bride ad?”

She offered him a sweet
smile. Her blue eyes sparkled in the morning sunlight, much like a woman’s jewels. Daniel felt sure she was about to say that it was all right and she’d be happy to marry him on the spot.

Instead, Hannah said, “Yes, I did. And I only did so because I thought you agreed to my terms. I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t get my letter, but the terms still stand. I am not trying to be a demanding
woman, Mr. Westland. But I will not be forced into a quick marriage.”

Sweetness dripped from her lips, but determination filled her eyes. He could tell this woman was giving no quarter in their disagreement. He also realized they were gathering more attention than a bucking bull on Main Street.

He ground his teeth and scowled at his brother, who grinned back at him. This was not working
out as Daniel had planned. “Come along. We’ll discuss this over lunch.” He walked back to her luggage and jerked it up.

Leave it to him to pick a bride who wanted to marry, but only for love. Why hadn’t he gotten the missing letter? In the last one he’d received she’d said yes, that she’d like to come to Granite and meet him. Had she mentioned a long engagement? No, he felt sure he’d have
remembered it if she had.

Upon reflection, he realized she’d said “meet” him, not marry him. His assumption that all mail-order brides had to get married might have cost him his ranch.

* * *

Hannah followed behind Daniel Westland. His straight shoulders and tight jaw screamed of his anger and confusion. She believed him when he’d said he hadn’t gotten her letter, but Hannah held
fast to the dream of marrying for love.

She’d already been left at the altar once because the young man didn’t love her. It was too bad he’d decided to tell her so in front of all their friends and family. It was a hard lesson, but she’d learned it well. Now Hannah refused to marry a man until she was sure of his love and she heard him proclaim the words
I love you
with his own lips. Hannah
didn’t think it was too much to ask.

“Miss Young?”

She turned to see a smiling Levi Westland strolling beside her. He looked a lot like his older brother, with the same green eyes, even white teeth and sandy-brown hair. Only where Daniel’s was short, Levi’s touched his collar, and twin dimples winked from his cheeks. He was shorter than his brother by a few inches. “Yes?”

He cleared
his throat and spoke in a louder-than-necessary voice. “If my brother isn’t willing to agree to court you, I will. I’ll even wait until you fall in love with me before we marry.” Levi held out the wildflowers he’d been holding tightly, and offered her a bright smile.

If the situation had been different, Hannah would have laughed at the comical way he’d gallantly made his announcement. Levi
seemed very sure that he could make her fall head over heels in love with him. Her gaze moved to Daniel as he lifted both her bags into the buckboard. What did he think of his brother’s declaration?

Hannah took the flowers Levi offered and smiled sweetly at both men. “Thank you, Mr. Westland. I’ll keep that in mind.”

A low growl came from Daniel as he turned from the buckboard. Hard
green eyes swept over his younger brother.

“Levi, leave Miss Young alone.”

Mischief danced in Levi’s face. His dimples deepened as he grinned. “Why, big brother? Have you changed your mind already?”

Daniel ignored him and came to stand in front of Hannah. “Would you like to eat at the hotel dining room? Or The Eating House?”

She squared her shoulders and asked, “Which is more
private and offers a pot of hot tea?” Had Daniel changed his mind? She didn’t think so. From the set of his jaw and the fire in his eyes, she’d almost bet that he hadn’t.

“Probably The Eating House,” he said, stepping to her side and cupping her elbow in his callused hand.

She marveled at the gentleness of his touch. Even though he was mad enough to spit nails, Daniel’s hand betrayed
none of the anger Hannah was sure he was feeling.

Levi moved to the other side. “I think pot roast and fresh bread are the special today,” he offered as he grinned across at Daniel.

Hannah felt small as she walked between the brothers. She straightened to her full height of four feet eleven inches and was still almost a foot shorter than Levi. Daniel towered a few inches over his brother,
making her feel even smaller.

Aware of the limp she’d attained as a child, she tried to keep her footsteps strong and even with theirs. So far neither Daniel nor Levi had mentioned her slight hobble; perhaps it wasn’t as important to them as she had feared it would be.

Normally Hannah would have relished the silence among the three of them, but when she’d made the decision to start a
new life, she’d also decided to become more sociable. Talk more, express more, live more.

So to break the tension-filled stillness she asked, “Mr. Westland, who is Millicent Summer?” She turned her gaze on Levi.

He cleared his throat and looked away. “She’s the woman who answered my mail-order bride advertisement. It seems I’m not the only one who had that idea.” Levi cut his eyes toward
his brother once more.

Hannah followed his gaze. Daniel continued walking, but his jaw worked and his lips had thinned. Confusion warred within her. “But why did you both send for a mail-order bride?” She looked about the small town. Maybe there just weren’t enough women to go around here in Granite, Texas.

“Let’s get a pot of tea in front of you and I’ll tell you everything,” Levi answered.

Hannah nodded. A sick quiver churned her already unsettled stomach. She prayed it was simply because she hadn’t eaten since the early hours of the morning, but knew it was her normal reaction to forthcoming bad news.

Daniel growled between gritted teeth. “Don’t you think I should be the one to tell her?”

They walked toward a large building with the name The Eating House painted over
the door. The fragrance of fresh bread drifted from an open window, which sported red-and-white curtains. Hannah’s stomach growled.