Free ROMANCE: HIGHLANDER ROMANCE: Seduced by highlander (Historical Mail Order Bride Time Travel Romance) (Military Fantasy Romance Short Stories) by Brittany White Page B

myself away. The wind picked up and howled against my back pushing me up the hill. Forcing me not to turn back.
    The ceremony was small which I was completely grateful for. It was held just outside of Darden in the hills of Soundsforth. The only people attending were King Laurence and his queen Elmire. Brother showed up for the appearance to ensure that I was following through with my punishment. He left shortly after the ceremony began. It was quite strange for a royal wedding to be so small but my heart screamed out in joy.
    Kit was quite handsome in his royal cloak. He had a very kind but concerned face. The way his hair curled and framed his face softened his appearance. He stood six foot five inches towering a foot above my petit frame. He clasped my hand in his which I found quite bizarre considering the circumstances. This man was a complete stranger to me.
    The ceremony droned on and I only half listened. I paid close attention to cross my fingers behind my back as I recited my marital vows to Kit Bataran. The only vow I took today was to myself. I vowed to keep my heart guarded. I may be forced to marry this man but I would never love him. Everyone I have ever loved has been taken from me. It was better this way.
    “You may now kiss the princess.”
    Kit smiled at my coyly, nervously. Gently, he placed one hand along my cheek and bowed his head down placing his warm lips carefully on mine. This was my first kiss, all of the blood in my body rushed up into my cheeks. I hoped I was doing this right. I felt his other hand brush the small of my back and against my hand which was still fingers-crossed behind my back. Embarrassed, I pulled my hands together. Then it ended just as quickly as it had started.
    “I promise I am going to love you.” Kit whispered in the kindest voice. I felt my stomach flutter and my mind began to fog.
    Snap out of it Mira, guard your heart.
    As a family, we walked toward the royal carriage where the guards and horses were awaiting us. King Laurence and Queen Elmire lead the way while Kit and I followed closely behind. Just as he had before, Kit clasped my hand in his.
    Once we reached the carriage and the king and queen had entered, Kit asked to talk to me on the side. I felt a wave of nerves come over me but politely agreed.
    “Mira, my lady.” He cleared his throat. He was so handsome. “I just wanted to personally express my condolences on the loss of your father. King Erroll was a great man. We thought very highly of him even in Soundsforth. I understand that it has been an excruciatingly difficult day for you and I will respect your space. Please, if there is anything myself or the kingdom of Soundsforth can do for you, do not hesitate to ask. We are you home now.”
    I couldn’t help myself, I threw my arms around his neck and burst into tears. His kindness burned right through me and I so badly needed someone to care for me. Reminding myself to keep my heart guarded, I pulled away carefully from his embrace. “Thank you my prince. We can go home now.” The words tasted funny in my mouth. I had never referred to anywhere but Darden as ‘home.’ Now here I was, headed in the wrong direction and already calling it home.
    When we arrived in Soundsforth hours later, the townsfolk were there to greet us. They cheered as we entered the gates. Everyone was trying to get a glimpse of Soundsforth’s newest princess. I cowered into Kit not wanting to be seen. My mind continued to soar back to Darden. I wondered what they were doing and if anyone missed me. I knew I was certainly missing them. Head forward and heart hidden, I trudged onward into my new life as Princess Mira Bataran of Soundsforth.
    Kit was extremely accommodating when we arrived at the castle. The handmaids had already prepared a separate room to help me adjust. A wave of relief washed over me as I realized I was not expected to share a bed with a complete stranger. They helped me undress and change into something other