Page 2 of The Marked Princess

“Milady.”

Josselyn rolled her eyes, hooking her legs over the branch and swinging so that she hung upside down like a bat. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked at the two men now standing in front of her.

“And just whom is this lady of which you speak? Surely, you aren't referring to me.”

Grabbing the branch with her hands, she swung down to the ground, landing with catlike grace.

“I'm not a lady, I am the future queen of Eldour, and I most certainly do not need a man to help me do something I am perfectly capable of doing myself.”

She squared her shoulders as she looked up at Alex.

“Take me to my aunt, then. I shall face my fate without fear.”

Edmund's laughter rang out behind them as they began walking through the gardens toward the castle.

“It's just a bath and a nice dress, Joss,” he called after her. “I'm sure you'll survive.”

∞∞∞

“Oh, not that one, Aunt Merri, I'm begging you.”

Josselyn grimaced at the elaborate, blue gown Lady Merridale held out. “It's so tight and stuffy, I can hardly breathe with it on.”

Lady Merridale harrumphed and continued to hold out the offending gown.

“It is both regal and elegant, two attributes that you are quite lacking at the moment. Must I remind you of the importance of this meeting? Prince Stefan, who is second in line to the Antoski crown, has come to negotiate a treaty with us. We must put our best foot forward. Surely you wish for peace along the border?”

Placing her hands on her hips, Josselyn gave her aunt an indignant look.

“I hardly see how my discomfort will benefit anyone. The green gown with the gold sash is just as elegant as this monstrosity, and it is far more comfortable to wear.”

Lady Merridale looked at Josselyn aghast.

“You must be joking, my dear. It's sleeveless. Your arms would be bare!”

“So? It's summer, everyone is wearing short sleeves. It's perfectly respectable.”

“Not everyone has the mark of a beast on them, do they?”

She looked pointedly at Josselyn's right forearm, where four black claw marks stood out against her tanned skin. Josselyn looked down, tracing the marks with her finger.

“It's just a birthmark. Lots of people have them. Besides, Mother always said it made me special. She called me her little wildcat.”

Lady Merridale sighed and laid the blue gown out on the bed.

“My sister was blinded by a mother's love. Others, I'm afraid, will not see it in the same light. Therefore, you will cover your arms, mind your manners, and sit quietly as your father leads us into a more peaceful era.”

She turned to the corner of the room where Josselyn's maid was standing, wringing her hands and watching the two women with rounded eyes.

“I'll leave this hoyden to you. See if you can't manage to do something with that mane she calls hair.”

Turning back to the princess, she leveled her with her sternest look.

“Your guard will collect you when it is time for you to join the meeting. Be sure you're ready by then.”

“His name is Alex, Aunt Merri, and you've known him since he was two.”

“Don't remind me. I have no idea what your parents were thinking, taking that boy in. They should have had him dumped off with the first group of gypsies that passed by, instead of bringing him here.”