Page 23 of The Marked Princess

“I beat Edmund in three straight bouts today, you should have seen his face. And I came in first during the footrace we all had around the training arena. It was glorious.” She turned her head to look back at him, her eyes glowing with pride. “I kicked their asses, just like you told me to.”

Alex grinned. “Yeah, three years ago. Maybe it's time you cut them a little slack.”

Her grin turned devilish, and her nose wrinkled up in the most adorable way.

“Never.”

He chuckled. “Then maybe it's time I took you on, see if I can't teach you a little humility.”

“Yes! Yes, yes, yes!” She pumped her fists in the air, letting out a squeal of excitement. “You mean it? You'll really have a bout with me?”

“Sure, next chance we get.”

“Tomorrow morning in the training arena, first thing. I am so ready to take you on!”

“Tomorrow, then.”

“Promise?”

He laughed. “Cross my heart.”

She fell back into the grass with a noise of satisfaction. “Excellent. I am going to kick. your. ass.”

“You can try.”

“Oh, I will. Try and succeed.”

Their banter was interrupted by King Frederic, who appeared at the top of the hill astride his stallion, several of his knights on horseback beside him.

“Josselyn, what are you doing down there? Get up here this instant. Your aunt was mad with worry when you failed to show up for your music lesson.”

Her face scrunched up in distaste, but she pulled her feet out of the water, collecting her things as she stood.

“Coming, father.”

She trudged up the hill, glancing over her shoulder and mouthing 'tomorrow' before she reached the top and was pulled up onto her father's mount. The king looked down the hill, holding Alex's gaze for a long moment, his expression indiscernible, before spurring his horse on and riding off. Alex had a sinking feeling he'd soon find out just what the king thought about him meeting his daughter with such familiarity.

He didn't have to wait long, as the king summoned him that very evening, a servant ushering him into the king's private study and closing the door shut behind him. He stood, forcing himself not to squirm under the king's hard gaze. After what felt like an age, the king cleared his throat.

“You've been with us a long time, now, Alex, and I've heard nothing but praise from General Weston in regards to your responsibility and training.”

Alex swallowed, waiting.

“And my daughter seems to be fond of you, as well.” The king narrowed his eyes. “Extremely fond, in fact.”

He was sweating now, waiting for the king to make his point.

“Given her attachment and your dedication, I've decided you would be the perfect choice for Josselyn's personal guard. Now that she's sixteen, it's even more crucial than ever that she be shielded from any... less than desirable characters who might come sniffing around, looking for a crown.”

The king leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he regarded Alex with his steady gaze.

“The position will be official immediately, assuming you're willing?”

Alex bowed. “I would be honored, Your Majesty.”

“Good, good. That's all set then.”

Straightening to his full height, Alex glanced at the door, wondering if he was dismissed, or...