THE Knight’s Hidden Princess

I wasn't much of a drinker but I might have consumed a lot of wine last night during the dinner, or how else was I going to explain the pounding headache I woke up with. Groaning, I turned on my side but instantly regretted it at the sudden burst of sunlight through the thin curtains which felt like a personal attack to me. My eyes screwed shut and I cursed softly under my breath remembering the event that had led to this.

Dinner last night was terrible and it didn't help that the whole family was present along with Celeste the new concubine who sat beside Reagan while laughing flirtatiously at Reagan. The whole family then suddenly decide to become chatty.

Adriana, Reagan's little sister suddenly became interested in Celeste's hair and what she uses on her skin to make her glow, Miguel wanted to know if she had any sister that was as hot as her and Marina outright asked her how fertile and then launched into a full on lecture and I think I might have barfed at one point but I couldn't remember.

What I could remember though was the feel of Reagan's eyes on me the entire time as I drank the entire time and I think at one point I stuck my tongue out at him.

Gods above, just how much of it did I drink? I asked myself as I groaned into my pillow.

The door to my bedroom opened and thinking it was Heather, I stood up from the bed already knowing she was going to warn me about my tardiness. I stood up with my back facing her as I slipped off the night robe I was wearing.

"Don't bother helping me with a bath Heather, I will do it alone." I muttered tossing the bathrobe to a nearby chair. "Can't believe I drank that much wine, it's a miracle I even made it to the bedroom. Not that my husband would care if I did, he had his entire focus on his concubine, that heartless bastard!" I muttered slipping the silky night gown I wore down my body.

"And here I was thinking me being here was a sign that I care!"

My eyes immediately widened at the sound of that voice. Whirling around, I came face to face with Reagan, leaning casually against the doorway, his brows raised as he stared down my body with a blank look on his face. The scream tore from my throat before I could stop it. I scrambled for the discarded bathrobe, yanking it up to cover myself.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice high pitched and unsteady.

"I really do not think you can ask me that question, we are married remember?" He stated, his lips curled into a half smirk.

Oh, right! I thought to myself but that still doesn't excuse it at all. "I thought you were Heather."

"I sent her away," Reagan said walking around the room as he gazed around the bedroom, "Besides, don't act like this isn't my room too."

Snorting at him in response, I looked away from him. "Except you don't sleep in here."

"Is that an invitation sweetness?" Reagan asked his gaze accessing over my body with a smirk on his face.

Rolling my eyes at him, I crossed my arms over my body, "What do you want Reagan?"

"The carriage has been made ready for you." Reagan announced, "Just wanted to tell you to hurry up?"

"Why the carriage?" I asked him then narrowed my eyes at him, "You part of those men that think women shouldn't ride?"

Reagan gave me a pointed look, "I figured you wouldn't want to ride with the way you were busy drinking last night!'

Ah, so he did notice! I thought to myself but gave no reaction, "Fine, I will get ready just as soon as you leave."

Reagan cocked his head, a smirk playing on his lips before he turned around and finally walked away. The moment the door clicked shut behind him, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. There was no to waste. I moved swiftly, heading to the bathroom to have a quick bath then got out to get dressed. I wore a white gown that hugged my figure before cascading freely from the waist down, its fabric light and elegant as it brushed against my legs. The golden embroidery along the neckline and wrists shimmered faintly in the soft light, adding a regal touch to the simplicity of the design.

Next I got busy with my hair, piling it on the top of my head in a tight bun while making sure that not a single hair was out of place. Then I pulled the drawer and stared hesitantly at the tiara before deciding to pick it back up.

It was a silver one with blue diamond stones around it, specifically given to me by my father on my eighteenth birthday. Not the gift I had wanted but he had deemed it perfect for a daughter born to duty, not dreams. Year after Year it was the same sterile gesture, jewels and tiaras. It might seem like every girl's dream but it wasn't to me. They were just reminders of the gilded cage I lived in.

Heaving out a sigh, I wore the tiara on my head, then grab a sheer flowered veil for my face. It was tradition for princesses to always keep their faces covered in order to protect their identities. As if the tiara itself wasn't announcement enough.

I grabbed my purple velvet cloak and gloves before proceeding to head down the stairs. I walked outside of the house and met Reagan busy tending to his horses, adjusting their saddles with an air of casual arrogance, while Miguel leaned against the carriage, shamelessly flirting with a maidservant who was busy loading my trunks inside the carriage.

And this is the man we are supposed to entrust the western provinces too? I thought bitterly shaking my head. Clearing my throat, I approached the carriage when I noticed something else or someone.

Celeste stood right next to the carriage dressed in a crimson gown with a plunging neckline leaving little to the imagination. Her blonde hair hung in waves over her shoulders and the golden jewelry adoring her neck and wrists gleamed provocatively in the sunlight. But all I could think of was that what was she doing here?

"Celeste!" I greeted her with a nod and a confused expression.

She turned to look at me with a slow practiced smile that didn't reach her eyes, "Princess." She purred dipping into a shallow curtsy that would hardly pass as RESPECTFUL.

I turned to look at Reagan, "What is she doing here?"

"She is going to be following you on your trip to the castle." Marina suddenly said as she came out of the house.

"Lady Marina." I greeted politely before I stared at her, "And why will she be doing that?"

Marina opened her mouth to speak but Celeste rushed forward, a downcast painting her features. "Forgive me your highness, I only felt my lord could do with my companion_"

"Your lord?" I asked whirling around to look back at her, "Your companion?"

Celeste blinked at me, feigning innocence though her eyes betrayed with the slightest satisfaction. "Yes that's what I said."

Oh, I see! I thought, clenching my jaw as I drew in a steadying breath. With a smile on my face, I stepped closer towards her. "While I am sure you have only the best interest at heart and that you feel my husband would welcome your companionship, let me make something abundantly clear." I leaned in slightly, my gaze locking with hers, "I don't! I do not feel comfortable with inviting strangers to my home and besides, what makes you so sure my husband doesn't prefer my company?" I let the last word husband linger in the air like a challenge, its weight undeniable.

"Because he spends most night in my room instead of yours." Celeste retorted and though she said it in a way that was uncertain, I saw the tiniest bit of smirk on her face. It was barely there, but present enough to ignite a fire in my chest.

"Oh shit!" Miguel laughed out loud as he stared between us like a spectator in an arena.

The little bit_ I drew in a deep breath and I smiled up at her. "Well my husband and I are just going through some things right now, not that it's any of your business but the fact still remains, you can't come with me to my castle!" I said and from my peripheral vision, I saw Marina open her mouth to speak, but I didn't let her and continued, "Besides, you are not yet a concubine. The title hasn't officially been bestowed upon you. As far as I'm concerned, you are nothing more than the spoils of war and as the lady of this house and the princess of this land, I am ordering you to stay behind."

"But I_" Celeste began, her voice rising in silent protest.

"You do not speak when I give you orders!" I cut Celeste off, my voice cutting through the courtyard like a whip. "You will respect me as the lady of this house and even if you can't manage that, you will respect the crown on my head. Is that understood?" I asked her.

Celeste gazed around, perhaps expecting someone to come to her aid but that didn't happen. Even Marina kept quiet, simply watching with a tight lipped smile on her face. Seeing that no one would come to her aid, Celeste dipped her head in a reluctant bow, the submission forced and brittle.

"Understood your highness!"

Satisfied with her response, I pivoted on my heel and strode toward the carriage, my cloak trailing behind me like shadow. As I approached, I caught Reagan's gaze. He stood by the horses, arms crossed, his dark gaze watching my every move and for a moment, I couldn't tell if his look was one of admiration or resentment.

I straightened my shoulders, refusing to let him or anyone else see even a flicker of doubt as I made my way into the carriage. As I sat down, I knew one thing, everything I've been facing in the Hawthorne's house is nothing but a challenge. But the battle for my place, for my marriage and for my authority had only just begun.