The market yelled with excitement and cheers carried through the streets. It filled the courtyard and drifted down the hall. It fluttered into his chambers and he looked up slowly. Frowning, he got to his feet and walked out onto his balcony. His eyes narrowed as he watched the caravan approach and he looked down to his right.

He watched the horses run in the pasture and heard the arrival. Frowning, he looked down at the caravan again and watched them stop at the steps. Grunting, he watched a man dismount and help a young woman down. She brushed blonde hair from her face and the man escorted her inside. Guards unloaded their pack horse and he let out a sigh.

"Your father is waiting for you."

He closed his eyes and said, "Go without me."

Thomas stepped beside him and said, "I cannot."

Glancing at the guard, he held his gaze and said, "I am not going."

Thomas sighed and said, "This will not please your father."

He looked away and listened to the man leave. The door closed and he let out a sigh. Looking out at the pasture, he smirked and watched his stallion. Wind pranced around and tossed his head about. Closing his eyes, he leaned his arms on the railing and took in the afternoon air.

His door opened once more and he opened his eyes. "You have upset my men."

He smirked and said, "I've been known to do that."

She leaned against the railing and asked, "Ignoring tradition?"

Looking at her, he shook his head and said, "This is all a game."

She looked over her shoulder at the pasture and said, "One you have to play in."

Her gaze fell on him and he sighed.

He walked back inside and said, "Against my will."

She moved to his side and said, "We all are pawns."

His eyes watched her step into the hall and he followed. They walked down the hall and he glanced at her. She had her fiery hair pulled back and wore a pair of slacks and a light sleeve blouse. Her sword hung at her side and her boots touched the floor silently. She caught his gaze and he turned his gaze to the approaching doors.

The doors were opened and he stepped inside.

He listened to the conversation and she whispered, "Delay and he'll skin you."

His eyes glanced at her and she walked over to a pillar where his father's men stood. He watched them greet her and silently stepped up to his parents. The guests looked at him and he moved to his mother's side.

Annie took his hand and said, "Alexander, this is Alana and her father King Barron."

He bowed to the King and said, "Welcome."

His eye caught the princess watching him.

He turned to his father and asked, "You summoned me?"

Derek nodded with a smile and said, "This is the woman you were promised."

His eyes narrowed and he glanced over at the guards.

He met her gaze and watched her eyes flash.

Slowly he looked back at Alana and heard, "It is an honor to finally meet you."

She held her hand out and he took it.

Kissing it, he let it go and said, "Excuse me." He stepped around them and left the room.

His pace carried him out of the castle and down to the stables. He gave a whistle and walked over to the fence. Wind trotted over to him and he rubbed the stallion's face. He held the stallion to him and let out a sigh. Wind nudged him and he let him free as he walked into the stables.

The stable boy brought him his saddle and bridle. He walked out into the pasture and saddled Wind. Slipping the bridle on, he tightened it and tossed the reins over his saddle. Pulling himself into the saddle, he slid on his riding gloves and tied the reins around his hand. He flicked the reins and let the stallion cross the pasture.

He drifted away from reality and pushed his life away from his mind. His body moved with Wind and he rode the stallion further into the pasture. The sun began setting and he pulled the stallion to a stop. He looked back at the castle and let out a sigh. Slowly he rode Wind back to the stables and dismounted.

The stable boy took him and said, "I'll have him ready for you tomorrow."

He nodded and left the stables. Silently he walked back up to the castle and stepped inside. He made his way to his chambers and stepped inside. Closing his door, he pulled off his riding gloves and placed them on his desk.

"Do you always ride when you are presented with a queen?"

Frowning, he leaned over his desk and said, "Get out."

She laughed and said, "Unfortunately I do not have to obey you yet."

Her hand slid over his shoulder and he yanked it off.

She met his gaze and he growled, "I said get out."

She pulled her hand free and said, "You will not talk to me like this."

He walked away from her and said, "I could care less."

"I am your future wife. I'd treat me with more respect."

His pulse raced and he caught her wrist.

Her eyes widened and he growled, "You will obey me or I will have you stripped of everything."

She laughed and he shoved her into his desk.

He gripped her throat and growled, "I said get out. I do not like being disobeyed."

Her hand slid around his and she said, "I always wondered if you were like your father."

His hand fell to his side and he walked out onto the balcony.

She stepped up behind him and said, "I am trying to make this work."

His eyes closed and he took a deep breath.

He forced control back into his mind and said, "Then leave."

She slid her hand up his arm and said, "I only want to know who you are."

His eyes slowly moved to her and he said, "That will happen once we are married."

She brushed her lips across his and whispered, "I don't want to wait."

He looked away and listened to her leave. The door closed and he let out a growl. His father's trick was going to be the death of him. He leaned his arms onto the railing and let out a sigh. Opening his eyes, he looked down and watched the guards retreating into the market. His eyes narrowed and he spotted her walking ahead of them.

Sighing, he shook his head and caught her gaze. She held his gaze briefly and disappeared into the market. He smirked and looked up at the darkening sky. The moon filled the night air and he took in the evening air. Stepping away from the railing, he walked back inside and walked into his bed chambers.

Sitting on the bed, he removed his boots and pulled his shirt off. Draping it over a chair, he felt the hand slide up his back and he stilled. Lips ran up his spine and he forced a deep breath into his lungs. His hand tightened into a fist and he felt the anger shaking his control. Hands slid over his shoulders and the lips touched his ears.

Sighing, he turned around and caught her mouth with his. Her arms slid around his neck and he pushed her back onto the bed. Her eyes met his and he untied her robe. She kissed him slowly and he ran his hand through her blonde hair. Her hands worked him free and he captured her mouth as he moved between her legs.