James POV

•••••

It was early afternoon and I was running a bit late. I made my way quickly into the stables and began my work hoping no one would notice. I led the horses out of the stalls into the pen out back, then began my least favorite part of my work, cleaning out the stalls. After lots of cleaning they Finley looked up to man that's paying me's, grouchy old expectations. I led the horses back into there stalls and gave them fresh water and hay. As I am dumping the last load of hay into a stall I hear light footsteps from behind me.
I turn to see Cora walking to violet, her horse that she had staying here.

That darn mare never liked me much. She would always nip and shove me any chance she got, maybe she was jealous of all the attention I was getting from Cora. Violet was Cora's other half. they'd never be another horse for that girl, even after it dies. Cors would probably end up walking everywhere she went because she would not be able to bare the pain that came with finding another companion.

I watched her as she stroked her mare with love. "I see someone's been taking good care of you!" She said to violet then looked at me smiling.

As she stood there her smile faded and she stepped away from her mare and came In front of me.

"I am sorry I haven't visited in awhile, I have been so busy." She said with a annoyed breath.

I just shrugged, I knew she'd have less and less time for me once I heard about the prince coming to the kingdom.

"I'd give anything to be that little girl again being chased through the fields by that stable boy" she said with a soft smile

I smiled, those had been better days. Like her I wished I could go back to being that care free child that didn't know anything about this dark world in which we live in.

"I recall you doing most of the chasing, I however do remember me running for my life as you laughed.... Such a bully" I teased.

She smiled and put one hand on her hip. "Lucky for you I am nicer now, you only get chased every other day." She said and we both laughed.

"How is everything?" I asked when what I meant to say is "what has your uncle have you doing this time."

She let out a breath as she plopped down on a stack of hay, she didn't really care how improper it looked and I always found that amusing.

"I don't even know were to start James, everything is so mixed up and wrong. I really wish I didn't know any of it." She said with a tired look.

"Any of what? I asked.

•••••

I watched as she told me everything in detail and laid her worry's on me. She looked very relieved to have it all out out of her system. Even though I listened with a calm and comforting face, inside I felt sickened. How could one persons life be so horrifying? First, her people were slaughtered by her adopted uncle. if thats that not enough already, he is using her as his own personal assassin. The man she almost killed because her uncle told her to happens to me the man he now wants her to Marry... Oh and the prince also happens to be one of the mountain people just like her, it's so hard to keep up with it all. Speaking of the prince, something wasn't quite right about that part. I felt as if she was holding something back. Every time I would ask about him she would change the topic very fast. I found that odd.

"you're life is anything but boring" I joked.

She nodded in agreement as she stood and dusted herself off. She walked over to her mare and stroked her once more. Without a word she walked to the saddle rack and picked up violet's saddle. I ran to her and ripped it out of her hands.

"What do you think you are doing" I asked her.

"I" she said as she try'd to take the saddle out of my hands "am going for a ride."

"Alone?" I asked forgetting for a moment that it was Cora and not just your average princess. "It's my job" I said "let me do it" and with that I ripped the saddle away from her and walked over to violet. I placed the saddle and pad on her back and strapped it on.

"All done your highness" I said.

She stood there with arms crossed and shoot daggers at me with her eyes. I knew she didn't like it when I used her title but I couldn't help it.

"Sorry" I muttered

I was brought up to respect people and their royalty. after all my own family was once royal before king Xavier took over and shoved out all the Dukes and barons who weren't to keen on the idea of king Xavier taking over. so he made us Give up our homes, money, and titles. My parents had to work on a farm for two years before they'd saved up enough money to buy their own. As soon as I was Old enough to walk they'd put me to work at the Stables with another man that was working here at the time but now he is retired. it was one of the most highly needed jobs at the time so it paid good. I send most of my money back home to my Family and younger siblings so they don't lose the farm, it's really all they have. I never told Cora any of this. She knew my parents were farmers, but she didn't know the backstory to it all. I didn't want her to hate her uncle for it but now I guess it doesn't really matter considering she already does.

She walked to her mare and I helped her in the saddle. She looked so different in a dress. She looked more.. Normal.

"You'll be ok?" I said but it was more of a Question.

She put the most believable smile on her face but I could see the truth behind it.

"Don't be worrying about me James, I am always ok" she said before she took off out of the stables.

I watched her black hair blowing in the wind as she galloped away with fierce grace. she was truly a worrier princess.

•••

I did my work in silence as I was the only one there. I scrubbed, moped, and brushed everything in sight. After awhile i heard someone approaching on horse back. I placed all of my cleaning Supplies back in the closet and made my way over to greet whoever was coming.

I saw a woman with hair the color of fire quickly approaching. She carried herself with such grace even though I could tell she wasn't royal. She slowed down her steed as she entered the stables. I went to help her off but she wasted no time in doing it herself.

"His name is Benny.. Make sure He eats lots of hay, carrots, and apples. And gets cleaned 4 times a day.. Only the best for my Benny." She said as she stroked him.

"Alright, did you already pay the fee upfront? I asked her.

"Oh I don't need to." She said. "I am a Guest brought as a entertainer for the wedding of prince William and princess Cora"

"Really. What are you going to do?" I asked.

She starting to unstrap her Saddle bag then tossed it over her shoulder. "I am a dancer." She said with a smile

She had the most beautiful red hair I'd ever seen, with lips to Match. She was not as skinny as most of the woman I have seen, instead she had the most sexy curves. Her green eyes were so intimidating I felt like to look away but couldn't. She had such a unique look to herself and I found it fascinating.

"What kind of dancing?" I asked curiously.

"Are you going to attend the wedding?" She asked

"Yes"

"Then you'll see." She said with a Flirtatious smile.

She turned on her heel and walked out of the stables.

"Wait!" I called out. "I didn't even get your name!"

She turned around and tilted her head before she spook

"Ruby"

•••

If you guys don't remember ruby she was in the beginning of the book. She try'd to take over Norman's job while he was sick.

First Chapter from James POV! What did you think? I am getting more and more votes and comments! I love it! Thanks guys!