-Josie-

"Hello Josie!" I hear one of the ladies call out as I enter the Equestrian Facility stands.

I greet the ladies that I recognize. There are more ladies than I had anticipated, all of them related to some noble family or relations of the royal family. I'm chatting with a new made friend when I hear Camille's voice.

"Josie!"

"Hey." I smile as she hugs me.

"I was so excited when I saw your name on the racing list! The French ladies are in for a surprise." She smirks. Camille and the rest of Illea's royal family have witnessed me in plenty of races back in Angeles, both at the palace and outside.

"I'm sure the French riders are even better than me." I shrug it off.

Camille takes hold of my shoulders and shakes me, "Stop being modest! You better beat these riders so that I can show off that I know the winner."

"But don't you know all those ladies?" I ask her.

"Doesn't mean I like them." Camille winks and I laugh.

"Lady Josie." I hear a new voice that I've heard before only on Television.

"Your Highness." I curtsy as Lady Daphne walks up to us.

"Oh no need to curtsy! Camille's the queen now, not me." Lady Daphne bypasses formal greetings and pulls me into a hug.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness." I say as she lets go.

"You too, dear." She pats my shoulder as she walks away to greet other guests.

"Mom has been holding these races ever since she was crowned queen." Camille tells me.

"That long?" I ask in awe.

Camille nods, smiling at my bewildered expression, "It's practically a royal tradition now. It would be scandalous for these aristocrats if a year was skipped."

"Wow. I did not know what I was getting myself into." I sigh, slightly nervous.

Camille hooks an arm through mine as she begins leading me towards the front seats. "You will do great. For now just relax and enjoy watching the professionals race and then it'll be time for the ladies' race!"

Josie insists that I sit in the front with her and Lady Daphne since I'm her sister. We watch the professional races, cheering and clapping for the contestants. Finally the races are over and the prizes have been handed out so it's time for the guest race.

I'm already wearing my riding gear so I head down to the stalls where the horses are. Heather is brought over and she nuzzles my neck just like she always does.

"How do you know Camille?" Vivienne demands, appearing in front of me.

"She's my sister-in-law." I reply, surprised.

"Of course! Do you want to go shopping with me tomorrow?" Vivienne smile at me. She smiles at me!

"Uhh...I have plans for tomorrow. But thank you for the offer." I return the smile before turning back to Heather.

"Then have lunch with me next Wednesday! I'm have a massive luncheon for some friends." She clasps her hands together.

I sigh as I look at her, "Vivienne, I would love to be friends with you but not like this. You just realized that I'm the queen's sister so now you're interested in befriending me? I can't forget the cold shoulder you've given me since the day we met. Maybe if your offer was genuine, I would accept it. Now if you'll excuse me, I should get ready for the race."

"See you at the finish line." She glares at me as she stomps off towards her usual huddle of lackeys.

I make sure the saddle is secure before I swing myself up into it. I trot out onto the track with the other ladies and take one of the places at the start line. I expect no one to know me but there are cheers are claps with my name called out when they see me.

To my surprise I do end up winning the race and Vivienne storms off right after she reaches the finish line in fifth place.

"You did so well!" Camille claps as she and lady Daphne join me on the track.

"Thank you." I reply, sheepishly already feeling shy at all the attention.

I'm exhausted by the time I get home from the races that lasted all morning and then the luncheon that continued into the evening with Vivienne's attitude scattered throughout. I barely manage to stay awake through the few minutes that it takes Amarna to let my hair out of the tight riding bun and take off my makeup.

I fall asleep the minute my head touches the pillow.

And only wake up when I feel arms wrap around my waist.

"Hey." I whisper, snuggling into Kaden's arms.

"Hey." He replies, kissing my head. "I've been hearing rumors all afternoon that my wife won her first race in France."

"She did." I sigh as I feel a kiss on my neck and his hair tickles my cheek. I open my eyes just as he lowers his lips to mine and takes my breath away.