The Prince's Bride. Lisa Laurel Kaye

      Table of Contents

       Cover Page

       Title Page

       Excerpt

Dear Reader

       Dedication

       About the Author

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Epilogue

       Copyright

      The Prince’s Bride

      Lisa Kaye Laurel

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

       “It is a great honor to present you my betrothed, Miss Julie Britton,”

      Prince Erik announced.

      

      An expectant hush spread over the crowded ballroom.

      

      Erik looked down at Julie. “What are they waiting for?” he asked softly.

      

      She gave him a smile so sweet, it made something in him ache. “I think they’re waiting for us to seal the deal,” she said, almost apologetically. “With a kiss.”

      

      A kiss. He gathered her into his arms. Slowly she leaned toward him, her lips hovering just below his.

      Erik covered her mouth with his and became lost in the reality of a kiss as sweet and warm as new honey.

      

      He took a step back. The applause rose to a thunderous pitch, filling the massive room from wall to wall.

      

      It was over. The crowd believed. Erik’s duty to the king was done.

      But his engagement to Julie was just beginning…

      Dear Reader,

      This month, Silhouette Romance has six irresistible, emotional and heartwarming love stories for you, starting with our FABULOUS FATHERS title, Wanted: One Son by Laurie Paige. Deputy sheriff Nick Dorelli had watched the woman he loved marry another and have that man’s child. But now, mother and child need Nick. Next is The Bride Price by bestselling author Suzanne Carey. Kyra Martin has fuzzy memories of having just married her Navajo ex-fiancé in a traditional wedding ceremony. And when she discovers she’s expecting his child, she knows her dream was not only real…but had mysteriously come true! We also have two not-to-be missed new miniseries starting this month, beginning with Miss Prim’s Untamable Cowboy, book 1 of THE BRUBAKER BRIDES by Carolyn Zane. A prim image consultant tries to tame a very masculine working-class wrangler into the true Texas millionaire tycoon he really is. Good luck, Miss Prim!

      In Only Bachelors Need Apply by Charlotte Maclay, a man-shy woman’s handsome new neighbor has some secrets that will make her the happiest woman in the world, and in The Tycoon and the Townie by Elizabeth Lane, a struggling waitress from the wrong side of the tracks is romanced by a handsome, wealthy bachelor. Finally, our other new miniseries, ROYAL WEDDINGS by Lisa Kaye Laurel. The lovely caretaker of a royal castle finds herself a prince’s bride-to-be during a ball…with high hopes for happily ever after in The Prince’s Bride.

      I hope you enjoy all six of Silhouette Romance’s terrific novels this month…and every month.

      

      Regards,

      

      Melissa Senate,

      Senior Editor

      Please address questions and book requests to:

      Silhouette Reader Service

      U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269

      Canadian: P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie; Ont. L2A 5X3

      For my wonderful parents, who have always believed in me.

       LISA KAYE LAUREL

      has worked in a number of fields, but says that nothing she’s done compares to the challenges—and rewards—of being a full-time mom. Her extra energy is channeled into creating stories. She counts writing high on her list of blessings, which is topped by the love and support of her husband, her son, her daughter, her mother and her father.

       Prologue

      Julie entered the castle door and found herself in the middle of a fairy tale.

      She looked around, enraptured. Everything was just as she had pictured it would be when she had dreamed of dressing up and going to a royal ball at the Anders Point castle. But this was no dream. She was really here, literally rubbing elbows in the entry hall with some of the most famous and influential people in the world. It struck her that tonight, these were her peers. Though she was sixteen years old and granddaughter of the castle caretaker, she was an invited guest at the royal ball, the same as they were. Handing her wrap to an attendant, she cast a nervous glance at the mirror that hung on the wall. An attractive young woman dressed in an elegant long gown looked back at her, and Julie’s first thought was, I’d like to befriends with her. Her second, which came with a shock, was, I am that woman!

      Following the crowd, she took her place in the receiving line. King Ivar, who had known her from the cradle, gave her a look of approval as he took her hand. Then she was on her own. She found a place to stand at