Read Online The Prince's Texas Bride by Leanne Banks - Free Book Online

the prince’s stable. She has spirit and she responds well to a gentle lead. I’m sure you’ve encountered that kind of mount before.”
    â€œOf course,” he said, still tapping his hand with the whip.
    â€œWould you mind if I looked at your whip? I’ve never seen one quite like that before,” she said.
    â€œIt’s been passed down through generations of my family. Napoleon gave it to one of my great-uncles,” he said as he handed it to her.
    â€œIt looks as if it’s barely been used at all,” she said, sliding her fingers over the leather.
    â€œOh, of course not,” the count said. “It’s mostly for show. A true horseman only uses a whip in the direst circumstance.”
    A sliver of relief slid through her and she smiled. “You’re a wise man.”
    â€œYou were worried I would whip the horse,” he mused, surprising her with his perception.
    â€œIt’s my job to be protective of them and anyone who rides them,” she said.
    His lips lifted in a half smile. “Don’t worry. The whip shall remain sheathed.”
    She sighed and dipped her head. “Thank you very much, Count Christo.”
    â€œMy pleasure,” the count said. “It’s nice to see the prince’s new stable master so conscientious. A refreshing change.”
    â€œThank you again,” she said, this time unable to resista smile, then left to check on the other riders and horses. She came upon Bridget on one of the geldings.
    â€œEverything okay?” Eve asked, automatically checking the security of the saddle and stirrups.
    â€œPeachy, as you Yanks would say,” Bridget said. “The good news is that Stefan found a way to take care of those pesky protesters.”
    Eve blinked. “Protesters?” she echoed in confusion.
    Bridget grimaced. “Oh, no. Stefan’s assistant didn’t call you? We thought he would be the best one to explain the problem.”
    â€œWhat problem?” Eve demanded, her mind whirling at all the problems protesters could cause. What if they decided to throw rocks at the riders or horses? She shuddered at the thought.
    â€œThere was an article in the newspaper yesterday. Stefan and I were busy, so we sent Phillipa around to check on you until Stefan’s assistant got in touch with you. I can’t believe he didn’t do that,” Bridget said with a frown. “I assure you Stefan will be furious. But he’s fixed it. The royal guard will march alongside the parade to protect us.”
    Eve frowned. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion. A celebration of Chantaine’s beautiful horses. “Why the protest?” she asked.
    Bridget sighed. “The citizens think Stefan is spending too much money on the horses…and his new horse master. To them, the horses don’t earn their keep.”
    â€œWell, that would be easily fixed,” Eve said.
    â€œHow?” Bridget asked.
    â€œPut Black out to stud. The payment for his sperm could feed a third-world country. Sounds like it’s time to spread it around,” she said.
    Bridget snickered. “Can’t wait to see you convince Stefan of that.”
    Furious that he hadn’t discussed this with her, she balled her fists, but hid them behind her back. “No time like the present. Later, Your Highness.”
    Eve searched the crowd for His Highness and immediately spotted him. He stood tall and confident, resplendent in his dress riding clothes next to Black. She marched toward him.
    â€œYour Royal Highness,” she said and bent her knees. As a curtsy, it sucked big-time, but it was better than nothing.
    â€œMs. Jackson. Good to see you. All the horses are in good form,” he said.
    She moved closer. “I just hope they remain in good form. The protest I never heard about could cause problems.”
    â€œI’ve taken care of it,” he said.
    â€œI should have been informed. It will