A Kiss for the King

the long version

There was no doubt that this was the worst moment in Anastasia's young life. Standing trembling on the palace steps with the crowd cheering behind her, the exquisite little Princess was about to meet her future husband for the first time. Anastasia had heard a great deal about the King of Maurona--about his partiality for everything French, especially the alluring wife of Maurona's French ambassador. The dainty blond Princess knew most men found her pretty. But she would be no match for the dark smoldering beauty already in the King's Suddenly the palace doors opened and the King descended to greet his bride. Anastasia's uneasiness turned to dismay. There was no mistaking the angry scowl on the King's face. He was obviously totally unwilling to have his tempestuous affair interrupted by an arranged Royal marriage.