The Church of Axtarr was the oldest building in Vumaedal and had seen many ceremonies like weddings, reunions, and funerals. But today, you were planning your wedding with your mother at the church. But it was more like your mother was planning her second wedding.

   " We could wrap flowers around the pillars, then across the seats; we could have silk. Of course, a red carpet will be rolled down the aisle so you can walk down with grace and poise. What do you think, Y/n? "

Your mother turned to look at your form, but you weren't focused on her. Instead, you were focused on looking outside, watching the many people walk by the church. 

   " Mother, have you even thought that I don't want to marry Lord Isembart? Have you ever considered that? "

   " Y/n, we've been over this. You have a great marriage proposal to a very wealthy and prosperous man. This might be your only chance to marry someone of such high status. "

   " And what if I don't want to marry him because I don't love him? What about that? "

   " How could you not love him, dear, he's young, rich, and he can take care of any problem that comes in the future. Would you rather marry a peasent? "

   " If I loved them. "

Your mother's smirk fell to a frown, and she glanced at you as if you had insulted her. Then, she folded her arms and glared at you, with her red lips, sneering at you.

   " How dare you say such a thing. You need to be educated on your role in society. You are  a noble lady, you should not even be looking at those below us. "

   " Then you marry, Lord Isembart. You've already planned everything to your tastes! "

You stood from the pew and walked toward the exit to the church. Your mother's voice echoed throughout the church as she tried to call for you, but you didn't listen to her words. It was time you finally stuck up for yourself; after many years of pure obedience, you were finally biting back at your parents. Eventually, the doors to the church were thrown open, and you stepped out of the church, walking down the street.

Arlutrix, who was standing outside the church, spotted your moving form and followed after you, as his master had commanded. The man followed beside you through the streets and made sure that he kept up with your fast pace.

   " Who does she think she is? She can marry Lord Isembart herself! "

   " My lady? "

   " Because I don't want to marry him! But no one's listening to me! "

   " Lady Y/n. "

   " And I've never had control of anything in my life, so of course, why would I have control over my marriage? "

   " Y/n. "

   " I can't do this anymore. I don't want to be married to a man I barely see, let alone love--"

   " Y/n! "

Your rambling and walking suddenly stopped at Arlutrix's shout. You turned toward the man and noticed that he had finally shown you some expression. His brows were creased, and his lips were cast downward. The turquoise eyes that were always unfocused now looked at you sternly.

   " Is marrying my master so bad? You will live a lavish life. Anything you desire will be within your reach, and you will have ties to royalty. Is that not enough for you? "

Silence met the man's ears, and you couldn't believe what you heard. The comment made your blood boil, and you raised your hand, poking his chest.

   " Hardly. Who said I wanted any of that? I don't remember anyone asking me for my opinion on things. And who are you to talk to? I bet you've never even loved someone. "

   " Are you saying you ar in love with another? " He asked, raising his eyebrow.

   " No, I'm saying that I could marry someone I loved instead of someone I don't even know. I'm still young and have things I want to do with my life, but I can't. And if you don't understand that, then don't continue to question me. "

Arlutrix reminded silent and folded his hands together, letting his long sleeves connect to its brother. The man took a deep breath before his expression returned to normal, showing no other expression.

   " Then, what would you like to do? "

   " I. . .I want. . . "

The human mind is a very tricky entity. All your life, you had never been asked, seriously, what you wanted to do, and now that the question was asked, you hesitated. Arlutrix raised his eyebrow at you again, questioning if he should have even asked.

   " You don't know what you want to do? "

   " I've just never been asked that question and taken seriously. So, I'm not sure. But I don't want to be here; I do know that. "

   " Then, what if we left the city for a bit? Would that put your mind at ease? "

   " Sure, but how do you suggest we leave? I have no horse, and I'm pretty sure Lord Isembart doesn't have one either. He only has a carriage. "

Arlutrix folded his arms and placed his finger against his lips, thinking of a solution to the problem. Then, suddenly, he snapped his fingers and grabbed your wrist within his hand.

   " Follow me. I have an idea. "

   " What is your idea? "

   " We borrow a horse. "

   " Borrow, or steal? "

   " What's the difference? We'll be returning the stud, anyways. "

   " But that's not right. "

Arlutrix stopped walking and turned toward you, his brows slightly furrowed again. He still held your wrist within his hand tightly and showed no sign of letting go of your appendage. 

   " Didn't you say you wanted to be more open? To let your voice be heard more? Then, take a risk; that's your first step. If you shy away from anything risky, then you won't learn what it's like to live. Are you coming with me, my lady? "

The words hit you hard, and you realized how right he was. If you didn't take any risks, you would be a hypocrite and a brat. So silently, you nodded, and a sly smirk appeared on Arlutix's face.

   " Okay then. Follow my lead. "

Arlutrix started walking again, pulling you with him. Silently, your due moved through the streets, not getting noticed by anyone walking by. You looked around and saw that people were taking glances at you, but it was due to Arlutrix's dark outfit. But, you turned your head away and focused on the path in front of you, the path of following Arlutrix.

The stables were where the man had brought you. There were many stallions and mares in front of you in the stalls, standing without purpose, but they took notice of your appearance. All the horses glanced your way before turning their head to look away from you, but their ears still pointed toward you.

   " They're all looking at us. It's almost creepy. " Arlutrix said.

   " But their heads are turned away from us. "

   " But their ears are turned toward us. So if their ears are turned toward you, that means they're looking at you. It's like how when a rabbit hears something, they stand on its hind legs, and its ears turn straight up. Wherever their ears are pointed is where they're looking for danger. This horse should do just fine. "

Arlutrix stepped up to one stall and raised his hand to pet the stud that nuzzled toward Arlutrix's hand. Arlutrix opened the stall silently and stepped into the stall, putting a saddle on the horse and securing the seat. After ensuring the seat was settled on the stallion's back, he turned toward you and gestured for you to get closer. You did so, and Arlutrix wrapped his hands tightly around your waist before lifting you onto the horse. His hands fit perfectly around you and slightly tickled you. You sat on the front end of the saddle, with Arlutrix jumping on behind you. 

   " Easy as pie. "

   " Can you even make a pie? "

   " I can; I'm an excellent cook actually. "

   " Do you do all of the chores around the house? I noticed there were no other servants around the estate. "

   " It's just me, myself, and I. I do everything around the home, but it's easy for me. "

   " How? There's a lot to do every day, and that includes following me and Lord Isembart around. "

   " Well, let's just say--"

   " Hey! That's my horse! "

You turned your head and looked at one end of the stables and saw a man standing at the end with his finger pointed in your direction.

   " Oh no! "

   " Hold on! "

Arlutrix snapped the reigns, and the horse trotted out of its stall and then ran out of the stables. Your heart was pounding fast from committing your first crime, but you knew you couldn't turn back now and apologize. Arlutrix laughed, feeling his heart race and the excitement of the crime run through his veins. Another expression you had yet to see on his light chocolate features. The horse ran through the city until you were on the outskirts, and even then, the horse continued to run faster, leaving a trail of dust behind.