I'd never seen someone tying a saddle knot so furiously before but Cyrus was making it his sole purpose in life. I arrived quietly enough to see him yank, shove, and weave the leather in and out of Edith's straps with such careful precision that I knew undoubtedly this was a common outlet for his frustrations. But he moved deftly, and it was a perfect display of the mastered control over his hands. Still, it was almost comedic how angry he was about it. Worse, how angry he was when he finally noticed I was there.

"Good morning," I said, tentatively.

"Is it?" he tossed one end over the other. "What's good about it?"

"...Well," I started. "The sun is-"

"That was rhetorical, Princess."

"Where is Isaac?" I asked. She wasn't in the stalls as far as I could see. In fact, Tails was ready to go, and the whole barn was eerily quiet.

"At my cottage," he told me.

"Are we not-?"

"I will break her on my own time, and deliver her to you when it's done. October maybe. Sooner if you stop scheduling tours."

I shifted nervously. "If you had agreed to speak with me, I wouldn't have to schedule tours." I said. "I play the hand I'm dealt."

"I didn't peg you for a gambler," he laughed harshly.

"...Kind of strange to find myself on this end of a tantrum."

His eyes narrowed. "I wanted space. I asked for space. Don't accuse me of tantrums when-!"

"Space?" I cried. "Because my knight discovered us in the farmhouse? Cyrus! He thought what anybody else with half a brain would have, finding us like that!"

"Is that what you think this is about?" he croaked.

"I don't know what to think. I didn't think you were the type to let people's opinions shape your actions!"

He all but threw the belt he held, taking a long, measured step at me. "I don't!"

"Just admit to the bruised vanity so that we may move on!"

"You humble me," he seethed.

"I didn't ask you to carry me into that house! You should've left me in the dirt!"

"You should have higher standards for the company you keep if you think that's an appropriate way to treat a woman!"

"Yeah? What about men who get me drunk?"

"That," he gawked. "Was a dual effort!"

"I only asked that you talk to me!"

"No!" he cried, catching himself. "No. You asked me if I felt sparks." He was within a foot now. I could see the rise and fall of his chest; I could hear it. His ragged breathing; it made mine louder, too. "Then turned around and asked your prince to have me take you to the place where you will marry him!" His eyes dropped to my lips as everything else about the moment took on a softer, injured ambience. "...Do you have any idea how much I don't want to do that?" I trembled, trying to nod, or shake my head, and with another pant, he added; "Did you even read my letter or did you just send it back as it was?"

"Let-Letter?" I muttered. "I did... I did not receive a letter. Did you send me one?"

He sat in my words for a second longer, finally allowing his mood to taper. "...What kind of man would not apologize for hurting you?"

"I... I... you didn't-I," I stumbled. Years of empty attempts flooded back into the caverns of my heart. "Sir, I would have responded to a letter. I promise." My hands fell from my skirt, brushing my thighs and as he turned away from me, I followed suit in a few steps. "I would have. I swear to God."

He sighed.

"I tried to see you. Had there been a letter, I would have felt less... alone in my melancholia."

"You tried to see me?" he asked.

"More than once but Elías. He intercepted me. He's very devout to his beliefs. In protecting me from you. Why-? Why would I ignore- if I knew you wanted-? You wanted to see me, I would have answered. I'm no stranger to ignored correspondence."

His shoulders drooped; I knew he wanted to believe me, maybe he did, but it was another moment longer before he turned.

"I would've," I whined.

Cyrus found his temples with the balls of his hands, circling them. "This is a terrible idea," he said. "You; being here. Sam will just have to-" My mind wandered, seeking the ends of every vein along his arms. "-find somebody else to escort you around."

"I don't want somebody else for anything," I swore. "I want you."

We both watched the other, and then- I broke the barrier, stepping forward, closing the sea between us at a speed I'd never possessed before. An insanity that had taken possession of my body, that dared my hands to connect with his shirt. I snatched what I could of it to my chest, bringing him into a raw, desperate kiss.

On contact, the kindling I accused us of bearing ignited into an all consuming heat; a blaze, a fire- and there was nothing to be done about it. His hands danced over the curves of my face, traveling into my hair and I sighed like steam escaping a kettle.

Cyrus lifted me, wrapping his arm around my backside and carrying me a short distance until I was pressed into the still-open door of the stables. He slammed it shut, parting from my lips to find my jaw, my neck, my shoulder! I raked my fingers through his curls, sinking into every individual tingle his air drew from me, moaning quietly as he navigated the strings of my vest. I could've passed out when he breathed, "Svana."

"I-"

Suddenly the door creaked, and he broke away. My heels met the ground again as the barn reopened to a casually dressed man.

Cyrus cleared his throat, steadying himself on the wall behind us, and while that left him leaned over me, our sudden audience did not seem too troubled. In fact, he was thankfully and remarkably unaware of the passion that had just filled this room. He stepped by us to look over the equipment at one of the stations.

I almost didn't recognize him without the armor, until he actually spoke. "Good morning, Your Highness. Mr. Evergreen," he said in his bright voice.

"Willoughby?" I cried.

Cyrus took a determined step away from me and went back to Edith like nothing had happened, but I was left reeling in place.

"...Good morning." Willoughby said again. "Beautiful day for a ride, then yeah?" He settled his hand on the hilt of his sword, a lazy habit. "If it's alright with you, Mr. Evergreen, I've brought my horse from the carriage."

Cyrus glanced at me as he answered, "I was unaware you would be accompanying us today."

"Oh? I figured the Princess would've told you," he shrugged. I shook my head but Willoughby filled in the missing link. "As it seems, both Elías and Miss Svana are quite concerned with the threat of bandits."

"Elías and I?" I said. "Your mercy, Ser Elías told you I was scared?" That old rat! I thought. "Is he to attend this ride as well then?"

"No?" Willoughby laughed. "It's just us I'm afraid."

"Perfect," I sang. I glimpsed at the other, who'd refolded his arms, and considered how I could maneuver out spending the day with Ser Willougby.

"Your own horse is fine," Cyrus said much to my dismay. "Is she saddled?" He and Willoughby continued in their conversation as I schemed internally.

"Aye, she's saddled."

Elías, I brooded. I didn't know why he'd interfered, why he felt it was necessary, why I couldn't make decisions for myself, but I was determined to find out. And now, sending me a chaperone. How dare he! If war was what he wanted, then war was what he'd get.

I was an Eisson, after all.

"I did not know he'd be joining us," I whispered, appearing next to Cyrus and his horse. "Leave it to me. I have a few words for Elías when we-"

He tilted his head towards mine, nodding at our third wheel. "Not the time," he urged.

"But I-"

"I believe you," he said, adding; "Perhaps this is a blessing."

"A blessing?" I tried to dissect the word as it left my buzzing lips. "Explain."

"I never get to ride much these days," Willoughby remarked. "Not since my oath. Not that I'm complaining, Your Highness! I mean only that I grew up near a ranch, and this is certainly a welcomed change of pace from wandering stone halls. The hills are gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. I've always preferred to be outside."

Cyrus chimed; "Aye, this sect of Chalke is often more vibrant than its southern states."

"I'm inclined to agree with you," the other said.

"You've been?" He caught himself, adjusting. "Ah. Right. Where were you stationed for the war?"

"In Brid."

"Brid?" he replied, grinning. "Your father must not have friends. Brid is a desert."

"You haven't the need to remind me, sir. I was there. And you?"

Cyrus shifted, "I, uh. I actually remained in the Capitol. Training knights," his chin came barely over his shoulder, towards me, maybe with a hint of guilt.

"In other words, we weren't allowed to deploy?" Willoughby nodded. "I've heard many men faced similar walls."

"Sam assured me it was out of a necessity to prepare the Palace for seige, but I-" Finally our eyes met, and as quickly as they had locked, he moved on. "-suspect his father was indeed concerned about my birthplace."

"Was it strange for you?" I asked. "Having to train the enemy?"

Cyrus shrugged. "None of us are fighting now," he sang. "With your marriage we'll all be one. War will be long, long, into the horizon."

"Or gone forever!" the other said. "I've got it. I should come back for the games in Autumn. Try my hand at besting the infamous Cyrus Evergreen in a match!"

"Oh, you think you might?" My Sword regained his vigor, heartily. "If you can manage just to keep your feet, I'll treat you to an ale at the festival."

"You'll treat me to two when I win."

"I like this one," Cyrus said to me. "Tell me, Willough. Are recruits still forced to battle Elías before they are considered?" he laughed. "Or is that gone with his age?"

"You mean to ask, does Elías still beat us senseless? Yes. Some things never die."

The two wandered back into planning their misadventures, discussing where every merchant cart might lie in town, and what they might be selling, with animated hands. If I didn't know any better, I might have suspected that Cyrus enjoyed Ser Willoughby's arrival. I didn't know what to do with that, but I was a little offended. I could've found of a few things I'd prefer to do. "...And then we'll take a left at the cherry blossoms," he pointed.

I swayed in my seat. "We don't have to see the Chapel today," I called. "I'm sure Ser Willoughby prefers what the empire has to offer him in way of landscaping than silly altars for silly weddings."

"On the contrary," he replied. "I am quite excited to see where you'll take your vows. His Royal Highness was just explaining to me that this site is a tradition in the Azarii house. As I understand it, both his parents and his grandparents and their's, wed in the very place that you'll stand. There's beauty in that."

"Is there?" I wanted to scream. "I was unaware you were such the romantic. This is a new side of you. Not sure what to do with it."

"We've never had time to truly talk to one another," he said. "But believe me, I am a seer of signs in this world."

Cyrus nodded, but half-heartedly. "Aye. We're almost there," he said.

When we arrived at the clearing that held the Chapel, it was as incredible as anything else the country offered. The church was small, but quaint, as Sam had suggested. Not a cathedral, but an open, one-room structure that wore the features you would expect of any house of worship. Stained glass, wooden doors, white planks lining the walls. It had its own personality and I loved it. I loved it.

Cyrus caught me tracing the details of a statue near the steps as he tied our horses to the post. For a moment, I felt guilty, liking the angel so much. I prayed he didn't read into my taste in art for anything more than it was. He went in ahead of us, his voice echoing with the acoustics as soon as he'd opened the door. "Ser Willoughby is correct; the Azarii family marries here. But it is more about the superstition than a preference, I think."

Willoughby was next inside, then me. "Superstition?" he asked.

I trailed my fingers along the pews, stopping to admire the single ray of light that cut in through the window off the back wall. It split the sky above God's outstretched hands; crimson and blue, and went past Him, into the chamber, to dust the man I'd kissed, standing patiently by the altar.

I took a second glance, taken by the sight, and for once, I saw a glimpse of what my wedding might look like. But to Cyrus. Of what marrying him, not Sam, might look like. Cyrus cast his eyes off me and to the floor, buried in an apparent gloom, even when I came and stood next to him.

"It's said that the couples who kiss in this room will know eternal love," he said.

"Well that's just mad," I blurted. Both men looked at me. "Well it is. Love is a complex sensation, not just something that blossoms out of opportunity. Your legend implies that if I were to," I gestured stupidly around the room. "Kiss Willoughby right now, we'd be locked in our fate."

"Well I think it's lovely," Willoughby choked. "And you will be so radiant your wedding day. Even the sun agrees." He motioned towards me; the various colors from the stained glass reflecting over my dress.

"Oh," I said softly, touching them and watching the lines dance. "I think... I think I've seen what I need to." I spun, smiling brighter than I could have asked for, and clapping my hands together, tight. "Let us see something else!" I said. "We could go to the river, or the..." I tried my brain for anything. "Or, Hell! Let's venture into town!"

Willoughby's eyes reveled in the horror of cursing on holy ground, and I quickly closed my mouth, but Cyrus fought a hearty laugh. Together the two of them made light of it, dismissing the slight with their own careless waves.

They also hurried towards the the door.

"Onwards then," Cyrus sang. "Before Her Highness damns us all."

I hadn't spoken directly to Cyrus the whole way back to the Palace. Out of zero opportunity, I was sure. Definitely not because of how jarred I'd felt within the church. As soon as we had arrived, Josie came to collect me with the idea of a gift from the Prince. Biscuits, delivered directly from town, no less. The promise of Rothingham's finest made my swordsman unhappy, I suspected, but the knightly face in our party made it impossible to ask. He just insisted on ignoring my attempts to corner him.

"Mr. Evergreen, if you have a moment, perhaps we could discuss moving forward with Isaac. I think I-" I tried.

"Another time. I trust Miss Josie can see you back to your suite?" he chimed.

"But-?"

"I have a list Henry asked me to see to."

"Oh," I wilted.

Cyrus groaned briefly, stepping to the side for me, but was careful to keep our friends close enough to keep an eye on them. Though that spectacle in itself made our conversation hard to maintain. It wasn't long at all before the two of them began to make eyes at one another; their tension something palpable. I'd barely heard the start of Willoughby's excuses for his 'costume change' before a rather devious idea started to sprout in my mind.

"What happened," Cyrus said, purposely vague. "Cannot happen again. I must resign from this arrangement, you understand?"

"What? Why?" I cried. "How can you say that?" I straightened, checking to be sure they hadn't overheard us. "Was it- Was it not to your liking? I'm new but I'm certain I can learn-?"

He frowned, "What?" he rolled his eyes but I was very serious. "No. It was very much to my liking. That's the problem."

"That sounds like the opposite of a problem!"

"Does it?" His mouth shrank as I knit my brows. "I-?" he paused. "Even if I entertained the idea of riding with you again, which I am not- You seem to have acquired a shadow. One whose entire purpose is to separate us." He jerked his head towards Willoughby just as the boy erupted into a fit of laughter. Josie touched his arm. "And no offense. But upsetting Elías is not exactly something I want to do."

I held my head a little higher, declaring; "Is that your only grievance?"

"Only grievance? Are you not listening or just completely off?"

"Cyrus- I want to keep riding. Do you... wish to ride with me?"

"Svana..." he hesitated. "Sam."

"Sam," I repeated. "Encouraged this relationship so he could remain preoccupied elsewhere."

"He's my friend."

"And as his friend, you know he's not actually interested in me. When I asked, he made it perfectly clear he had no intention of abandoning the affair."

"You're engaged to him," he told me.

"He's engaged to me," I cried. "Do you scold him for Aggy?"

"As a matter of fact, I do."

"Oh," I paused, adding. "The point is. Sam... doesn't want me. I know this is new and fleeting, but- can I not have this moment with a man who does."

Cyrus watched me.

"You do want me don't you?" When he didn't answer that. I sighed. "It... doesn't have to mean anything." I tried, drawing from his words. "We're just two people."

Josie smiled the moment I turned to her, fleeing from her daze, "Your mercy, Princess. Are you ready?"

"I'm afraid I am in no hurry," I sent my eyes to Willoughby and back to her. "Doesn't Jocelyn look lovely today, Ser Willoughby?"

"I-" he stumbled, resorting to an almost too easy nod. "Yes. She does. She does every day."

"I thought as much. Pray. What would you think if we brought her with us tomorrow?" Cyrus made a noise. "Wouldn't that be splendid? Oh! We could have a picnic! Like the one Mr. Evergreen and I had." I looked for his approval; semi-defiant. "What say you?"

He tried to hide the mischief brewing at the corners of his mouth, but I could see it, feel it there. Waiting. "Aye. Dangerously splendid."

With his affirmation, a wide blush reached across her cheeks as she began to answer me. "Miss! Oh, no. No, that's quite fine. I'm perfectly fine." I glared at her. "Aren't I?" she asked.

"Jo. Sweet Jo. A word?"

Josie bent further into our confidence, barely stealing a glance over her shoulder. To Willoughby. She sighed, almost in a daze and I could do nothing but look at her like she was the block-headiest person I'd ever known.

I tapped my foot. "You'll understand my confusion to why you didn't leap on that opportunity?"

"I know," she whined, "I know but!" her voice dropped to a quiet fuss. "I've never ridden a horse before. And Daniel, he's quite qualified."

"You've never ridden a horse?" I scowled. "How?"

"Miss!"

"Fine, but this is the perfect time to correct that offense and I know a knight that is practically falling over himself to be close to you!"

"I couldn't possibly impose, I have so much-"

"Josie; you will arrive here with me tomorrow and join us for the ride." The two of us glanced back at the boys in sync as they stirred. As soon as we discovered it have nothing to do with us, we were quickly back to our dispute. "If I am forced spend another day with Willoughby's excessive puns-"

"I find them charming!"

"Which is why you're the perfect man-err. Woman for the task. Join us! I insist."

"Are you certain? I don't want to... intrude on you and Mr. Evergreen."

"Josie," I told her. "That's exactly why I need you to come with us." I lifted my expression, driving the point, and finally she understood.

"Oh!"

"Oh, is right!" I said. "Please. We'll be in the hands of two properly skilled horse handlers. I swear it, we'll be fine."

"...To be clear you want me to distract Ser Willoughby?"

"YES!" That had drawn attention; though neither man seemed to piece together what I was affirming. Josie and I smiled again, innocently, before frowning at each other.

"Be more subtle, Princess," she teased.

"I need you," I told her. "I'm up against Elías here."

She nodded once, and pressed her palm flat to her stomach to spin around. "I've decided I would like to come along."

The poor knight's face was more alive than I'd ever seen it, which was saying a lot as he was a very boisterous man. He smiled, boldly and brightly, happy. "Fantastic!" he sang.

Cyrus folded his arms into one another before smirking for me.

"Perfect," I hummed, holding his stare.

Willoughby smiled and Josie told him she was inexperienced with horses. As promised, she leaned into the moment, batting her eyes, and asking him to break down the basics of the skill. My swordsman was already half way through the barn door, off to see to his list, I was sure.

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