"You're late." He comments, eyes sweeping over my appearance.

I grunt. "It wasn't my fault that I had to wait for her to fall asleep."

He snickers, holding open the door leading out into the royal gardens. "Follow me."

I hesitate. "Where are you taking me to?"

"It's a surprise."

Sighing, I walk through the door amazed at the bright gaze of the silver moon and the plants that gently sway in the evening breeze.

"It's been a long time since I've been out in the open at night." I admit, turning to meet prince Finnegan's eyes.
It's hard to interpret his expression since the moon light was not sufficient enough to light up every part of his face.

"Really? Tell me about it."

"No." I stubbornly said.

He sighed. "You're an obstinate one."

"Well, you didn't bring me out here to insult me, or did you?" I asked, crossing my hands.

"Despite the fact that I'd love to do that, however, I've got other plans." Without waiting for my permission, he grabs my hand.

My response is rapid and he yelps when I twist his wrist at a painful angle.

Realising my error, I release his hand.
"I'm terribly sorry."

He shakes his fist in the air. "What was that all about?"

Well, I don't like getting touched randomly. Bad memories.

"Nothing. Uh, where were you taking me to?"

The prince recovers from his shock and leads the way to a door at the left side of the garden.

Like before, he holds the door for me. I restrain a snort from surfacing. Despite his ability to get annoying, he still bears traits of refined upbringing that suits nobility.

"You asked to see my brother. I granted your wish." He slams the door right on my face. I swear loudly at almost having my nose bruised.

"Glad to note your manners haven't improved."

Swiveling around, my focus is drawn to the figure seated under the sole tree in this part of the garden.

"Glad to know that you still are a coward." I fire.

He rises and inches closer. "I am many things, Lady Alanna, but a coward is not one of them."

"Says the one who's running away from his own selection and leaves his brother to fool the girls." I don't bother to conceal my anger.

The crown prince sighs. "I told Finn you were a bad idea but he wouldn't listen."

I snort"I can feel so much love in that statement."

Frustrated, the prince breathes heavily. "Who are your parents?"

"Leave my parents out of this. They raised me to be polite, I just chose my own path." I snap.

He still hasn't stepped away from the shadows.

"You must be a lot of work. I'm not surprised they got rid of you by sending you here."

Just who does this boy think he is?

"Hey! You do not know a single thing about me and my parents so I suggest you shut your mouth and instead worry about all the girls you're lying to."

Forget I ever wanted to have a decent conversation with this male. He gets on my nerve more than Theresa ever would.

The crown prince falls into deep silence. I'm about leaving when his voice breaks out.

"I'm scared."

"Of what?" I ask, without looking back. A fraction of my anger withers away.

"Choosing the wrong girl to be Queen. I've never been so good at making decisions. I'm afraid I'd make a poor leader."

Oh, he has insecurities too.

"Well, that's understandable but avoidable."

"How?"

"Trust your heart."

Another dose of silence.

Then.

"Thanks. But this doesn't make you any less insufferable."

"Coward." I mutter.

💭💭💭

Next morning, the girls gather in the Common Room to receive our instructions for the day. I can barely keep my eyes open because of how late I stayed up yesterday thanks to a certain crown prince. Too bad I couldn't see much his face, but all I grabbed was the colour of his eyes. Green.

Feeling someone shake me, I sit up, gazing at Harriet. "Leave me alone."

She smirks. "Didn't get much sleep last night."

"Did you?"

I'm sure she had another meeting with my bodyguard, judging from the blush that coloured her cheeks.

"Let's just get ready for Horse Riding."

As I noticed, most of the girls had already fled to their rooms. If I correctly heard, the crown prince or rather the fake crown prince would be joining us.

This left a better taste on my mouth even after breakfast.

In the common room, as usual, the gitls were ranting about for wonderful it was getting to ride with the prince. Harriet was in a much more agreeable mood this morning, however she maintained a safe distance from me.

I didn't think too much about it because despite our small friendship, we all came here for one thing which is the prince.

Her attitude also didn't bother me because I've been friendless for as long as I remember. Too much drama.

When our horses were ready, a guard informed us and we proceeded in a dignified manner to the stables.

Surprise fills me at how many horses there are in the stalls. Curious eyes trail our movement further inside. I let mine wander over the animals.

"It smells like horse in here." Theresa remarks, scrunching up her nose.

I snort. "It's a stable of course. Was it supposed to smell like roses and lavender?"

Most of the girls laugh. Theresa narrows her eyes at me, steaming, with anger. I doubt she knows it was me who snuck the rats into her room.

"I'm so sure you're used to living with animals. You even smell like them." She fires at me.

Low blow.

Madam Alicia claps her hands to get our attention. We fall to a stop. Ahead, seventeen horses are already set for our use.

"You may pick your horses now."

That voice.

My eyes fly to the owner. Same green eyes from last night that seen to be peering into your soul. His hair however is a dark shade of brown. I connect the dots. He's the same as the stranger in the library the other day.

Oh.

Funny how he managed to pull off being a mere stable hand. The smile on my face wipes away when he looks my way.

All the girls fuss over the right horse to ride.

Waving off his stare, I scan the horses. A black mare stands in the corner snorting and swishing her tail. Her countenance scares the girls away but I march straight to her. She regards me curiously.

"Hannah has a temper." Some one says from behind me. I turn, realising it's the crown prince, although in a disguise.

"I have one too. We are compatible." Hannah, surprisingly nudges me with her nuzzles.

"Shall I help you up?" He holds out a hand, searching my eyes.

I shake my head. "I'm fine."

In a flash, I've mounted the horse skillfully, surprising everyone.

"Come over here and help me." Celeste snaps at the stablehand slash crown prince.

(I'd be referring to him as the stablehand to avoid extra confusion.)

Rolling his eyes, he moves to assist Celeste and the other girls.

Harriet brings her horse beside mine. "You can ride a horse?"

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry I've been acting off lately."

Well, her apology is unexpected, but I accept it.

Okay, another chapter down.

What are your thoughts?