Going as Planned

Breakfast in the castle the next morning was light, in people and food. Luckily, having slept a peacefully dreamless few hours of sleep, Asterid was able to appear and host alongside her grandmother without purple bruises under her eyes. Wearing one of her simpler day gowns, hoping to sleep a little more, the pale and bright blue, her hair in her favored style, made her seem lively. Though not so lively that she would grate upon delicate sensibilities, recovering from the previous night. The morning meal passed pleasantly, she and her grandmother arranging an easy day, Asterid with an easy ride to a pretty picnic spot not too far from the castle and Magnaphyta hosting a tea in the Summer Drawing Room.

Her sister and father would host brunch and the majority of their guests, later in the morning. And share the news of their plans to others then. Atkis, who had spent little of her time out and about freely, would be joining Asterid for the planned picnic.

Unable to take a nap after waking up for the day, Asterid spent the time before planning out what foodstuffs would be served for the alfresco luncheon with one of her favorite chefs, sous-chef Halite. Deciding to keep to easy to eat and simple foods, the menu would consist of various sandwiches, egg, meat, and cheese, and finger foods, deviled eggs, pastries sweet and savory. To drink there would be a choice of a light white wine, red sangria, lemonade, or iced tea.

The spot where they would eat was to the north of the castle near a small brook and the edge of the forest that surrounded the castle. For those who had no ability, or wish, to ride, Asterid went to the Stable Master to arrange phaetons. She also had him prepare a few horses for those who had no mounts yet wanted to ride.

Feeling satisfied that she had everything covered, Asterid headed to her rooms to change into a riding habit and skirt, choosing a slate gray color for her jacket, a more blue gray for her skirt and a sky blue silk scarf. She had Sky rearrange her hair in a chignon placed rather higher and tighter than she usually wore it with a simple comb of blue holding it up, two strands of hair left out and curled to soften and frame her face. She then had Sky place a sleek and miniature gray top hat rakishly on her head. Then use a thin blue netting like fabric as a ribbon, tying a bow to the hat.

Seeing that there was still time before meeting up with everyone before the stables, Asterid went to her sister's rooms. After being admitted into Atkis' rooms and led to the study where, her sister sitting behind an ornate desk was going through some of the paperwork of running the kingdom. Already dressed in a lush red velvet riding habit and a fine black top hat that was completely impractical for any actual equestrian exercise, she finished writing something down on one of the papers. Having already trained with their father, now that she held the position, she was immediately given tasks she was capable of doing.

"So I guess you will be riding in a carriage?"

Atkis smiled, "Yes, I need to conserve some energy. Hopefully the men will do their best to expend their energies showing off for me." She sanded the wet ink and then lifted the paper to place it on top of the pile she had growing to her left.

Asterid shook her head, "Shall we head out together?"

"Hmm," Atkis stood and moved from behind her desk, "Sounds like a grand idea." She took Asterid's arm and they escorted themselves from the room. "Take me away from all these papers."

Once they made it to the stables there were already a number of people there. As both Asterid and Atkis were warmly welcomed by everyone, a predominantly young group of nobles. Not too long after their arrival the group was slowly splitting up into two groups, those who would be driven in the phaetons and those who would ride horses.

As Smithy, her dapple gelding, was led to her, she joined others as they mounted up and calmed their horses. To add to the clamor and ado, the parties' numbers grew as the last few people joined them. As Asterid glanced about at her fellow equestrians, she saw only three other ladies amongst the men. Two of them she was very familiar with, one being her 3rd cousin, Kathoros Diamanti with her brother Ischyros beside her, and Kosmima Kokkino, daughter of Marquis Kokkino and a hoyden. The last lady, wearing a pearl white riding habit and ocean blue accents, sitting proudly on a black mare was Sini Akijan, the daughter of the Littoral ambassador.

Those who were not riding were now arrayed in seven different phaetons, none of them over crowded or too empty. Atkis called out, "Those of us not riding are all set! Are all of you accomplished equestrians ready to exhibit your skills? If so, follow my sister out and give us a show!"

Asterid gave a wave and had Smithy turn and head out of the castle grounds at a canter. Once out of the gate, with the rumble of the other riders loud behind her, she gave Smithy his head, breaking even further ahead. Soon the only ones keeping up with her were Kosmima, Drys Alsos, a viscount of Nanshilin, Huliac Pautlusty, a member of the Littoral embassy, two young Amundsen men, and Heikka Teikoku. Ranged behind their group were a growing number of smaller groups. Deciding on taking them on a roundabout route that criss-crosses the path that the carriages would take, this way, for those who wished, they could ride beside the phaetons and converse with those inside. A coach carrying servants and the various necessities for their lunch, brought up the rear of the party.

Bringing Smithy to a trot, a walk, then a stop, Asterid marked the area where they were to picnic. "This little spot here is where we shall eat. If any of you wish, before the others arrive and the servants set up, we could have a race?"

Kosmima gave a shout, "A grand idea! I want to see who has the better horse!" She grins devilishly at the men in their group. "I know Volny and Skala pride themselves on their horses and horsemanship, I wonder if their confidence can hold up against wealth and royalty?"

Huliac gives a small bow, "While I may not spend my life in the saddle, I do have faith in my abilities in choosing horseflesh. My Zephyr can do well against any!"

The Amundsen duo shared a look, and then the one without a beard spoke, "Horses are more than just their breeding and looks. A great deal of their potential is brought forth by their rider."

The bearded one nodded, "Volny speaks true. Those with connection with horse go fastest."

Heikka points to a bend in the castle's eastern road, about a quarter mile from them, "Then to see whose horse and connection is the best, we must race!" He pulls his chestnut stallion to face the finish line he chose. "Let us line up." He smiled.

Asterid brought Smithy up next to his, and the others followed their lead. She saw Atkis, just descending from the first phaeton, "Atkis, give us a countdown!"

Atkis observed them, smiled, "Five, Four, Three," she took a handkerchief from an attending maid, "Two," she prepared, "One!" The handkerchief fluttered up, and then down as she waved it.

Not even halfway to the finish and Kosmima and Volny were falling behind. Asterid and Heikka in the middle, Skala and Huliac fighting for the lead. Thunderous hoofs and a fast heart beat echoed in Asterid's ears, the cries of "Harrup!" "Get on!" sounding muted and far. A third of the way and Skala and Huliac are near, Heikka and Volny right behind them, pushing to get past. An opening appeared before her eyes and Asterid urged Smithy faster with silent pressure. Suddenly she found herself past everyone and across the eastern road, distant cheers of applause reaching her. Slowing down and bringing Smithy around, she praised and caressed him. Her fellow racers surrounded them and commended her.

"Jolly fine riding there, Princess!" Kosmima enthused, her eyes dancing.

Volny's eyes sparkled, "Indeed, a great understanding between the two of you, and you of others!"

Skala stroked his beard, "Tactics good, chances to be meant seized." He nodded in approval.

Huliac stroked the neck of his Zephyr, "So I have yet much to learn in regards to horsemanship. Though losing to you, Princess, is not much of a loss at all."

Heikka bowed with another smile, "Certainly the best of us."

Happily and sedately, they cooled their horses as they made their way back to the picnic, where everyone else waited.

Sometime later, during a moment of calm with an egg sandwich and a lemonade in hand, Asterid noticed Heikka and Atkis sitting alone together on a blanket in the center of their gathering. With a smile, and the occasional word or nod, to stay with the conversation of her dining partners, she forced an examination of Heikka in order to subdue some strange emotion bubbling up.

Heikka Teikoku, fairly handsome with many smiles. Calm, intelligent. A Prince, not in an immediate position of inheritance, but not too far removed. His planning in his interactions with two princesses is to be commended. Arriving not to long before the ball, and a quick exit, makes the number of interactions small and impactful. Giving deference to the elder and higher ranked sister, yet not pandering or simpering for attention. And, except for a small blunder, giving respect and kindness to the younger.

Definitely looking for a connection with Atkis. Definitely politically driven. Though feelings may grow. There may be benefits to Atkis agreeing to such a connection. Asterid stopped herself from making a wry expression. She had no idea, refused to, why, even though she found nothing wrong with the man, she wanted to punch him.