THE RIDE

The hostler named Peter, approached me as I go out from the house.

And greeted me with a cheerful smile.

Then, he said..

"Your highness, the white American Saddle horse is a little bit aloof to strangers. You may feed her with carrots for her to smell you and get acquainted. The black one is Prince Stefan's horse. Nobody else could use it, only him. He added.

I nod to acknowledge then thank him.

I just remembered my horse "Dolly" .

I used to have a ride around Myshkin every morning during summer and autumn season.

Nana will hold the lead line to assist navigation.

I have my horse back riding lessons every summer.

And when I reached eleven years old, I'm already allowed to ride alone...around Myshkin.

Nana and Leonid had given me enough attention to learn.

They have treated me as their own.

And I missed them very much.

I started to feed the white horse while caressing her face.

"You are beautiful! " I whispered.

"She's Winter." Stefan said while standing at my back.

I turned to look at him.

"Aren't you not changing your footwear?" he asked.

"No, I don't mind wearing my sandals" Beatrix answered.

"Aren't you not cold? Please wear something"...his eyes surveyed my outfit...then continued .."WARM".

O I forget to wear my sweatshirt. What am I thinking?

"I'm sorry...just give me a minute!". I run back inside the house and opened my suitcase to get my favorite sweatshirt with embroidered horse on it.. Nana loved embroidery on her past time.

Most of my folk dresses and garments are embroidered by her.

O I missed her!

I quickly changed clothes from a white linen folk shirt into a black turtle neck, long sleeves and my fave sweatshirt, grab my leather gloves and put on my floral printed head scarf.

Then..run back to the front yard.

And saw Stefan feeding his horse and caressing him.

He is wearing a grey riding pants and black colored sweater and black leather riding boots.

He is picturesque of a polished nobleman.

He turned around and see me standing in the courtyard.

"You look stunning My Lady! Are you ready?" His voice seemed different from last night.

"Yes, I am.. Your Highness! " I bow down.

He approached me and whispered in my ears "You don't have to bow down..My Lady! Next time you do that...you will be in my bed." Then he kissed my right hand in respect.

He smiled flirtatiously while looking at my red face.

"I love seeing you blushing..My Lady!" he added.

I grabbed my hands and walk through him.. approaching Winter.

And put on my leather gloves.

Peter the holster already done tacking up Winter, ready for a ride.

He helped me cinching up and settled.

I'm holding the bridle...ready to go.

Prince Stefan ride his horse ahead of me in a slow phase.

And I followed through.

We started our journey.

Then, he stopped..prompted me to halt.

"My Lady! we are very lucky to have beautiful weather today. It's perfect for a hike."

" Your highness, we have our horses with us. Why are we hiking? I annoyingly said.

"Ah yes My Lady..indeed! You will see later" he flashed his teasing grin.