Chapter 7: Lokney Lake

Kara’s mind continued to wander aimlessly, consumed by thoughts of her recent encounter with the King. The weight of uncertainty pressed upon her. Had she made the right choice? She couldn’t help but question her previous decision. It was her only chance to seize control of her future, and yet, she had foolishly allowed it to slip through her fingers.

But why? The king was generous with his proposal, so why had she played right into his hands? Why had she succumbed so easily, despite his reputation for manipulation?

Ever since she laid eyes on the King, Kara was plagued by a persistent sense of destiny intertwined with the King’s presence. It was a strange sensation that drew her toward him, regardless of how he managed to simultaneously infuriate and intrigue her. She couldn’t comprehend how someone so brimming with arrogance, pomp and despicability could hold such a mesmerizing allure. On the surface, there was nothing remotely appealing about him. Except, perhaps, for his striking physical appearance.

Yet, amidst this confusing attraction to the King, there was also Henri, the cousin whose mere presence invoked a different kind of sentiment within Kara. Her emotions for him were subtly distinct from those evoked by the King. They simmered beneath the surface, calm and serene, lacking the fervent intensity that characterized her interactions with his cousin.

It reminded her of a flower on the verge of blossoming, and Kara couldn’t help but feel an exhilarating eagerness to delve deeper into this unfamiliar territory.

As Kara contemplated her complex emotions, she realized that she was caught in another web of uncertainty. The two paths before her – an enthralling yet, tumultuous journey alongside the King or a more tranquil exploration of love and growth with Henri.

She sighed wistfully. How she wished Eerik would let her get close enough to understand him. Did he want her or not? So many questions, yet they remained unanswered with no resolution in sight.

However, Henri’s distant behavior toward Kara on the previous day had temporarily suppressed her inner desires. Perhaps it was as a result of their public setting, being in the presence of the King, and his reluctance to display overt affection. Though uncertain about the true cause, Kara was determined to uncover the underlying truth and to unravel the misunderstanding or whatnot that had clouded their connection.

With a theatrical yawn, Kara stretched her limbs and rose from her bed, instantly drawing the attention of her attending lady, Chione. She scurried about dutifully, tending to her every need, her presence a constant reminder of Kara's current status and responsibilities.

As Chione worked on her hair, Kara curiously inquired about the upcoming events in the castle.

"His majesty has organized a steeple chasing event on the palace grounds," Chione responded, her tone respectful and cautious.

"And all the men would be in attendance?" Kara pressed further, a cunning plan taking shape in her head.

"Yes, Your Highness," Chione confirmed, her words laden with deference.

"Your Highness?" Kara repeated, suddenly noticing the change in attitude. She hadn’t been treated with much respect the previous day.

"You are the future Queen of his majesty. We must address you appropriately," Chione responded, bowing softly.

Kara shook her head, willing her curiosity over Chione’s new found respect for her away from her mind. She had other pressing matters to focus on.

A small, knowing smile graced her lips as she contemplated her next course of action. She eagerly anticipated the opportunity to join the men on the palace grounds, sensing that this gathering held the key to resolving the situation between her and Henri.

Eager to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead, Kara swiftly readied and set off for the stables, dismissing her ladies. The stables were located behind the castle, facing the Lokney Lake. Kara had heard thousands of stories about the lake back in her village.

It was praised as the lifeblood of the Eithra - the origin of their essence and home to fantastic and mysterious beasts. As she gazed upon the breathtaking expanse of water, it appeared bluer than the sky itself, its surface shimmering with an ethereal brilliance that rivaled the twinkling stars of the night sky.

Kara found herself entranced, unable to tear her eyes away from the enchanting sight unfolding before her. Winged beings gracefully wove their way through the air, casting elegant shadows upon the glistening lake. The melodic chorus of neighs filled the atmosphere as horses emerged from the depths of the water, a sight both wondrous and captivating.

Although the majestic creatures appeared heavenly in their aquatic surroundings, Kara couldn’t shake the feeling that they were out of place amidst such a pristine lake. With a tinge of reluctance, she shifted her gaze, searching for the familiar figure of Henri.

The stables stood tall at the bank of the Lokney. It was a massive construction of iron and steel, showcasing the building prowess of the royal architects. It was filled with horses with black sheen and silky mane. She noticed members of the royal court sitting in a pavilion towards the end of the stables, overlooking a circular track.

Her gaze darted through the crowd, and there he was - Henri, brushing the velvety hair of a pure white steed. A warm smile graced Kara’s lips as she approached.

"It truly is a magnificent creature," she remarked, her voice carrying a note of admiration. The words seemed to startle Henri momentarily, interrupting his rhythmic grooming. Kara couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she had successfully captured his attention.

With barely a passing glance in her direction, Henri replied, "Yes, she is," his tone lacking the warmth and engagement Kara had hoped for.

Observing the horses emerging from the lake, Kara couldn’t help but voice her concerns. "I saw some horses coming out of the lake. Don’t you think bathing smelly beasts in such a beautiful lake is an injustice?"

"Horses?" Henri questioned, his tone tinged with disbelief.

"Yes," Kara affirmed.

"Lady Kara, the horses are not out today," Henri stated matter-of-factly, his confidence unwavering.

"You think I don’t know what a horse looks like?" Kara hissed, frustration seeping into her voice. She felt belittled by Henri’s condescending attitude, adding to her growing annoyance. Determined to prove her point, she pointed toward the very creature Henri was tending to. "That’s a horse, isn’t it?"

Henri paused, his lips curving into a gentle smile. He seemed to visibly relax and the tension in the air was suddenly gone, replaced by a sense of ease and familiarity.

"Here, come," he invited, extending a hand toward Kara. "Take a closer look."

Kara regarded his outstretched hands with a brief hesitation, contemplating her next move. Eventually, she reached out and placed her hand in his, taking a step closer to the creature before them. She was glad that things seemed to be right again between them , but she still had so many questions to ask.

Drawing nearer to the animal, Kara examined it with keen interest. She studied its features, her gaze fixed upon it for a prolonged moment. At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary horse, much like any other she had encountered before. But then, as if unveiling a hidden secret, Kara’s eyes honed in on a peculiar detail.

The creature’s hooves pointed backwards, defying the natural order of things. Its glossy black coat, as dark as the night itself, seemed perpetually damp. Kara’s breath caught in her throat as she processed the startling revelation. What she had initially perceived as a white horse from afar now revealed itself as something entirely different, something otherworldly.

Startled and overcome with a sudden wave of fear, Kara instinctively took a hurried step back, her ankle twisting in the process. Gasping in surprise, she flailed helplessly, struggling to regain her balance. Henri sprang into action, his strong hands swiftly finding her lower back, breaking her fall.

"Thank you," she whispered, still nestled in his arms. Kara expected him to release her, but he maintained his firm grasp, his gaze locked intently with hers, bridging the space between them.

Her eyes drifted to his lips, memories of that night flooding back in. She could almost taste him again. Kara wished to connect her lips to his, but a lady should never be that forward, especially in public. She had felt like a fool performing for the court since she arrived and this was the sort of thing that a fool would do.

But before she could contemplate her next move, an unexpected interruption shattered the fragile moment. The sharp whoosh of an arrow sliced through the air, tearing through the space between them and embedding itself into a nearby tree trunk. Startled, Kara swiftly disentangled herself from Henri’s embrace, her heart racing as she turned to identify the source of the threat.

To her disbelief, it was her betrothed standing there, bow in hand, his countenance far from pleased.