Where Are The Horses?

Reagan led us into the woods and I rode beside him in comfortable silence. Following after him as he led us farther into the woods. I wasn't sure what exactly he had planned in mind but I trust him and allowed him to lead, besides he had asked me nicely.

We rode till eventually we came across a clearing. The sound of waterfalls could be heard somewhere in the woods but what captured my attention was the sight of a blanket laid on the green grass and on top of it was on a picnic basket.

Dismounting from the horse, I approached the blanket, leaving Reagan to tend to the steeds. I sat down on the blanket, curious as to what is inside the basket, I opened it. The smell that wafted out from it filled my nostrils and I had to gasp in surprise as I began pulling the food out.

Pancakes, cheesecakes, strawberries, powdered doughnuts and a glass of orange fruit with the pulp. These were all my favorites! A smile broke out of me as I stared at Reagan who was silently watching me.

"How did you know all of these?" I asked with a laugh, "You even got me my favorite chocolates, I haven't had them in so long!" I said grabbing a box and popping one inside my mouth.

The taste of the chocolate exploded in my mouth and I couldn't resist the moan that slipped out of me. It had been so long since I had tasted chocolate. Marina claimed they were a luxury that were only meant to be had during important luxurious occasions and back in the castle, Madam Heidi made sure all the servants hid the chocolate from me because it makes the lady bloat.

Bjorn was the one was always quick to sneak in some chocolates for me and those were the only times I ever indulged in sweets. Smiling, I stared at Reagan who had now taken his seat beside me, he had a smirk on his face as he watched me.

"So they are that good huh?" Reagan said smiling at me.

I nodded my head at him, "They are." I said as I dropped the box on the blanket, "By the way, how did you know I loved all of this."

Shrugging Reagan leaned backwards in his on the blanket, "I had a bit of help."

"Bjorn." I said knowingly to which Reagan turned to look at me, and after a while he nodded his head at me.

But I didn't need any confirmation, I already knew Bjorn was the only person who cared enough to know what I loved, so it was only obvious Reagan would go to him for help. What I didn't understand was why Reagan would go through all these stress just for me.

Closing the lid of the basket, I stared at Reagan, "Why are you doing this?"

Arching a brow up at me, Reagan cocked his head, "What do you mean?"

I gestured to everything around us, "I just don't get why you are doing all of these." I said, the confusion in my tone genuine, "The thing is that I'm just trying to wrap my head everything. I simply cannot understand why you would do this when we've agreed to both stay out of each other's way."

"I wanted to try it." Reagan casually responded.

What? "I'm sorry what?"

"Courting." Reagan responded with a smile on his face as he stared at me, "You wanted to try the whole courting thing, so this is me trying." He said.

I still wasn't convinced as to why he would do something like that, "Why would you do that?"

"Oh for the love of everything sacred, woman you ask a lot of questions." Reagan said with an exasperated eye roll, "Can't we just for once pretend we are two different people? Let's forget about our duties, just for a bit?"

I was quiet for a minute, pondering over the words he just said. I then found out that I like the idea. I really did like the idea very much! So I nodded my head at him in agreement, "Okay, I can do that I guess."

Reagan grunted in approval, seeming pleased with the answer. He then assisted me in laying the food out. Surprisingly, the pancakes were still warm so we could eat. I grabbed a three slice while pouring honey on it and decorating with berries. Reagan just ate his pancakes with honey which wasn't the least surprising for me. We ate the food while taking in the view in front of us.

"So," Reagan started, "That necklace you gave Heather. That belonged to your mom doesn't it?"

I froze my cup halfway to my mouth. So much for pretending to be someone else! I thought to myself but still nodded my head. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Isn't that the last thing you have to remember her? Won't you miss it?" Reagan asked me.

I smiled as I raised my head up to look at him, "You can't really miss someone you don't know, can you?" I asked him with a wry smile.

Reagan stared at me for a bit before he looked away from me, "Yeah, I can understand that." He murmured, "By the way, you were pretty good with the horse? For a minute, I thought you would like to ride with me instead."

"Ha, ha, ha, buddy, that's in your dreams!" I laughed while Reagan smirked at me, "Bjorn taught me how to ride. Funny how it's the only thing my father agreed to, you know just in case I need to get away or my life is in danger." I finished for him with a smile.

Reagan grinned at me, "Well you are a pretty impressive rider."

"Did you just give me a compliment my lord?"

"I was going to say for a princess." Reagan said shooting me a wink as he grabbed a chocolate from my box and threw it in his mouth.

Rolling my eyes at him, I turned to look around when I suddenly realized something. "Hey, you know speaking of horses? Where are they?" I asked, looking around the forest.

"What are you talking about? They are right there…" Reagan's voice trailed off as he turned to look at the direction where I was looking at. "Where are the horses?" He asked me and all I could do was just stare at him with equal confusion.