Riding Day

Elianora Moonwhisper didn't know where Crown Prince Kaidën Darkhaven was taking her, but she trusted him implicitly, her faith in him unwavering. With a sense of excitement and trepidation, she accompanied him, her heart pounding in anticipation.

Crown Prince Kaidën instructed his soldiers to maintain a discreet distance, ensuring their privacy. This time, he was determined to fulfill Elianora's long-held wish, and he led her to a secluded area, a vast expanse of untouched wilderness stretching out before them. The terrain was familiar, yet strange – the same grounds where they had often trained together, but now eerily deserted.

For two months every year, this area was closed off, a peculiar phenomenon occurring when a strange, itch-inducing grass sprouted from the earth. The grass was notorious for causing unbearable irritation to anyone who dared touch it with bare skin. As a result, the area was left untouched, abandoned to the whims of nature. Within two months, the grass would wither and die, dispersing on the wind, leaving the grounds safe once more.

Crown Prince Kaidën had chosen this day to bring Elianora to this forsaken place, knowing they would have it to themselves. With a gentle smile, he assisted Elianora onto the back of his majestic horse, its coat glistening in the fading light. As she settled into the saddle, Crown Prince Kaidën mounted the horse, his strong arms enveloping her, holding her close.

Although Elianora's attire was not designed for horseback riding, Crown Prince Kaidën carefully positioned her in front of him, ensuring her safety while she learned. As they sat together on the majestic horse, he wrapped one strong arm around her slender waist, holding her securely in place. His hand rested on the curve of her hip, his fingers brushing against the delicate fabric of her dress.

With his other hand, Crown Prince Kaidën grasped the reins, gently guiding the horse's movements. As he slowly taught Elianora the intricacies of horse riding, she found herself torn between two competing focuses. Half of her attention was devoted to mastering the subtle balance and gentle commands required to navigate the horse's movements. The other half, however, was irresistibly drawn to the proximity of Crown Prince Kaidën's powerful body, the warmth of his arm around her waist, and the intoxicating scent of his skin.

As they rode, the gentle rhythm of the horse's hooves and the soft rustle of the wind through the trees created a sense of tranquility, a feeling of being suspended in time. Elianora's heart pounded in her chest, her senses heightened as she leaned back into Crown Prince Kaidën's chest, feeling the warmth of his body seep into hers.

From a distance, Prince Uriel Darkhaven observed his brother, Crown Prince Kaidën, patiently teaching Elianora the intricacies of horse riding. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the scene, illuminating the gentle smile on Crown Prince Kaidën's face as he guided Elianora's hands. Jædana Eryandur approached Prince Uriel, her curiosity piqued by his intent gaze. "Why are you looking at him like that?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Prince Uriel had long since grown accustomed to Jædana's informal mannerisms, which would have been considered a breach of etiquette in formal royal circles. He never insisted on the formal address, "Your Highness," despite his position, and instead, cherished the easy camaraderie they shared. It was a testament to the strong bond between them, forged through countless moments of laughter, adventure, and quiet understanding.

As he tied a loose strand of Jædana's hair behind her ear, Prince Uriel asked, without taking his eyes off the duo, "Don't you think that what Elianora is doing is not right?" His tone was measured, his expression thoughtful, his brow furrowed in concern. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers, but Prince Uriel's senses were focused on the scene unfolding before him.

Jædana's response was innocence incarnate. "It is her wish, and her future husband is fulfilling her wish. What is wrong in this?" She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with sincerity, her lips curved into a gentle smile. Prince Uriel's gaze lingered on her face, drinking in the beauty of her unbridled joy.

Concealing his amusement, Prince Uriel assumed a serious demeanor, his expression a mask of solemnity. "The thing is, Jædana, that we must consider certain... proprieties," he began, his voice measured and deliberate. "There are established rules and laws within our society, and Elianora is disregarding them. Women are not supposed to ride horses."

Jædana's eyes sparkled with defiance, her gaze flashing with a hint of mischief. "And why not?" she challenged, her voice tinged with a subtle rebelliousness. She and Prince Uriel frequently found themselves at odds, their perspectives clashing like opposing forces. Prince Uriel's frustration stemmed from Jædana's persistent refusal to support his views.

He inhaled deeply, choosing his words with care, his brow furrowed in concern. "Because it is deemed unbecoming for women. They are... delicate," he explained, his tone patronizing, though he didn't intend it to be. Jædana's response was immediate and unexpected.

"Fine!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with sarcasm, as she swiftly pulled Prince Uriel's hand back and sent him tumbling to the ground. The sudden movement caught Prince Uriel off guard, and he landed with a soft thud, his dignity bruised.

"Ha! Now, tell me, who is stronger?" Jædana taunted, her laughter like music as she danced away, her feet bare and her hair flowing behind her. This was the second aspect of Jædana's nature that Prince Uriel found infuriating: her tendency to employ her self-defense techniques against him.

Gritting his teeth in annoyance, Prince Uriel sprang to his feet, giving chase as Jædana fled, giggling. "You'll learn a lesson today!" he shouted, his voice carrying across the landscape, echoing off the trees. "You dare to push your future husband to the ground?"

Jædana's retort was swift and playful. "Not push, but pull!" she called out, disappearing into the distance, leaving Prince Uriel to seethe in frustration. His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, as he pursued Jædana, determined to catch her and prove his point.