A ride with the prince

A Ride with the Prince

Amelia's POV

I stood before the mirror, adjusting the hem of my coat as I examined myself. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on my reflection. The fabric clung to my figure just right, accentuating my curves without being too revealing. Behind me, my maid watched in silent admiration.

"You look really beautiful, young lady," she said hesitantly, as if unsure whether she should voice her thoughts aloud.

I turned to her, a small smirk playing on my lips. "Really?"

She nodded quickly, her eyes flickering between me and the mirror.

Tapping my chin thoughtfully, I mused, "Do you think I can seduce someone with my looks?"

The maid's eyes widened, her face flushing. "H-Huh?"

I chuckled, amused by her reaction. "I mean… if I wanted to."

She hesitated before nodding. "I-I suppose so…"

Satisfied, I turned back to my reflection. It's time to get my husband.

With that thought fueling my determination, I grabbed my gloves and rushed toward the garden. My boots clicked against the stone floors as I hurried outside, my breath visible in the crisp morning air. Ceaser had promised to meet me here at dawn, and I had no intention of making him wait.

After waiting for almost five minutes, I finally spotted him in the distance. He approached on horseback, the powerful beast beneath him moving with effortless grace. Logan followed closely behind him, riding in perfect synchronization.

The sight of Ceaser made my breath hitch.

Woah… He's so handsome.

His golden hair shimmered under the morning sun, framing his sharp features like a portrait of a perfect nobleman. The elegant coat he wore fluttered slightly with the movement of his horse, making him look almost untouchable.

I must have been crazy to leave someone like this in the past.

I swallowed hard, pushing aside those lingering thoughts.

Now wasn't the time to dwell on regrets.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward with a composed expression.

"Good morning, your highness," I greeted with a polite bow, my voice smooth and controlled.

Ceaser pulled on the reins, his horse coming to a perfect stop before me. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, his gaze unreadable as he studied me.

"It would be better if we started moving now," he said, his tone even.

Then, without hesitation, he gestured toward a horse behind him. "You can follow us on your own."

I blinked, my stomach twisting. "H-Huh? You want me to ride a horse alone?"

Ceaser arched a brow. "Is there a problem?"

I hesitated. "N-No, I mean… yes."

A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes, but he didn't say anything.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I admitted, "I… don't know how to ride a horse." I shifted awkwardly, the confession leaving my lips in a whisper.

Logan, who had remained silent until now, let out a sigh. "I'll give you a lift."

But before he could move, Ceaser cut in. "No need. She'll ride with me."

I blinked in surprise. Wait, what?

Ceaser extended a hand toward me. His palm was steady, waiting for mine. For a brief second, I hesitated, but then I reached out, allowing him to pull me up effortlessly.

Before I could properly adjust myself, I found myself seated in front of him, my back pressing against his firm chest. Warmth radiated from his body, and his breath tickled the back of my neck.

My heart skipped a beat.

Stop beating so fast, you stupid heart!

His scent was intoxicating— a mix of fresh pine and something distinctly him. It made my head spin.

Ceaser placed both hands around me, taking hold of the reins with ease. "Shall we go now?"

"Y-Yeah," I stammered, placing my hands lightly over his on instinct.

The horse started moving, and I instinctively leaned back against Ceaser. The rhythmic motion of the ride, combined with the solid warmth of his body behind me, sent a strange shiver down my spine.

I gulped, trying to focus on anything but the way his thighs pressed against mine or how his breath fanned against my ear.

Is this the same man from my dreams?

The Ceaser I had known before—the one in my nightmares—had bloodstained hands and a merciless gaze. But this one? This man holding the reins so confidently behind me? He felt calm, composed… warm.

He leaned slightly forward, his voice a low murmur near my ear. "Are you sure you're not cold in that outfit?"

"H-Huh?"

I looked down and realized—my thighs were bare, directly in contact with Ceaser's legs. His strong, firm muscles pressed against me, and for some reason, I suddenly felt… exposed.

I swallowed, my voice quieter this time. "A-Are you worried about me?"

Ceaser smirked. "Yeah."

Wait, really?

For a fleeting moment, warmth bloomed in my chest—until he spoke again.

"If you catch a cold and die, I'll have to find another candidate to be my wife." He sighed dramatically. "Too much work."

I clenched my jaw, rolling my eyes in exasperation.

What did I even expect from this cold-hearted monster?

As we rode off into the morning mist, I clenched my fists, determination flooding through me.

Just you wait, Ceaser. You'll fall for me soon enough.