Ch.10 - The Price of Defeat: Three Wishes

Aron noticed that Kate seemed a little distracted after what he said, he looked at her and laughed.

"It is not what you're thinking."

I love gems… jewellery… and, of course, my family."

Kate raised a brow and snapped at him playfully, clearly annoyed:

Kate in sarcastic tone : "Oh, of course… and where would someone like you get a girlfriend anyway, with that hideous face?"

She spun around and stormed off toward Amber.

Aaron raised an eyebrow.

Aaron mutters to himself: "What was that? She was smiling just a moment ago…"

He rubbed his face with an exasperated sigh.

Aaron grumbling: "That girl… she's so annoying ."

After Several days ,The sun's rays gently wove their way through the branches of the trees, caressing the Grassy land and dew drops on a bright morning. In that early hour, Kate awoke unusually vibrant, brimming with energy. She donned her riding attire: dark trousers, a white shirt adorned with golden buttons, a fitted jacket that accentuated her waist, and elegant tall boots. She tied her blonde hair back in a loosely braided style, strands fluttering as she walked.

With a light step, she made her way toward the stables, as she meandered through the small trees leading to the stable, she spotted Aaron leaning against one of the wooden benches, engrossed in a small book, a habit he had grown into, since his arrival at the palace.

With a mischievous smile, Kate called out, "Good morning, Mr. Aaron. May I ask you... are nobles prepping for battles by reading books?"

Aaron looked up at her in surprise and then smiled quickly, "Kate... in those clothes? Where are you off to? A battle?"

She laughed lightly, placing her hand confidently on her hip, "I'm preparing to ride Astor. Would you like to join me? Or... perhaps you're afraid of horses?"

He arched a brow with a hint of sarcasm "Afraid? Impossible. My grandfather owned a full horse farm; I was riding before I learned to write!"

She leaned towards him and said in a challenging tone, "Then prove it."

He sighed, slowly closing his book, then rose from his seat with feigned confidence, "Let's go...

At the stables, the stableman prepared Kate's favourite horse, Astor—an imposing black stallion, robust and regal, with a mane that shimmered like velvet in the dappled light.

 while he saddled a sturdy brown stallion for Aaron named Carsuo. They mounted their steeds, moving slowly through the farm's pathways, the air playfully tugging at Kate's tied hair and the sound of hooves filling the stillness.

Aaron looked at her and said with a slight smile, "I didn't expect your hobby to be horse riding. A bold hobby, indeed."

Glancing at him from the corner of her eye, Kate replied confidently, "I love anything that presents a challenge—not just in hobbies, but in life as well."

he said, "that's Clear," while his gaze fixed ahead.

With a wide smile, Kate proposed, "What do you think about a little race?".

Aaron turned to her, raising an eyebrow in a blend of surprise and amusement, "A race?"

Kate nodded with conviction, "A race to the end of that field over there."

Aaron pondered for a moment: "But what will the winner get?" 

Kate looked at him incredulously as he contemplated, Aaron then said "Well, the loser must fulfil three requests from the winner and can never refuse."

Kate replied with a confident smile: "Alright, but don't regret it later."

Standing side by side, just before they took off, he looked at her with an eager tone, Aaron: "Get ready, I won't go easy with you just because you're a girl…"

They both took off together, and Kate sped ahead, turning back to shout: "Try to keep up with me first!"

Aaron tightened the reins of his horse and whispered: "No time for niceties."

He surged behind her, closing the distance swiftly. Kate, in her quickened pace, displayed her skills with graceful turns and light darts, firmly seated in her saddle. 

Aaron raced ahead, using a clever manoeuvre to overtake Kate, leaving the dust of the field behind him.

Kate was astonished as she tightened her grip on Astor's reins: "Oh… did he just pass me?!"

But before she could quicken her speed, Astor grew restless, suddenly rearing, his eyes gleaming with panic and his body twitching with anxiety. She attempted to soothe him, but suddenly she lost control.

Aaron Saw what happened, so he quickly stopped and sprinted toward her, jumping off his horse. He grabbed the reins, trying to calm Astor, but the stallion rose on his hind legs, then came crashing down… taking Kate with him.

Yet, she did not hit the ground. She opened her eyes to find herself cradled in Aaron's arms, who had fallen himself., she Breathing heavily then whispered, "Did we just fall…?"

Aaron slowly stood up and said: "And you took me down with you."

They both laughed, albeit awkwardly, but Kate's gaze turned serious as she noticed blood on Aaron's hand.

She took his hand in hers, speaking with concern, "Aaron… your hand! Oh my God!"

Moments later

In the garden, they sat on a stone bench, as Kate tended to Aaron's wound with trembling fingers, avoiding his gaze, she was anxious.

In a hushed tone, she murmured, "I'm sorry… that shouldn't have happened."

Aaron looked at her hand as she wrapped the bandage, "What matters is that you're okay… and don't worry, it's just a scratch. Besides, I chose to help you; I don't regret it. …At least you started talking kindly to me."

He smiled lightly, but she didn't respond, and then he leaned towards her and said in a provocative tone:"by the way, do you admit now that I won?"

Kate quickly raised her head in surprise:"The race is over because my horse suddenly ran wild. this is not considered a win!"

Aaron squinted at her, laughing: "Oh, so you're afraid to admit it?"

Crossing her arms in irritation, she retorted, "I'm not afraid! What happened wasn't a fair race; Astor wasn't well."

Aaron smirked with a more provocative grin: "Excuses… Well, I won't force you. It seems even the brave rider lacks the courage to admit defeat."

She gave him a long stare, then sighed in frustration and declared, "Fine… you won. Satisfied now?"

Aaron glanced around her as if he is hearing imaginary applause, "finally an official confession."

He paused for a moment, then stood dramatically, proclaiming, "And since I am the great winner… it's time to fulfil the first request!"

Kate sighed knowing well that what was coming would make her regret. "I can't believe I agreed to this!"

Aaron looked at her with amusement, "My first request is…I want you to walk around the fountain imitating the horse's gait at a full pace and seriously".

 Kate raised her eyebrows as if she couldn't believe what he said, "Are you kidding me!".

Aaron raised his hands in mock surrender, "You promised. No objections."

She regarded him for a moment, weighing her dignity against her pride, then slowly stood up, lifted her chin, and began to walk exaggeratedly, raising and lowering her feet as if she were a horse showcasing itself.

Aaron laughed out loud, clapping his hands, "Amazing! Astor will be jealous of you!" 

Kate, walking with a mix of embarrassment and anger, muttered, "I'll get my revenge on you…"

As the sun began to set, Kate thought that Aaron perhaps had completely forgotten about the "three requests." But she was mistaken.

After dinner, just as she was about to leave the grand hall, Aaron approached her, patting his stomach with feigned satisfaction.

Aaron: "Miss Kate… it's time to fulfill my second request."

She turned to him, startled and apprehensive, "Now? What do you want this time? A dance? Or Theatrical performance ?"

He stepped closer with a wide grin, "No, this time I want something very simple… I want you to obey all my commands until the end of the day."

Kate's eyebrows shot up in shock. "What?!"

Aaron, playfully, replied, "Yes, all my commands. But don't worry, I won't ask you to build a bridge or sew a dress… at least, not right now."

Placing her hands on her hips, she stared at him incredulously. "Have you lost your mind? This is an abuse of our agreement!"

Aaron, feigning innocence, responded, "Oh no, it's cleverness. And You agreed yourself."

Kate huffed in exasperation, "Fine… surprise me- what urgent request do you have this time."

He gave a sarcastic smile "you know what… I've changed my mind; I will tell you later."

A quiet gasp escaped her lips, but no words followed.

He stepped closer, gently patted her shoulder — a gesture that felt more like pity than comfort — then turned away.

He left her standing there, frozen in place, and walked off.

His shoulders shook with laughter he didn't even try to hide.

Minutes later, in the back garden…

Aaron called from the couch where he lounged casually: "Kate! Bring me some water, I'm thirsty."

She froze in place, then slowly turned toward him.: "What? Bring you water?! There are servants in every corner of the palace!"

 Aaron with sarcasm:"But I don't trust any of the servants, maybe someone put poison in that water, so please bring it yourself and don't be late, as I told you, I'm thirsty"

Kate pursed her lips, trudging heavily toward the pitcher, her hand trembling as she poured a cup of water for him. Before handing it over, she stood before him and said: "Here you go… sir." 

He took the cup from her, a triumphant smile crossing his face. Aaron: "Well done. That was an easy request… let's see what's next."

Kate muttered in anger while she turned her back to him, "If I had known your jokes were that heavy, I would never made that bet with you …"

Aaron called from behind, teasingly:

"Miss! No smile? Tsk Tsk that's awfully impolite."

She turned around with an exaggeratedly fake smile and said in a saccharine tone: "A full smile… here you go." 

 Aaron laughed a long laugh and then said calmly as he sipped the water: "this is the most enjoyable day I've had since I came to the palace."

Kate, walked off, muttering to herself, "I will have my revenge… I really will."