I will be updating the book from the start, just to make some changes!
Damion stepped forward, clapping enthusiastically. "Well done, Gabi! Never back down. This is a lesson that everyone should learn. In a mere moment, the tide can turn and everything can change. Laer may have had the advantage in size and experience, but it just goes to show that it's not everything." He then came over and offered me a hand to help me up. Laer, standing next to me, unexpectedly pulled me into a hug. "That was amazing, Gabi," he praised, applauding me. As he released me from the slightly awkward embrace, I turned around and noticed a pair of golden eyes watching our interaction.
The Princess appeared uneasy, but I couldn't determine the reason behind it. It seemed like she wanted to speak to me, so I approached her cautiously, while the others continued with their training. "I'm sorry, I wasn't sure if you were coming, and he asked me to spar," I explained quickly, barely taking a breath. The Princess, dressed in a simple earth-toned robe and matching trousers, looked down at me. Although she appeared more casual, nobody here could compare to her regal presence, with her golden hair tied back in a neat ponytail. "You did well, Gabi. Damion has filled me in on your training. It won't be long before my father oversees your test," she acknowledged.
It was the first time she mentioned the test, something I had momentarily forgotten about, but passing it was a crucial part of the terms I had agreed to for this training. Princess Lily then turned around abruptly and gestured for me to follow her. Cautiously, I trailed after her as she led me towards the area where the horses were housed. Was it finally time for my riding lesson? We rounded the corner of the stables and entered, passing several stables until we reached a particularly large one that housed a magnificent palomino horse, standing tall. Lily went into the stall and began cooing at the horse, confirming my assumption that it was indeed her horse.
Lily skillfully lifted the saddle with grace, effortlessly placing it onto her horse and expertly fastening the buckle. I couldn't help but be amazed at her capability, a trait that continued to surprise me about the Princess. With ease, she secured the reins, showing her comfort and familiarity with the task. As she pulled her horse out, I instinctively took a step back, never having been around horses before, everything felt new and unfamiliar to me.
"Careful," Lily scolded me, her voice firm. "Come here," she demanded, beckoning me over. Nervously, I approached, cautiously eyeing the horse to ensure my safety. Lily knelt down, extending her hands towards me. "Place your foot here," she instructed, "and then swing your leg over." The thought of getting on the horse unsettled me, and I hesitated. "I'm not putting my dirty shoe in your hands," I refused, hesitant to burden the Princess. It just felt wrong, considering her high status.
Lily was visibly annoyed by my defiance, huffing and rolling her eyes in frustration. "You either do it or you won't learn how to ride and fail the test," she retorted, playing her trump card. Annoyed at her response, I grumbled in annoyance, finally giving in and cautiously placing my foot in her hand. Lifted effortlessly by Lily, I swung my leg over the horse and settled into the saddle. To my relief, Lily followed suit, jumping up onto the saddle behind me. Though pressed up against her, I found comfort in her presence, grateful she wouldn't leave me alone with the horse. Yet, the proximity unnerved me, and I could hear her rhythmic breathing, causing my heart to race.
Securing her feet in the stirrups and reaching around me to hold the reins, Lily gently tapped the horse, prompting it to start moving. As we left the barn and ventured into the fields, away from the city's hustle and bustle, I couldn't help but feel surprised that Lily would go this far without any guards accompanying her. Trotting along, I gradually grew accustomed to the horse's movements, silently absorbing Lily's advice. "Just go with the movement, don't fight it," Lily whispered into my ear, sending a tingle down my spine. Focused on mastering the art of riding, I refrained from speaking, solely concentrating on the horse and its actions.
Curiosity finally got the better of me, and I couldn't help but inquire, "Am I doing it right?" Eager to succeed, I desired confirmation. "Yes," Lily assured me, confident in my ability to quickly grasp the skill, given my previous progress. Unbeknownst to me, Lily had been observing my every move, intently studying my face. Inhaling deeply from time to time, she found herself relishing in the scent of my lowly elven being. Internal cursing ensued, as she reminded herself of an upcoming suitor, set to arrive within a day or two.
Despite my initial uneasiness, Lily took control of my hands and guided me on how to hold the reins properly. "Stay like this," she instructed, explaining that tugging right meant going right, and vice versa for the left. Holding onto my hands, Lily could sense my nervousness, and she teased me about it, her breath coming close to my face. Feeling the intensity of the moment, I admitted my anxiety. "I'm just a low elf with the Princess of my kingdom behind me. Can you blame me?" I took a deep breath, revealing part of the truth.
Lily wasn't satisfied with my answer. She believed there was more to my nervousness. Releasing my hands and the reins, she surprised me by placing her hands on my waist, causing me to gasp. We were both captivated by each other, and I couldn't help but steal a glance at her. Her golden eyes met mine, and she smirked as I quickly turned away.
To my astonishment, Lily removed her feet from the stirrups and urged me to take control. "If you want to go faster, give him a couple of taps. He'll take care of you," she advised, wrapping her arms around me tightly. Her cheeks pressed against my back, almost brushing against my neck. Her hands clasped together in front of me as we cantered along. The scenery surrounding us was breathtaking - snow-capped mountains in the distance, a clear blue sky, and vast barren land. It was a place I had never been before.
As we slowed down to a stop, I wanted to take in the beauty of our surroundings and stretch my legs. Lily, who seemed at peace and comfortable with me by her side, didn't require any assistance dismounting. However, I still extended my hand to her, and she willingly took it. We found a small river in The Valley where we allowed the horse to drink.
"Is this your horse?" I couldn't help but ask, Lily's expression shifted with a mix of curiosity and confusion as she responded, "Why do you ask?" Her voice carried a hint of perplexity. I couldn't help but feel a strange curiosity as I observed her expression.
Concerned for our safety, I gently stroked the sand-colored horse while voicing my worries to Lily, "I didn't think you would be allowed out here without your guards. Isn't it dangerous?" I worried that our actions might lead us into trouble. Additionally, I expressed my reservations about training on her personal horse, not wanting to overstep any boundaries.
Sensing my unease, Lily moved closer to me, coming around to my side of the horse. Her hand reassuringly rested on my upper arm as she spoke, "Don't worry, we are perfectly safe. And, believe me, there is no better horse to train on than this one."
The Princess elegantly mounted her horse and extended a hand towards me, gently taunting, "How does the low elf feel about riding behind the Princess this time?" I was momentarily taken aback but managed to regain composure by rolling my eyes. I climbed onto the horse, placing my feet in the stirrups and my hands on the reigns around Lily. Despite trying to keep a distance, it proved difficult. My hands were almost brushing against her waist, and I couldn't help but feel serenely content being out here. "I could stay out here forever," I whispered to myself more than anyone else. Lily, turning her head toward me, her eyes shimmering like golden pools, smiled and softly replied, "Me too." We began to canter back towards the Kingdom, when Lily's sudden slip prompted her to grab onto my thigh.
Reacting swiftly, I wrapped my arms around her tightly, ensuring her safety as we picked up speed. Astonished, she murmured, "You've taken to riding as if you were born in the saddle." I laughed, surprising even myself, as I had been struggling not to appear foolish while riding, desperately wanting to impress her. "Beginner's luck," I shrugged, as we neared the outskirts of the Kingdom. Guarded by mounted escorts on each side, we caught the attention of one particular guard, who scrutinized our unconventional arrangement. Riding beside us, he respectfully acknowledged, "Your Highness, Lord Elendriel has arrived." We eventually reached the castle gates and dismounted. Observing Lily's dissatisfaction with the news, I noticed her lips part, as if to voice her displeasure, only to quickly close again, squeezing her eyes shut. Taking a deep breath, she turned abruptly and stormed off. Determined to assist with the horse and the stables, gaining valuable experience, I resolved to take on the responsibility.
As Lily made her way directly to her father, an unexpected encounter halted her. "Your Highness," Lord Elendriel, bowing respectfully, greeted her before stepping forward, gently kissing her hand. Lily's disdain for him was evident; while any other elf would experience enchantment in his presence, Lily remained unmoved. He embodied the qualities of a Prince, though not on paper. "I'm on my way to see my father. You should get settled in," Lily grimaced, the words barely escaping her lips. "As you wish. I eagerly anticipate spending more time with you," he replied, unfazed, his tall and well-built figure reminiscent of a deity.
Lily hastily scurried into her father's office, her face clearly displaying her discontent. "Clear the room," he sternly commanded as the door closed behind her. Seated in his chair, he inquired, "What is troubling you, my daughter?" Lily struggled to find her words, but finally managed to say, "I cannot marry him." Angrily, the King retorted, "Cannot or will not?" She stood frozen, unable to respond. "Marriage to him is your duty, bestowed upon you since birth. You will marry him, and that is the end of it," he declared firmly. Lily could not bear the thought.
With resolve, she countered, "You know he is not my rightful partner, and I refuse!" The King's defiance only escalated as he proclaimed, "I am the King, and you will follow my orders. As you have no mate, you will marry him." Slamming his hands on the desk, he stood up, brimming with anger. Without giving it another thought, Lily turned on her heels and stormed out of the room, forcefully slamming the door behind her. The weight of the world burdened the Princess as she returned home, with no intention of staying at the castle that night.
The following day, she reluctantly returned to the castle to fulfill her duty of training Gabi. I arrived at the training grounds, ready to begin our session as I had completed my tasks the day before and enjoyed a long run. Laer approached me with a smile, and jokingly I groaned, "I hope you're not here for another sparring session." Laughing, he reassured me, "No, I just wanted to check on how you're doing." Glancing over at Lily, who had just entered the training ground, her gaze filled with curiosity, I politely inquired, "I'm well, thank you. And yourself?"Â I could see Lily placing her things on the ground out of the corner of my eyes.