Chapter 79
810 Words
CHAPTER 79
Noah turned to Tatiana and raised an eyebrow while still smirking at her.
“And I thought you already know how to ride a horse.” He said in a teasing voice.
Tatiana rolled her eyes.
“Of course, I don’t, your highness. This is my first time.”
“Really? That’s…unexpected.” Noah replied back and looked at her as if he couldn’t believe what she said.
“Your highness, do you really think my parents or my brother would allow me to ride a horse?” Tatiana added as though she was stating the obvious.
Noah smirked.
“That’s true, but I also didn’t think your parents or your brother would allow you to learn how to fight. And yet you became… an expert.”
Tatiana wasn’t able to answer that.
What Noah said was right. Tatiana wasn't meant to know how to fight or use swords, but she did anyway—except she did it before she came to this world, so it probably doesn't count. Nonetheless, she is still Tatiana Cromello, who became an expert in fighting in just a year.
Tatiana cleared her throat and averted her gaze.
What else should I say? His Highness was clearly attempting to draw attention to my unexpected change and my ability to fight.
Noah noticed Tatiana’s expression, so he chuckled before unmounting his horse.
“Alright, I’ll teach you.” He said.
Before Tatiana could react, Noah mounted Alexander and sat behind her. Tatiana jumped in surprise and turned to look at him. When she, instead, collided with Noah's chest, she quickly looked ahead again.
“W-what are you doing, your highness?” Tatiana stuttered and tried to go down the horse.
However, Noah reached for the reins, trapping Tatiana between his arms. Tatiana flinched.
She could feel Noah breathing on her neck that sent chills all over her body. Her heart was beating abnormally fast, and she could feel butterflies in her stomach when Noah’s alluring scent reached her nose.
Why am I being like this? Calm down, Tatiana, calm down. She scolded herself
Noah, on the other hand, smirked to himself when he noticed Tatiana's nervousness.
I didn’t know she could be this shy… how interesting. He thought to himself.
“I’m teaching you how to ride a horse.” He said it nonchalantly as if he has no idea how he's making Tatiana nervous.
When Tatiana felt the vibration in Noah's body as he spoke, her heartbeat became even quicker.
She tried to relax by closing her eyes and clenching her grip on the reins.
Calm down, Tatiana. Calm down. She chanted in her mind.
Tatiana, on the other hand, can't seem to get her emotions under control, no matter what she tells herself. Her uneasiness just got worst when she felt Noah move even closer to her. Now, she could feel his entire body on her back.
“Uh…c-can’t you…just tell it to me, your highness.” She managed to stutter and leaned forward to put some distance between herself and Noah.
“Sit properly, Tatiana.” Noah scolded, making Tatiana straighten her back immediately. “I’ll demonstrate it to you, so look closely.” He added.
Tatiana slowly nodded.
Right… just focus, Tatiana. Focus. She reminded herself and took a deep breath.
Tatiana cleared her mind and held the reins properly. Noah then started telling her what she needed to do.
After telling the basics, they had a few runs around the field. Then, Noah unmounted the horse to let Tatiana ride on her own.
It didn’t take long when Tatiana had finally got used to it.
“You learn fast. I’m impressed, Tati.” Noah complimented when Tatiana returned to the starting point after a sprint run.
Tatiana smiled proudly.
“Of course. I’m the Lady Anastasia Monique Tatiana of House Cromello. I’m naturally talented. ” She said quite arrogantly. Noah only shook his head while smiling.
He thought Tatiana looked cute being proud of herself, but actually, he was even prouder of her. He knows Tatiana was smart, but he didn’t expect her to be this good. She’s a fast learner. In just an hour, she already got a hang of it that she could even make the horse canter on her own. Even Noah’s brother, the second prince, Prince Nathaniel, took two days to do a sprint run.
Noah mounted the white horse again and looked at Tatiana.
“Then, Lady Anastasia Monique Tatiana of House Cromello, do you want to race?” He challenged, using the same tone as Tatiana when she said her full name.
Tatiana looked at him confused but then smiled smugly. She pulled the reins and positioned her horse beside Noah.
“Challenge accepted, your highness.” She said and smirked at Noah before slightly kicking Alexander to make him gallop.
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reyankleyr
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