Chapter 77
1401 Words
CHAPTER 77
After a few more minutes, the carriage finally stopped.
Noah stepped out of the carriage first. Then, he helped Tatiana after.
“Aren’t you going to bring that?” Noah asked when he noticed Tatiana left her bouquet.
Tatiana glanced at the bouquet as well then back at Noah.
As much as Tatiana wanted to bring it, she figured it would catch the attention of the people. This date and them being together was already enough to cause a stir. If she brought the lavender roses with her, people would make up stories and spread rumors about it, causing Tatiana a lot of trouble.
“Uh…no, I…won’t.” She said and averted her gaze as she scratched the back of her ear.
Noah raised his eyebrows as if to ask why.
Tatiana forced a laugh. She couldn’t possibly say her real reason, so she thought of another excuse to say.
“Well, I just thought it would be…inconvenient bringing it along…And, since it's too valuable to carry while walking around, I figured it'd be safer if I simply left it here." Tatiana reasoned and smiled at him awkwardly.
Noah didn’t say anything and only stared at her.
He thought it was a shame that Tatiana didn’t want to bring her bouquet. He wanted to show the public that Tatiana was the next Crown Princess, but he couldn't do anything if Tatiana was still uncomfortable with it.
Noah decided to put it aside. He shook his head and placed his hand on Tatiana's back as he led her into what appeared to be a little residence. It was then that Tatiana noticed where they were.
It was a…
“…a horse ranch?” She muttered, but Noah was able to hear it.
“Yes.” He said.
Tatiana turned and looked at Noah confusedly.
“Why are we here, your highness?” she asked.
“We’re going horseback riding,” Noah answered and smirked at her.
Tatiana was too stunned that she wasn’t able to speak. Noah then took that chance to escort her inside.
When they entered, a man, dressed in formal attire, approached them and gracefully bowed his head.
“Your Highness, Lady Tatiana, greetings. Welcome to the Capital Horse Ranch. It is our greatest honor to have you here.” The man greeted. “We have prepared everything for you, your highness, and my lady. Please follow me.” He added and led the way.
Despite the fact that Tatiana was still perplexed by everything, she followed alongside Noah.
“W-wait, your highness,” Tatiana spoke while they were walking behind the owner. She slightly pulled Noah’s sleeve to get his attention.
“What is it?” Noah asked. They didn’t stop walking while having their chat.
“Are we really going to do horseback riding?” Tatiana asked again, looking a bit worried.
Since Noah was taller, he had to look down to meet her eyes. He smiled smugly.
“Why? Are you afraid?” He asked in a teasing voice.
Tatiana huffed and rolled her eyes.
“No, I’m not.” She gritted.
She returned her gaze to the front and said nothing further.
Tatiana was not afraid; she was simply nervous. Actually, she had previously expressed an interest in horseback riding, so she’s feeling a bit excited about this as well.
Also, Tatiana was a bit puzzled about what His Highness was thinking. Well, Tatiana apparently doesn’t have any experience in dates even in her previous life, so she has no idea what people actually do on a date.
She was expecting he’ll bring her to a restaurant or to a theatre because isn’t that what people do on their dates? Isn’t dating all about eating and talking?
His Highness, on the other hand, took her to a horse ranch to go horseback riding. It was definitely unexpected and unusual. However, Tatiana thought this was better anyways.
She’s an outgoing type of person who loves adventures. So, she actually prefers thrilling activities like horseback riding rather than just sitting inside a restaurant and eating and talking.
Tatiana smiled to herself.
I wonder if His Highness has a special reason why he brought me here.
After a few moments of walking, the owner stopped in front of a door. He then turned to Noah and Tatiana,
“Your highness and my lady, this is the VIP suite we have prepared. Your equestrian clothing is also inside your rooms.” He said and pointed to the door.
Then, two maids approached them and bowed their heads to greet Noah and Tatiana.
“Ah, these are Joy and Marie.” The owner introduced while pointing to each of them respectively. “They will be the ones who will assist your highness and my lady during your stay here.” He added and smiled widely.
Noah nodded.
“Alright. We’ll change our clothes first.” He said in his usual monotone.
“Of course, your highness.” The owner replied and opened the door to the room for them. Noah and Tatiana went inside, the two maids followed after them.
The room was actually very big. It wasn't quite as big as her room at the Cromello's Residence or the Crown Prince's office in the Imperial Palace, but it was still rather roomy.
Tatiana thought they will see a bedroom right away when they entered. However, the first thing they saw was a sitting area with two single couches, a glass table at the center, and a fluffy-looking carpet. There was also a bright chandelier that lit up the whole room. On each side of the room, there is a big door. Tatiana thought one of the doors may be for the bedroom and the other was for the bathroom.
“You can change there,” Noah said and pointed the door at the left side. Tatiana nodded.
This must be the bedroom. She thought. Wait, is there only one bedroom? Then, how about His Highness?
“Alright… Uh…How about you, your highness?” she asked, sounding a bit worried.
“Hmm…” Noah acted as though he was deeply thinking about it. Then, he looked at Tatiana with seductive eyes. “Do you want to share a room with me?” he asked, his voice sounding suggestive.
Tatiana’s eyes widened. She immediately averted her gaze as she felt her cheeks flush.
W-what?! Share a room?! With His Highness? Isn’t this going too fast? Wait…no, why do I even care if it’s fast or not? I don’t want to share a room with His Highness ever—not now nor in the future. What am I thinking?!
Tatiana mentally slapped herself. She was going crazy from all the scenarios that came to her mind after His Highness said those words.
“W-what are you s-saying, your highness?” Tatiana stuttered as she tried to calm her fast heartbeat.
Why am I being like this? Why is my heart beating fast? Get a hold of yourself, Tatiana. His Highness was just joking. Don’t fall for his words! Tatiana scolded herself.
Noah noticed her expression and smirked.
Is she being shy? How amusing… He thought to himself.
“I’m kidding. Don’t be nervous, Anastasia.” He said, still sounding playful. He then walked to the door opposite Tatiana’s. “I’ll stay here. You do know there are two bedrooms here, right, Anastasia?”
Tatiana looked at him with wide eyes. Then, she glanced at the door behind Noah.
W-what?! There are two bedrooms? I thought the other door was for the bathroom!
Obviously, Tatiana didn’t know there were two bedrooms, causing her to have those weird thoughts from earlier. Now, she felt embarrassed.
His Highness may have noticed what I was thinking earlier! Ugh! I feel so embarrassed! She cried in her mind.
Due to her embarrassment, Tatiana rushed to her bedroom while covering her face with her hands. Noah saw this and grinned triumphantly.
But… although he only meant to tease Tatiana, there was actually a part of him that was serious about it.
Anastasia… you’re really driving me crazy.
Meanwhile, the two maids, who witnessed Noah and Tatiana’s playful exchange, felt…uncomfortable. They were definitely not expecting to see the Royal Crown Prince flirt so openly with his fiancé.
Now, the two maids thought of the same thing:
Was that really the cold and ruthless Crown Prince?
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reyankleyr
- Writer
