The Elusive Prince

Chapter 35: Wings That We Lack

"Horses lend us the wings that we lack."

-Pam Brown 

Merideth

Laughing a little as I slow Night down, I casually threw Cassian a look from over my shoulders where I was greeted by a glare from him.

"What the heck Merideth?! In what context did that translate to 'don't go too fast?!'" he looked furious and it was the first time I saw him lose his composure. Who knew a sudden change in speed on a horse could c***k his ever calm facade?

Taking a closer look to him made me realize that he was shaking, either from anger or fear I don't really know, that I couldn't help but feel a little bad about putting him in such a situation.

Making Night halt entirely, I managed to turn my body around just enough to make me see him better. He wasn't meeting my gaze however, if her ever noticed it, and was clutching the side handles hard instead.

"Hey I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you like that. I kinda just want to ride fast for a while. Sorry." I supplied awkwardly, not really knowing what to say. He must've heard the sincerity and guilt in my voice however because he calmed down a little and finally looked at me.

"You should've just told me so instead of giving me a heartattack. I thought my soul left my body for a moment there." he clutched his chest where his heart was located and if I wasn't feeling bad I would've laughed.

"You know, I could just ride Anisa while you take Night on his exercise. I wouldn't mind really." ahh there it was, he was calm again. Well it was fun seeing him angry for a moment.

"But I promised to teach you right?" I said while trying hard not to bite my bottom lip.

"Yeah, not give me a heart attack." he sighed. "Look, I'll be fine just trotting for a while. Night needs his exercise right? And besides you come here to feel the wind on your face not tutor me. We have Marshall for that."

I was a little convinced but after dragging him here and giving him a scare, I feel like I should do something. Even if that means, sacrificing the few moments where I feel a little free. He must've noticed my uncertainty because he persuaded me with his offer once more.

"Look, I can ride with you later okay? Besides, isn't it bad for Night to carry two people at the same time on a high speed? We can just on a ride together later when he gets his exercise, sound alright?"

"Well if you say so." sighing in defeat, I turned Night around back into the stables, much to the surprise of Marshall and some of the staffs helping him here, as I let him help Cassian dismount. I was still a little hesitant going but Cassian just gave me a nod then proceeded to ask Marshall if he could ask for some lessons. Marshall just nodded and guided him to where Anisa was at and gave me a go signal. Having no choice, I started to make Night move again.

Now without the added weight on Night's back and on mine too, I was free to gain speed. Letting Night carry me around the stadium, ignoring the biting chill of the wind and instead letting myself lost in the sensation of it hitting my face, I gain that sense of security and tranquility again. Letting myself forget about everything other than the feel of wind on me, I give Night his exercise and my mind rest.

After a couple of rounds though, I slowly come to a stop to make Night rest. Unmounting him, I led him by the reigns into the stables once again where there were a few of the staff grooming the horses, probably for the equestrian team later. Greeting them a good morning, I let them take care of Night for me and asked where Marshall and Cassian were at. They directed me into the small indoor arena where we usually practice when it was too cold to be outside.

Entering the arena, I saw Cassian make Anisa go round in circles while Marshall clapped at the sides. They didn't notice me at first until Marshall did when he happened to let his gaze fall on the side while Cassian was engrossed in what he was doing.

"Oh, you're back already." I situated myself beside him and just watched Cassian with Anisa going round and round.

"Yeah, couldn't overwork Night. Besides it was little chilly."

"Hmmm...was it really because of the weather or is it because of him?"

"What nonsense are you talking about." he gave me a look. "Okay maybe it was because of him." he just smirked in triumph while I huffed.

"It's just that, I did promise him I would show him why riding was so important to me and instead, I gave him a scare."

"Well I did see that stunt you pulled earlier and I would've reprimanded you if only I wasn't confident with your skills."

"Yeah...anyway, after the staff finish grooming the horses, can I take one out on the woods?" I asked while Cassian enjoys himself making Anisa trot in circles.

"Oh? Is this you subtly asking permission for a date?" he teased but didn't look at me and instead trained his eyes on Cassian, clearly evaluating him.

"No. I just want to show him a little calm and peace after that little stunt. Besides, I need to talk to him about something."

"Well, I could let you borrow one since I trust you won't be doing any funny business." I almost squawked but stopped myself.

"I'm kidding Your Highness. Besides the forest is full of cameras so I know you won't even think of doing anything funny in there. I assume you're going to be taking Night?"

"Yes, so it's possible?" I asked just in time for Cassian to come stop in front of us and gave me a little wave. Waving back I turned my attention back to Marshall.

"Yeah sure. Don't take too long though. We need Night for practice later." he said before standing up and helping Cassian dismount.

"My Your Highness, you're taking this like a fish in water. In no time, you're going to be just as good as the others." he praised and Cassian just rubbed his nape, shy.

"Well it was because Anisa trusts me so...anyway, you're back faster than I thought you would be Merideth. I was expecting you to take your time outside before coming back in." he commented as we walk back into the stables where Night was graciously munching on a carrot.

"Yeah, well we did agree on a ride together right?" he looked a little apprehensive at that.

"No funny business this time. I just want you to see something." right at that moment, Night was handed back to me by Marshall. Mounting him, I adjusted myself again and looked at Cassian. He was still a little hesitant (I would be too honestly) but got up just the same.

"Now, no more quick changes in pace okay? I won't talk to you for a week if you do." he threatened which just made Marshall and I laugh.

Crossing my fingers on my heart in promise, he let himself relax as I head out of the stables and into the open field. The sun was up by now but it was not hot, instead it gave a beautiful contrast against the cold wind from earlier making my skin feel good.

Taking my time with Night, I shift directions and instead of circling the arena, headed for the open latch on the fence separating the woods from the open field. I know Cassian must've been surprised but didn't say anything which made me sigh in relief.

Entering the woods, we sat in silence as we let Night take us to our destination. There were no words exchanged between us which was for the better seeing as I don't really know what to say and only the sounds of nature could be heard. From the rustling of the leaves, to the melodious song that the birds singing as they go about their day, and the soft tapping of Night's hooves meeting with the grassy path helped make the ride comforting instead of suffocating in awkward silence.

Seeing our destination within sight, I made Night stop in his tracks which earned me a soft voice from behind me question as to why we stopped. Smiling at him a little, I told him to dismount. He was a bit hesitant but having been dismounting for a while now, it was not so hard for him to do anymore. Placing his hand on my shoulder as he lifts himself up, he gently went down the horse and only a soft thud of this feet hitting the grass could be heard.

Confirming that he got down okay, I followed and took a hold of Night's reigns and guided him and Cassian into the place I had in mind. The spot I was taking us to was not hidden per se nor was it a secret, but we were only allowed in here during spring and only during spring but since I get permission to give Night some exercise in the woods, I get to go here everytime. It was one of the highlights of my rides, second only to the feeling of riding itself, and one of the main reasons why I go to the stables every Sunday.

I let Cassian take in the scenery for a while and tied Night to his usual spot whenever I visited. The place I took us to is a garden of sorts with lots of benches and picnic tables scattered around. The only reason this is only open in spring is because during spring the trees surrounding the place would be in full bloom and it was quite a sight to see. Currently though, since it's fall, the leaves where thinning but it was still beautiful. Clearly, I was not the only one who thought it was pretty.

"It's so beautiful here. What are these trees?" Cassian marveled as he take in the surrounding trees.

"It's called 'Dream Catcher' Flowering Cherry. They're pink in spring but since it's autumn, it's golden in color." I said as I sat down on one of the benches here. Cassian looked around some more before sitting down too.

"Well they're still pretty. How come I didn't know this place existed?"

"Well, since it only opens in spring, I thought there was no point including it in our tour. And it's not really important, or so they say."

"So...if this is only open in spring, how come we're here?" he said teasingly but curious at the same time.

"Don't tell anyone but...part of the reason why I do my weekly rides is because of this. That and I genuinely like the feeling of riding a horse when I'm stressed." I said before leaning back and glancing at the blue sky with tiny wisps of clouds, almost perfect as if it was painted on there. Although the sun was up, this place was full of trees and thus giving us a perfect shade away from the heat of the sun. Some streaks of the stubborn sun were peeking through though but that just adds to the ethereal effect the woods was emitting.

"Well thanks for sharing this place I guess." he said after a moment of silence and I just nodded and looked back up at the sky.

"Say Merideth, why do you like riding so much? I mean why horses? The world is advanced already and you could ride a car or a motorcycle and you would still get the same effect so why a horseback riding specifically?" Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by his question and I threw him a glance. He didn't say anything and waited for me to answer his question. There were a lot of people who asked me the same question and I always answered them all the same. I always just tell them that I like it and it was sophisticated to do so but with Cassian, I couldn't help but be honest, so I did.

"You know, I saw this quote by someone. It said that horses lend us wings that we lack. Sure I could get the same results as riding a motorcycle or a car as you have said but there is just something about horses you know? They're not just disposable things that you can use while chasing that feeling, you need to have a relationship founded by trust with the horse which makes the feeling itself intensify. I guess it's weird if I say it like that but I don't know. Riding a horse it's like putting your trust on someone to take you to where you want to go and you're not alone on that journey. When you're riding a motorcycle, it's all on you, you know? You don't rely on anyone but your skills but with horses, you have that companion that can guide you and be with you while you chase the wind. I'm sorry if I'm rambling too much, it must be boring to listen to. What I'm trying to say is... it's great." I finished lamely because I was getting carried away. I don't even know why I just dumped that on him.

"Well...I don't think it's weird. I think it's awesome to be able to see the beauty of it even in these times." he said after a few moments of silence and just let out a breath before looking back up at the sky.

"Merideth..." he began which made me turn my full attention to him. He was looking at me earnestly and I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows in question at that.

"About that talk...I...want talk now."