LEO’S POV:
I walked out of the room desperate to get the pending threat of Emory’s war out of my head. As I walked into the parlor I saw the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. Adria had her feet propped up on the couch and had already begun to read her book. Her eyes glistened and a smile stayed on her face as she read through the pages. I couldn’t help but smile. I grabbed one of the blankets that were draped over the couch and laid it on her so she wouldn’t get cold.
That seemed to have brought her attention back to reality. “Oh, my apologies. I didn’t hear you return.” She ran her fingers across the fabric of the blanket. “Thank you.”
I laughed a little watching her. “No need to apologize. Go ahead and read until your heart’s content. Would you like me to stay in here, or would you prefer privacy?”
She smiled and closed the book as she sat up. “Well, that all depends. Are you finished with your work for the day? Or are there any other things for you to do?”
I smiled as I sat next to her slowly. “I am officially done for the day. All of my time today can go toward you, as I promised.”
She smiled and nodded setting the book on the side table. “Alright then. I can read anytime. I would much rather spend the time you finally have free, with you.”
I smiled and leaned back in the seat. “Alright, what is the plan for the rest of the day?”
She laughed and looked at me with a mocking shocked look on her face. “I was supposed to plan that out? I think not, good sir.”
I laughed a little watching her. “Alright, how about you go get changed. I will have an outfit brought up to you for this occasion.”
She smiled becoming a little intrigued. “Do I not get to know where we are going?”
I shook my head and grinned. “Of course not. Where is the fun in that?”
She got up eagerly and made her way to the bedroom. I smiled watching her as I thought about the date I would take her on. Now would be the perfect time to impress her.
ADRIA’S POV:
I walked into my room where a lovely outfit already laid on the bed. The move so quick around here. I touched the outfit delicately. A gray pair of skin tight pants, a skin tight white long sleeve shirt, and a gray vest. A gray riding helmet and a thin pair of protective gloves lay on the dresser. Next to the bed were a pair of black paddock boots. My whole body tensed up nervously as I stared at the outfit. Riding gear. Horseback riding. I have never ridden a horse before.
I got dressed hesitantly as my heart began to race within my chest. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure if I was putting any of this on right. I stared at myself in the mirror nervously and tried to calm myself as I walked out of the room and back toward the parlor hoping I could at least remember the way there.
As I stepped into the parlor, I saw Leo in his riding gear already waiting for me. I blushed as I stared a bit too long at the incredible man who stood in front of me. A picnic basket sat on the table to his left.
I smiled a little trying to calm myself still. “So, do you plan on telling me what we are doing tonight?”
He sighed playfully as he grabbed the picnic basket. “Fine, if you insist. I thought we could take a moonlit horseback ride along the Faylinn river and have a picnic beneath the stars tonight.”
I couldn’t stop the blush invading my face as he spoke of the date. It was such a sweet idea. “I...to be honest, I have never been horseback riding before.”
He laughed a little as he held his out out for mine. I placed my shaky hand in his carefully as he smiled. “I would be honored if you would trust me enough to teach you how.”
I smiled as he kissed my hand gently. “Of course I do. Just...don’t let me fall.”
He smiled as he led me out of the house. “I will always be here to catch you if you do.”
As we walked into the stables next to the house I noticed two beautiful horses already ready to mount. The one he led me to was a beautiful light gray color and he sat patiently waiting. Leo motioned for me to put my foot in one of the stirrups. As I did this he carefully lifted me the rest of the way on the horse.
“The trick is to keep your balance. The horse I chose for you, I would trust with my very own life. He is so calm and gentle. His name is Roan.” Leo explained as he ensured I was on the horse properly. He smiled turning back to me before mounting his own horse. “I have my aunt Jaylene and uncle Nolan taking our picnic basket there. They are going to set it up so we can take our time to get there.”
I smiled as I watched him mount his horse steadily. She was a true beauty. As black as the night and she towered over him with such pride and ease. He smiled as he seated himself. “Are you ready?”
I nodded watching his every movement and gripped the reins. “Alright, Echo, let’s go.” He nudged his feet into her gently and she began to walk.
I mimicked his movements carefully doing the same with Roan nervously as we began to ride, the pace picking up slightly. Every few moments the horses would pick up pace until it became a slow run. Every now and then Leo would glance back to check on me as we rode. The horses ran along the side of the river and my eyes followed their course. The river was so beautiful. The soft lights of the fairies danced alongside us.
Leo pulled back on the reins of Echo, I mimicked his move and did the same with Roan slowing him to a stop next to a beautifully set up picnic. Leo hoped down from Echo’s back and walked over to Roan and me. He carefully lifted me off of the horse helping me to the ground slowly. I smiled as I looked around.
He noticed my awed expression and smiled walking me to the picnic. “This is my favorite spot. You can see all of the zodiac constellations here.”
I looked up to the sky noticing the picnic lay right beneath the constellation of Leo, king of the zodiac. “The moon goddess’ children?”
He laughed a little following my gaze. “The very same.”
I smiled as my eyes scanned the picnic layout. The blanket was filled with grilled lemon chicken, macaroni salad, potato salad, wine, and my favorite...chocolate covered strawberries.
Leo smiled as he watched me carefully. “I had dinner packed up for us so we could enjoy a bit of privacy. And well...I knew chocolate-covered strawberries were your favorite.”
“It all looks so amazing. Thank you,” I said smiling as he made our plates.
We sat and ate as we watched the fairies dance beneath the moonlight. It was so peaceful here. He smiled as we finished our dinner and grabbed a strawberry. He fed it to me slowly.
I watched the river flow endlessly. Before I knew it he had leaned in to kiss me. I couldn’t help but feel excited at the thought of his lips against mine. He kissed me slowly and moved my hair from my face. I ran my fingers through his short hair as the kiss seemed to last for hours.
He smiled as he pulled away gently. “You take my breath away.” He sighed as he stared up at the moon. “We should probably head back now. Your coronation as Queen of Lycansbane is tomorrow.”
I nodded and stood up. He helped me mount Roan once more. I stared up at the moon. I wish this could have lasted forever. But even peace comes to an end.