Keeping her safe

A Request

It's two days after the ball and I was requested by the queen to go horse riding with Brent Ashford. She said even though they were a threat, they need to be kept close to keep an eye on them and that I should try to be firm with them. They can be very intimidating apparently, but I think he knows I won't take his crap after the ball.

Here we go again. Snowflake is giving problems already and I have to deal with Brent Ashford to boot. We were just outside of the stables where we started riding through the garden on our way to the field where you ride the horses out in the open. Brent was by my side and Liam and Carl was behind us. 

Brent looked pleased with himself. "Thank you for accepting my invitation Lady Rachel. I thought we could spend some time together since we will be seeing a lot of each other."

My horse trotted on wards, I was trying to concentrate keeping the horse in check. "Glad to be here."

Not really.

He cleared his throat with a slight smile. "Is the palace to your liking?" 

I looked at him, his eyes made me blush a bit. "Yes, it is something to get used to, but I quite like it."

He looked passively when asking the next question. "Is my family treating you well at least?"

I perked up at that question. Why would he ask that? "I have only met you and your cousin so far."

He frowned at the mention of his name. "He wasn't a brute was he?"

I had a confusing look on my face. Why are they so against each other? "Not really, has a bit of a dirty mind but otherwise he is not that bad."

He was thinking now. "I see. I hope I did not upset you too much at the ball." 

I shook my head. "It's fine. Nothing to be sorry abo-."