Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Thirty - Missing II

Being on the verge of death by a completely insane horse really changed a person's perspective.

That was the thought running through Serena's mind as the mare thundered deeper into the forest, carrying her farther and farther from the palace.

Serena had stopped trying to control her. There was little point.

The horse had apparently decided where they were going, and Serena had accepted that her role in the matter was simply to hold on and hope she survived.

She tightened her grip around the mare's neck as branches whipped past her.

Well, at least she wouldn't have to worry about choosing a husband anymore. The thought was almost comforting.

Her stupidly had certainly solved that problem for her. Or perhaps the horse had.

Either way, she suspected the King would be terribly disappointed to discover that his carefully arranged royal courtship had ended with the potential bride disappearing into a forest.

Then she thought of Marianne Westbury, of all people, and laughed.

Poor Adrian. He had absolutely no idea what his mother was planning. If the Queen truly intended to push Marianne toward him, the prince was in for a very unpleasant surprise.

Then her thoughts turned to her family.

Her mother.

Her father.

Ewan.

Alexander.

She swallowed. She would miss them terribly. For all their arguments, their teasing, their ridiculous expectations. She loved them exactly as they were.

And then, inevitably, her mind found William.

Beautiful William.

Serena closed her eyes for a moment. He probably wouldn't even remember her. Perhaps he would hear that some foolish Harrington girl had died after attempting to save a horse and think nothing more of it.

She could almost imagine the conversation.

"Serena Harrington." "Oh. That dumb girl that was killed by a dumber horse."

As if she was listening to Serena's toughts, and got offended by it, the mare suddenly stopped.

Serena's eyes flew open. "What—"

The mare lowered her head sharply.

Serena lost her balance and landed unceremoniously in the dirt.

"Oof!"

Before she could recover, the mare stepped back, catching the hem of Serena's already damaged dress beneath one hoof and ripping it further.

Serena stared down at herself. There was a long silence.

"Really?"

The mare snorted.

Serena slowly stood.

Her dress was now torn far higher than any respectable lady would ever allow in public.

She looked at the horse.

The horse looked at her.

For several seconds, neither moved.

"All right," Serena said quietly. "So this is how we're doing this."

The mare stamped one hoof.

Serena took a cautious step backward. "If you're planning to kill me, I'd appreciate a little warning."

Another snort. Serena straightened.

She had spent her entire life being polite. She had bowed when she was expected to bow, smiled when she was expected to smile, and remained quiet when everyone else seemed determined to speak over her. She had never really confronted anyone.

Not properly.

Perhaps death was as good a place as any to start, so she planted her feet. "Fine."

She pointed at the mare. "If you're going to kill me, then at least do it properly."

The mare stared at her.

Serena lifted her chin. "I'm not running."

The mare took one step forward.