Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Thirty-one - Missing III

Serena's heart hammered.

Another step.

She refused to move.

And then—

The mare's legs buckled.

She collapsed onto the ground with a heavy thud.

Serena's anger immediately disappeared. "Oh!"

She rushed forward.

The mare lay breathing heavily, completely exhausted. Serena knelt beside her.

"Oh, you poor thing."

She carefully placed a hand against the mare's neck.

"There, there, girl."

The horse's ears twitched.

"That was some battle, wasn't it?"

A tired grunt answered her.

Serena smiled. "I know."

She stroked the mare's mane. "I know what it's like to be pushed somewhere you don't want to go."

Another grunt.

"Exactly." Serena nodded solemnly.

"People make decisions for you. They tell you where you're supposed to go, who you're supposed to marry, how you're supposed to behave..."

The mare shifted her head slightly. "And then they act surprised when you don't particularly enjoy it."

A soft huff.

Serena smiled. "See? You understand."

She sat beside the exhausted animal. For a while, they simply rested.

Eventually, Serena began talking again. She told the mare about the palace, her brothers and the Royals. About the absurdity of being expected to choose between two princes. She even told her about William.

The mare listened with the solemn patience of someone who had nowhere else to be. When Serena finally stopped, the mare gave a quiet grunt.

"I know." Serena nodded. "I miss him too."

The mare snorted.

"Well, perhaps you don't."

Another snort.

"Fine. You can have him." Serena laughed.

After a little while, the mare finally began to stir.

Serena looked around. The forest was dark.

She had absolutely no idea where she was.

She sighed. "All right, girl."

The mare lifted her head.

"I think we've both had enough adventure for one night."

Serena carefully stood. "I know you don't want to go back."

The mare's ears flattened.

"I know." Serena reached for the reins.

"But please." She gave the mare a pleading look. "I'll keep you safe."

The mare stared at her. Serena smiled faintly.

"And if you get us back to the palace, I promise I'll never let anyone hurt you."

The mare remained still.

Serena sighed. "Please?"

A long pause.

Then the mare slowly stood.

Serena's face lit up. "That's my girl."

She climbed carefully onto her back. The mare gave an irritated grunt.

"I know. I know. You'd rather be anywhere else."

Serena gathered the reins. "But unfortunately, so would I."

And together, the unlikely pair began the long journey back to the palace.