Heir's & Enemies: Breaking Bloodlines

Chapter 3: Quiet Ride

~Rowen's P. O. V.~

Mother let me have time to myself while the preparations for the gala got underway. Taking these next few days not to be a princess, but to be me has been a joyous experience. I went to the royal stables, my beautiful black and white horse waiting for me in her stall nickered and bobbed her head for me. I giggled a little at her slight misbehavior, petting her muzzle to calm her down. The stable boy readied her saddle for me and helped me climb on her. He led us out of the stables and that is when I let her run. Clicking my tongue and putting pressure on her flank, she bolted under me. I was laughing as she ran through the wide open spaces of our kingdom. The wind in my hair, the sun shining and the smells of the flora were exhilarating. I felt as if this peace was rejuvenating my body and mind. It was certainly needed. I had us go to a nearby river where I could see the fish and other small water-dwelling animals swim or crawl. It was a short ride, but not so close to the castle that it would scare off other fawna. I got off Clover and tied her to a tree. Then, finding a spot to sit, I watched the river flow down as I listened to the birds and other small creatures.

"This is what we needed, Clover. Eh, old girl?" I chuckled. "A day to ourselves. What do you think?" I looked at her as she grazed the grass beneath her hooves. "I see you agree with me. What do you think about this Elias? My brother said he talked with him. He wants to prove to me that he is worthy of me, Clover." She nickered again as she found more grass. "I know. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. What if I am not worthy of him? For all I know, he could be a great wyrm slayer with many a foe under his blade." I looked back at the river, "Or even better than that? He's handsome, kind and just." Then my mind went the other direction, "Or perhaps he is like Prince Teilo? Obsessive yet cruel?" Colver whinnied, "You're right. I should stop thinking about the worst. Ruhn finds him to be suitable for me, I will trust in that." I laid on the soft grass, watching the wind blow the trees slightly. It was a beautiful day. Not too hot, not too cold. Clover's fur-covered muzzle began to tickle my forehead. She was a good horse. I stroked her long cheeks and patted her neck.

Once I had my fill of the river, I got on Clover again and trotted back to the castle. I wanted to take my time to enjoy the scenery and re-center myself. What Prince Teilo said that day rattled my very core. I should not have taken his words so heavily. I may not know how to fight, but I do know that if his kingdom were to continue to prosper, his queen would have to be an equal beside him. Otherwise, it could cause an uproar and a dethroning of him and I. I knew I would be spared and probably be sent back to Ilsena. Teilo, on the other hand, would have been beheaded for harming the queen in such a manor. It could be seen as treason and possibly be seen as traitorous. A king who betrays his people is no king at all.

Prince Elias entered my thoughts. Ruhn also mentioned that his father is joining us. I had never met Teilo or his father before. It wasn't customary for the betrothed couple to not see each other before our wedding day. Elias was already making strives to be the better prince for me. Was I nervous? Of course. Yet, I was happy to meet my new prince. Honestly, I looked forward to it. I had the perfect dress in mind for my seamstresses with matching jewels. Our royal cobbler was to arrive the day after tomorrow for everyone's dancing shoe fittings. I wanted to look spectacular for that evening. And surprise mother with my gown design. The seamstresses were impressed when I showed them the pattern. One even complemented the colors I chose. Mother always lets my sisters and I design our own gowns. Says that only we know what we like. No man or other woman can decide how we look within our halls. I really do hope Elias will like it. I knew my wedding date was to be in spring, Prince Teilo's idea no doubt. I fancied a warmer season. I would like to wed on my 18th birthday if Elias is willing to wait 2 more years. I want our wedding to be a combination of sorts. The day I turn 18 years of age should be the day I wed Prince Elias.

The castle came into view, the sun was lower on the ground, letting me know that this day was a good day. I led Clover back to the royal stables. The stable boy bowed to me as I got off and handed him Clover's reins. I helped him by taking off her saddle and brushing her down. She was being a gentle girl with me and the stable boy. He never looked up at me, yet he knew what he was doing. I bowed to him in thanks for caring for my horse. I left the sables and went in for supper. My siblings were already seated along with my mother. I took my seat and waited for my food.

"Well, someone is in good spirits today." Rhoswen lightly tapped her shoulder with mine. "What's with the smile today?"

"Just thinking about Elias." My sisters and brothers cooed at that statement.

"Fancing him already?" Rhion asked.

I felt my cheeks heat up, "I am."

~Prince Elias' P. O. V.~

Court was finally over, King Ruhn and my father were busy talking about our alliances and how we could help each other. I have to admit, for a king as young as King Ruhn is, his ideas and minor adjustments were impressive. Though I am younger than he is, he also liked my ideas. I was getting rather anxious. I know I stepped up that day and I do not regret it, I just hoped that Princess Rowen would give me the chance to be a good fiance to her. I hated Teilo for thinking that she was beneath him. My princess will be given full control over our wedding day. After what Teilo did, it only seemed right. What she wants, she will get and I will spare no expenses. I did wonder what she would look like. I started to fuss with my hands a bit.

"Are you alright, Elias?" My father asked.

"Quite. Albiet, a bit nervous. What if she doesn't accept me?" King Ruhn bellowed a laugh.

"After what I have heard and witnessed in Court? You have nothing to fear." We only left The Kingdom of Odriya yesterday. "Might I ask your age?"

"18, my lord." Why would he ask that?

"An age more befitting my sister." I looked at him curiously. "She is 16 years of age. As you already know..." He needn't say it.

"Teilo being 21 and her well younger than him... Say no more, my lord." My curiosity started to get the better of me. "My lord?"

"Yes?" King Ruhn seemed so kind and noble. I hope I can live up to his image.

"W-Who does she resemble most?" Since we were in a private caravan, I had felt my cheeks heat up a little.

"Ah," He crossed his leaf over his other one and crossed his arms. He looked out the window. "She resembles my father most. Out of the 9 of us, she takes after him more than anyone." He smiled sadly, "The same hair that reflects the warmest fires in winter. Eyes that look like they are carved out of amber. She doesn't know it, but she looks like him down to the dimple in her cheek. He died before she turned 2 years of age. Mother hasn't put the portraits of father back up. I doubt she'll ever truly realize that she is his replica." He chuckled. She sounded beautiful. How could Teilo ever want to harm her in any way?

"She sounds gorgeous." I whispered. That had both kings chuckle.

"You said 9 of you?" My father asked.

"Yes. As you know, I am the eldest. Rowen is the youngest." King Ruhn smiled at my father.

"She is 16, so you're roughly 25 then?" My father closed his eyes and turned his head slightly.

"That would be correct." That peaked my interest. Ruhn and Rowen are both R names. I wonder...

"Are all of your siblings named with an R at the beginning?" That would be confusing and utterly hard. He once again bellowed a laugh.

"Yes, we are. Mother always had a love for the letter R. And my father never questioned it. We did. When my first sister was born, I was about a year old. That is when the tradition started. Believe me, it was chaotic with so many R names in the palace, especially during Walpurgisnacht ." My father and I laughed softly.

We spent the whole caravan ride talking about each other's kingdoms and his siblings. He even admitted that Rowen was the most special to him. That I had to admire and was a little jealous of. Eventually, the night began to fall, ending our second day on the road. 5 more days before I am meeting my betrothed for the first time. We stopped at an inn that was further up than we had hoped. King Ruhn paid for our rooms and ordered our dinners. He was a generous soul. We said our good nights and adjourned to our rooms. I sat on the uncomfortable bed and thought about Rowen. From what I have been told by King Ruhn, she loves many things. Her favorite thing to do was what shocked me. She loves to watch sparring matches between the knights and her brothers. A woman who enjoys the sport was rare. She would vote both ways and be a mediator if someone tried to cheat. In their kingdom, they fight honorably. If someone was caught cheating, they would clean the barracks for a month. I had to laugh at that. A knight, a nobleman would have to clean. It was fair and justly. I couldn't argue with that. I closed my eyes and pictured Rowan. Her smile, her laugh, everything about her. Hair like fire? That is a rare gift along with amber-like eyes. I made myself a mental promise. To cherish her every day and never take her for granted. Teilo lost a wonderful princess, and I gained her. Mother will be thrilled to know that I finally am betrothed to someone. Speaking of mother, I should write to her. I found parchment and a quill with a bottle of covered ink on the only table they have here.

Mother,

Father and I received wonderful news during Court. Do you remember Queen Aerona? Well, her son, her eldest son, is now King. I know you have only met Aerona once. She is the mother of my betrothed, mother. Her name is Rowen. Father and I went with King Ruhn to his kingdom to properly introduce ourselves. From what King Ruhn has told me, mother, my betrothed is one of a kind. I hope one day soon, you and her meet as well. If she is anything like King Ruhn has told me, then she is a gift and I will make sure not to swindle this gift.

Elias

I sealed the letter and sent it with one of King Ruhn's messenger knights.