She grasps the handle and pulls it open. “I suppose you are.”
The guard in the hall steps aside and bows as we pass. I incline my head to him in thanks, and we move along the hallway to the stairs.
“I would be excited if I were the one who was marrying a handsome prince,” Joceline says.
I hitch my skirt so I don’t trip on my way down the stairs. “For all we know, Prince Bryson could be an ugly beast.”
Joceline giggles. “I think not. You’ve seen his portrait. He looked handsome to me.”
“Yes, but he could be horrid on the inside.”
We make our way out to the courtyard where my carriage is waiting, harnessed to two brown mares. Sir Darren, one of Auradale’s knights, dressed in his light blue tunic, stands at the horses’ heads, holding the reins of another black steed. A loud neigh sounds across the way, and I glance over to the stables. Another knight, Sir Caleb, attempts to lead Falada out of the stalls. The fairy horse tosses his head, ripping his reins free of Sir Caleb’s grasp, and backs into the shadows.
“I think he’s going to be difficult,” Joceline says.
I sigh. “When is Falada not difficult?”
Sir Caleb tries again to lead my horse out of the stables, but Falada doesn’t cooperate a second time. It seems he wants to stay in Auradale as much as I do. I walk towards them, and Sir Caleb bows as I approach.
“My apologies, Your Highness, but he refuses to come out.”
“It’s all right,” I say, passing into the shadows of the building. “Falada. Come on. It’s time to leave.”
“We should stay here. You can’t make me go.” His earthy voice fills my head like it always does when he speaks.
It took a bit of getting used to when I first heard him talk. It’s as though he can speak out loud, but his lips don’t move, and I assume everyone hears him in the same way.
“You’re right, I can’t make you stay. But I would miss you if you didn’t come.”
“You’re trying to trick me,” he says. “You wouldn’t leave without me.”
“Unfortunately, I would, because I have a very determined mother who won’t allow me to do anything other than leave this castle to marry Prince Bryson. And I would much rather do it with you by my side.”
Falada steps forward, and the sunlight shines off his pale gold coat. He tosses his head and flicks his white mane.
“Oh, all right.” The fairy horse snorts, then nuzzles my hand. “I’ll come if you promise to bring carrots.”
“You can have as many carrots as you like.” I take his reins and lift them over his head. “I see you let Sir Caleb saddle you.”
“I don’t mind the saddle.” Falada flicks his ears. “It means you’ll ride me.”
I glance at Sir Caleb and smile, then we walk back to the carriage with Falada clopping beside us. Mother comes down the stairs, her face set in her usual stern expression.
“You have your pin and handkerchief?” she asks.
I pat my corset and dip my head. “Yes.”
“I trust you will have a safe journey, then.” Mother takes me into her arms and gives me a stiff hug.
“Malay couldn’t come to see me off?” I ask, scanning the courtyard for my brother.
“He has business to attend to.” Mother pulls away. “We will see you in a few weeks for the wedding.”
I nod and bite the inside of my cheek. A moment ago, Falada had me smiling, but my brother not sparing a few moments to say goodbye, and the thought of the wedding, has put a dampener on my spirits. I’m going to miss my home, and I’m not ready to marry. There are so many things I want to do before I commit to a man for the rest of my life. I had hoped to marry when I was ready, not when I was told I had to.
“Is everything in order, Sir Darren?” the Queen asks.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The knight bows to Mother, then turns to me. “We should set out, Your Highness, if we’re to make good time today.” He’s still clutching his horse’s reins.
“I’m ready when you are.” I smile.
“Be sure to look after her,” Mother says.
Sir Daren bows again. “Sir Caleb and I will guard Princess Aria with our lives.”
Sir Caleb opens the door to the carriage and offers me his hand.
“Oh ... Joceline can sit inside. I’d like to ride Falada,” I say.
Mother scoffs and clicks her tongue, disapproval dripping from her. “Make sure you are inside the carriage when you arrive. You must appear to be a lady at all times.”
“I’ll see that everything is just right, Your Majesty,” Joceline says, curtseying.
I take a breath and bite my tongue. Snide comments right now will only anger Mother and make my departure more painful. I slip my foot into Falada’s stirrup, grasp the reins in one hand and the saddle in the other, and haul myself up. Sir Caleb rushes to help me, but I’m on the horse before he can. He drops his hands to his sides and steps back.
“All set, then.” I turn Falada towards the gate. The townsfolk line either side of the road, stretching out of the castle, along the drawbridge, and through the town.
Joceline scrambles into the carriage. Sir Darren takes up his place in the driver’s seat, and Sir Caleb mounts his horse. I glance over my shoulder at Mother, then jab Falada in the sides, and he takes off. His hooves clop on the cobblestones. My heart lurches as I leave the only home I’ve ever known and ride towards a future I don’t want.
Chapter Two
WE RACE PAST THE LINES of people. They cheer and wave, and I wish I could be as happy as they are that I’m setting off to start a new life in another kingdom.
I can’t see her, but Mother is probably shaking her head. I push my fairy horse to a gallop. My hair trails out behind me as we wind down the road to the bottom of the town. Mother doesn’t approve of the way I ride Falada, but I’m tired of keeping up appearances. And I might even ignore Mother’s request to be inside the carriage when I arrive at Rivergate. Perhaps if the Prince thinks I’m uncouth, he won’t want to marry me, and I can come home.
Sir Caleb brings his horse to ride beside Falada. “Please slow down, Princess Aria. The carriage can’t travel at this speed.”
I glance over my shoulder at Sir Darren navigating the rutted road of the town. I slow Falada to a canter, then a trot, then pull him to a gentle stop. Sir Caleb also reins in his horse. We’ve reached the town limits, and the people who came out to bid me farewell have already returned to their daily routines. Some stragglers stare from up the road, moving aside for the carriage to pass.
“I apologise.” I glance at the castle. “Mother gets under my skin sometimes. I don’t want to leave, but ...” I shake my head then force a smile. “It’s not your concern.”
“I’m sure everything will work out,” Sir Caleb says.
Falada snorts. “You humans always like to make things sound so complicated.”
“That’s because sometimes they are,” Sir Caleb replies.
“Just ignore him,” I say. “I do.”
Sir Caleb chuckles, and Falada snorts again.