Page 17 of Love Letters & Lemon Drops

I shake my head, already drifting towards the horse that I assume is Snowball. It's easy to see why she's called that. Her coat is mostly white with speckles of grey, looking almost exactly like what I imagine snow will when I finally get a chance to see it for myself.

I reach out and slowly touch her nose, not wanting to startle her with sudden movements. She pushes it against my palm and I find myself smiling. "This is the right horse," I say. "But don't ask me how I know."

Arthur laughs and leans forward to pet Snowball. "Sometimes, you just know. Isn't that what it was like with Felicia? You said you found her a few years ago?"

"I did," I respond, a tingly feeling flowing through me as I realise this means he's been paying attention to my letters. "She'd been abandoned, and I couldn't stand the thought of her being on her own. I think everyone assumed that I'd leave her too once I was bored, but I never did."

"I'm glad you were able to bring her with you to Falhaven."

"Me too, I wouldn't have liked leaving her behind. I'm sorry if that's an issue."

"It's not even a small one," he responds. "I look forward to getting to know her, especially after hearing all of your stories over the past few years."

"I'm looking forward to you getting to know her too. I think you're going to love her."

"I already do," he murmurs, turning to look at me with an intensity that is hard to miss. One that makes me want to lean closer and find out if it will feel as good to kiss him as I think it's going to.

"Your Highness, I've brought the saddle you requested," a boy says.

I squeeze my eyes shut and let out a frustrated groan. I know that the middle of the stables isn't the best place to even be considering kissing Arthur for the first time, but the interruption is still unwanted.

Arthur clears his throat and steps back from me. "Would you get Snowball ready for Princess Solana to ride, Rob?"

"Of course, Your Highness." The boy dips his head.

Arthur smiles at me. "How confident are you at riding?"

"I'm decent," I respond. "I might have used our betrothal as an excuse to get more time learning. I told Mamá that you loved to ride and you'd expect me to go with you."

"I'd never have expected that of you," he says quickly.

"I know. But Mamá is a little overprotective at times, and I wanted a reason to be able to ride more. I've not had a lot of experience out of the fields surrounding our palace, but I'm confident in the saddle. The side saddle, anyway."

"Then I know just where to take us," he promises. "If you're comfortable with riding alone."

"I'm here without a chaperone, aren't I?"

He chuckles. "And how does the Duquesa feel about that?"

"I don't think she minds too much. I imagine she quite likes the peace of not having to traipse around after me."

"Then we shall go for a ride." He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it. Even though I'm wearing winter gloves, I can still feel the tingle that comes from being so close to him, and it really makes me wish that we hadn't been interrupted before. Next time I was presented with an opportunity, I wasn't going to let anything stop me.

Chapter 9

It takes me a moment to get used to being in the saddle again, but I love the feel of being able to travel on horseback. Mamá might not like it this way, but I've always considered it to be quite freeing, even when side saddle and in a stiff riding habit. Perhaps I should talk to Arthur's sisters and see if they have any advice on what I should be wearing while riding. I haven't seen any of the Falhavien ladies on horseback yet, so I have no idea if my riding habit will be considered fashionable here. Not that I particularly mind, but I do like to be comfortable.

"How are you finding Snowball?" Arthur asks as he draws Brownfoot alongside me with the ease of a practised rider.

"We're getting on well," I say, leaning forward and patting the horse's neck. I hope she feels the same way I do, it would be sad if my horse didn't particularly like me.

"I'm glad," he responds, swaying slightly as we walk the horses down the bridle path. "I should have thought to prepare a picnic or something for us."

"That's really not necessary," I assure him.

"I know, but it would have been nice."

"Perhaps next time," I respond. "There's plenty of time for picnics. I did bring the last of my lemon drops if you want one." I'm a little nervous as I move my reins into one hand, but Snowball reacts well, continuing at her steady pace as if I'm not doing anything. It reassures me that she's a good choice of horse.

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