Chapter Text
"Pick up the pace, lady. You’re trailing," Silvio incessantly prodded. "You're riding like you've seen a ghost."
The stream of his critiques was relentless. An intense torrent. All through, his eyes locked onto me, scrutinizing my every move. Adding insult to injury, he grumbled about how he didn't want to lose sight of me, making my skin crawl under his gaze.
"Just for the record, I didn't choose to be in front of you!" I retorted. "You could ride next to me or even ahead!"
"Ha! And miss the chance to watch ya squirm? No chance," Silvio laughed arrogantly.
Rio shot him an icy look, and I pleaded with him silently not to start anything. When Silvio registered Rio's hostile expression, he couldn't resist goading him.
"Got anything to add, runt?" He asked, smirking in brazen arrogance.
"Actually, I do. I'd advise you to show my lady some respect or I won’t hesitate to inform the palace about my lady's uncomfortable encounters with you." Rio retorted with a smile, making my blood run cold.
Silvio aimed a fierce glare in his direction.
Quickly, I tried to deflate the tension thickening in the air. "Prince Silvio, I was just trying to say... I'm not usually-"
Oops. I almost let slip that I've rarely had the opportunity to ride a horse considering my humble roots.
Flustered, I cleared my throat and peeked at Prince Silvio apprehensively, hoping he hadn't caught on. He still had a scowl on his face, prompting me to clarify myself with a demanding tilt of his eyebrows.
Great. Now I've done it. Why on earth did I get bolted into this situation to begin with?
The rhythmic sound of Silvio's horse trotting behind me, Rio's constant scowl coupled with tender, apologetic smiles thrown my way, all dragged my mind back to how my morning was upended... when the tyrannical prince barged into my room, with an impromptu plan of a surprise outing.
-Flashback to this morning-
A slant of brilliant sunlight slithered in through a gap in my drapery, gracing my eyes with its golden glory; a sensation that was as irritating as it was stimulating.
My vision began its journey back to clarity when stark blond locks and the sturdy back of my attendant and best friend, Rio, came into view. He was dutifully setting the breakfast on the roll-in table, a routine he meticulously went through every sunrise.
I maneuvered in my bed, stretching my limbs wide post a long night of rest, and the lingering signs of fatigue from prior night's extensive studies. The break of day dawned yet another memorable morning in the heart of the Rhodolitian palace.
My motion in bed caught Rio’s attention instantly, his actions momentarily halting as his concerned gaze met mine.
A soft, fuzzy greeting whispered past my lips, "Mm..Good morning, Rio." I gifted him with a sincere smile, fond to see him again– we had not seen much of each other yesterday due to our respective responsibilities.
"Ahh… To behold you in such early hours! A very good morning to you, mistress!" He greeted back brightly, every syllable delightful and spirited, which brought a sunny ambiance to the room, just about dazzling as the dawning sunlight.
He quickly asked about my night, “Did you have a pleasant sleep?” I replied with slight honesty, “Mm, relatively. How about yourself?”
“So I gather you had an uncomfortable night?" I nodded gently, “It's only stress from the new king's selection that's quickly nearing. I promise I'll be okay.” I assured him.
His expression perceptibly upset for a fleeting moment until it returned to his usual enthusiastic smile. He proposed, "Shall I brew you a cup of our special tea, mistress? It'll help rejuvenate you, I guarantee it!"
I agreed warmly, "Yes, Rio. That would be lovely. Thank you." A soft smile formed at the edges of my lips.
His face softened at mine reciprocally, the affectionate look in his eyes causing a subtle flutter in my chest.
With a heartwarming grin, he dedicated his attention to the delightful array of Rhodolitian sweets, beautifully arranged on the table. "And for this sunny day, I prepared your favored...,"
-Bang.
Before he could complete his sentence, a thundering sound shattered the tranquil morning air.
Barely a moment later, the ominous thud returned.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
A sudden, loud knock(?) caused me and Rio to start, our eyes wide as we glanced at the door, then each other, worry creasing our brows.
Moments later, the noise sounded again, more a violent boot to the door than a knock, clear indication the intruder was determined, possibly angry.
"Open up, rotten mutt, I know yer in there," came a gruff voice, unmistakably Silvio. Both our shoulders slumped, who else would have the audacity to potentially kick down my door as if he owned the place?
"Rio, quick, my robe," I urged him.
Quickly, Rio gathered my garments and turned toward the door, looking to me for approval. With a brisk nod from me, he unlatched the lock, his face set in a hard frown.
I hastened to get into my robes, brushing them into place, my heart pounding.
An unsettling mix of excitement and unease filled me when Silvio's intense ocean blue gaze settled on me, his distinctive aroma instantly reaching me.
“You - y'er coming with me." was his abrupt proclamation, leaving little room for protest. This abrupt decree, as it turned out, marked the beginning of my current situation.