The Hunter's Princess

Leaps of Faith (Ch. 7)

"There you are!" a voice cried out. Kira shrieked in surprise to find that Sarah was sitting in a chair in the corner waiting. Her eyes were wide with relief, and Kira could see she'd been crying.

"Sarah, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I woke up a little after midnight and felt much better. I couldn't sleep, so I wandered down to the stables, where Prince Dean found me. We sat in the garden and talked for awhile, then he walked me back here," Kira explained. "When I left, you looked so relaxed, sleeping in your chair. I didn't want to wake you, so I tiptoed past you and out the door. Is Lady Rowena in her room?" Kira finished.

"Yes, Miss. I believe that she is. I told her how sorry I was that I lost track of you, but she told me not to worry, that you know how to take care of yourself. Still, I was responsible for you, and I failed in my duties. I'll just go now," she said.

Kira put her hand on Sarah's arm. "Sarah, you have done no such thing!" Kira gently admonished. "There is no need for you to go. Please stay. I appreciate your dedication, but Lady Rowena's right. I do know how to take care of myself. Now, let's get some sleep, because we have a big day ahead of us. It's the equestrian event, and I found which horse I want to ride. That's what I was doing in the stables tonight, evaluating my options for a mount for the competition," Kira explained.

"As you wish, Miss. Goodnight," Sarah replied. "And....thank you."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next morning was much like the previous day, crisp and cool, but not cold, with bright blue skies as far as the eye could see. Kira got dressed in her riding gear and walked to the stables to meet with Collins.

"Good morning, Lady Kira," he greeted her with a bow.

"Good morning, Collins. Lovely day for a ride, hmm?" she replied.

"Absolutely, Lady Kira. One of my stable hands, Logan, told me you visited the stables last night," Collins remarked.

Kira froze. Did Logan see or hear anything that went on between Prince Dean and me? Quickly recovering, Kira explained that she did come out to the stables to see which horse would be the best for her today.

"And have you chosen? Which horse shall you compete with today?" Collins asked.

"I would like Midnight to be my mount for today's competition," Kira announced.

Collins grinned. "I thought you might, Lady Kira. His Majesty, Prince Dean, stopped by this morning to let me know. Midnight is all saddled up and ready to go for you," he replied with a wink.

"Thank you, Collins. I'll be back for him when it's my turn at the course," she promised, a blush crossing her cheeks.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kira approached the stable area, which was full of horses and their lady riders. She felt a tapping on her shoulder, which caused her to turn around. Collins bowed and handed her a set of reins leading to Midnight. "Good morning, old friend. How are you today?" Kira cooed as she rubbed his head.

Collins cleared his throat behind me. "Beggin' your pardon, Lady Kira, but it's your turn at the course. Good luck, Miss. We're all cheering for ye," he said with a nudge.

Kira smiled as she climbed up into the saddle for Midnight and got comfortable. One of the stable hands adjusted the stirrups until they were the right length. Suddenly there was a loud noise nearby, like a small explosion. Midnight reared backward, threatening to throw his rider, but Kira pulled back on the reins tightly and gripped with her knees.

Logan and one of the other stable hands noticed what was happening and rushed over to help. "Whoa, boy. Shh, it's okay, Midnight," Kira soothed as she rubbed his neck. He seemed to calm down after that and she was able to keep her seat in the saddle.