The King's Arrangement (BTS X Reader)

Chapter 25

YN:

As I made my way to the stables, I thought of the look on Jungkook's face during the morning meal. If I didn't know about him being in love with someone else, I would almost say that he looked jealous but I knew that couldn't be it. The usually bright smile on his face was suspiciously missing during the meal and I didn't understand why.

Once I reached the stables, I entered the brightly lit building. Kai was seated on a bench, cleaning out the hoof of one of the horses when I stepped in. He immediately released the horse's leg and stood, bowing to me then greeting me with a smile. "Good morning your highness. Here to ride Sugar Holly?"

I nodded my head, giving him a smile. "Good morning Kai and yes please. Would you please have one of the stable hands get her ready?"

"I'll take care of it personally your highness." Kai handed over the tool he was using to another stable hand.

"Oh no. I don't want to interrupt your work." I felt bad for disturbing him and did not want him to think he had to stop for me.

Kai waved a hand at me. "No your highness. It is a privilege for me to assist you." Kai gestured for me to follow him.

As we headed towards Sugar Holly's stall, I pointed out Red Devil. "How is Felix doing with Red Devil?" I had been impressed with the young stable hand's abilities and knew that under Kai's tutelage, the young man would become an incredible hostler in the future.

"Felix... is doing well." Kai seemed reluctant to give the younger man praise, but seemed to know that it was the right thing to do. "He really does seem to have a magic touch when it comes to the horses. Red Devil took a carrot directly from his hand yesterday."

Knowing the danger behind Red Devil, I was impressed with the information. "I'm happy to hear that." Although I worried about the younger stable hand, I knew without a doubt that Kai would make sure he is safe. The older hostler was smart and even though he was a little rough around the edges, he would never truly put Felix in harm's way.

Kai and I approached Sugar Holly's stall, she lifted her dappled head over the rail, seeking my attention and nosing my pocket for the sugar cubes she knew I carried with me when I came to see her. "Hey pretty girl," I said gently, as I stroked her soft muzzle then placed a soft kiss on the top. "I'm sorry I haven't been down to ride you in a little while. Hopefully Felix has been keeping you exercised for me."

"Felix has ridden her several times and he's always really gentle with her. He sees it almost it as honor to keep her exercised for you." Kai rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture I recognized as one of embarrassment. "He's... he's a good kid."

I hid the smile as Kai opened the stall door, clipped a lead to her bridle and led Sugar Holly out. I knew that admitting that was a hard thing for Kai to do. He wasn't the most sensitive people on staff at the palace, but he was always kind to me, always sweet as could be. When I decided on a name for Sugar Holly, he had a special nameplate made for her, complete with fancy lettering and more elaborate flowers than I would have expected from the rough and tumble hostler, but it was still sweet just the same.

"Is His Highness going to be riding with you this morning?" Kai gestured to the stall that housed Eclipse, Soobin's stallion. Eclipse was solid black and one of the most impressive mounts I had ever seen and he should be, considering the price I knew Soobin paid for him. I nodded and Kai gestured for another stable hand to prepare the horse. Kai must have noticed the look on my face because he placed a hand on my shoulder, something he had never done before. "Is... is everything okay your highness?"

I forced a smile onto my face. "Yes. Thank you for your sweet concern, but I am alright." Kai studied me for a moment as though he didn't believe then sighed and turned back to Sugar Holly. He handed me the lead and headed to the tack room, returning quickly with a saddle and reins. He saddled Sugar Holly quickly, placing a felt pad underneath the saddle, something I recognized as a comfort item they used to prevent the saddle from digging into the mare's back.