The prince's knight

Chapter 2: The Horse Ride.

"Was that good enough for you prince boy?" I was still in shock and the arrow was still in the cherry.

"I- uhm.."

"You may go now my boy, but take him with you." my father almost shouted across the room. I bowed and left - the knight chasing after me. His armour was bouncy up and down, as was his hair.

"Now where do you think you're going?" He rested his arm in the doorway blocking my path through.

"Let me through." My face was stern and I was not going to let him get the better of me.

"Not until you tell me where you're going prince boy."

"Do not call me that." I shoved his arm away and strided towards the stables.  

"So you're going on a horse ride are you?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe I should ride you.." He mumbled so quietly I couldn't hear him.

"What?"

"I said maybe I should ride with you. It's dangerous for a pretty little prince boy like you."  He held my chin and then let go so my head flicked backward.

"I can take care of myself."

"If that were true I wouldn't be here."

I mounted my horse (Kinoko) and started to ride into the woods. The pouring sun rays shone through the gaps in the trees and onto my face. This was my favourite time of day. No path I had to follow. Nobody to keep me stable. Just me. Free. At least I used to be. I heard another horse coming up from behind; I slowed Kinoko to a stop and turned to see a hooded figure with a bow around his shoulder and arrows on his back. It was the knight. Somehow he looked different. Was I hallucinating or was his arrival really in slow-motion? Were his eyes so deep before and why was I lost in them? 

"Staring are we?"

"I WAS NOT!!!!"

"Sure prince boy. Enjoying your ride?"

"I WAS enjoying it until you got here." I said rolling my eyes. "Anyway I'm going back to my chambers to prepare."

"And what is it you're preparing for?"

"A costume party."

"You're not going."

"EXCUSE ME?"

"I said no."

"I'm sorry to say, but that's not your choice to make."

"Actually by order of the king, it is."

"Of course it is." I rolled my eyes riding back towards the castle. If I wasn't going to be let out, I would just have to sneak out. Let's see what he thinks of that, shall we?