The Scarlet Lillie

To the Village

Chapter 21
I retrieved my cloak from my chambers, knowing Logan would be more comfortable if I had it. Everything else that I needed was already in my saddlebag, so I headed to the front gate.
"Your Highness," Logan bowed. "I'm terribly sorry but you'll have to wait a few more minutes; you're carriage has yet to arrive."
I raised an eyebrow. "I'm not riding in the carriage today." I walked to Midnight's side.
The other guards froze.
"I beg your pardon?" Logan asked.
"I'm riding Midnight." I stated. "I'm sixteen, so I don't need the carriage anymore. I'm safe as long as I'm with you men."
Logan rubbed his temples. "Very well, Your Highness." He walked over and helped me onto Midnight.
The others blinked at their leader.
"Really, Captain? We're doing this?" Jake asked.
"It is Her Highness's wish. Mount your horses." He ordered, doing so himself.
The soldiers obeyed.
Midnight shifted uneasily beneath me, and I looked around us. To my surprise, I saw Alex sprinting towards us, a small leather bag bouncing against his back.
He approached us and bowed deeply. "Sorry I'm so late, Your Highness! I had to gather my stuff." He panted.
"Of course." I excused. I motioned to the empty saddle on the horse next to mine. "Won't you?"
Alex nodded and climbed onto his mare.
"Alright; you all have your positions." Logan called, kicking his horse to move. The rest of the group followed to the main gates, which swung open as we approached.
My guards formed a protective circle around me, Logan taking the lead. Alex remained behind us, but said nothing on the matter.
I fixed my thin black gloves and gently placed my hood over my head as we left the palace grounds. My people were bustling about, but stopped when they saw us.
"Your Highness!" They cheered.
The crowds formed along the edges of the streets, cheering and applauding and calling out. I smiled and waved to them all, giving an occasional nod.
My guards came closer to me, staying as close as possible. I had hoped they would trust the people more, but the further we rode, the tenser they became. The second we were out of the capital, they seemed to breathe again.
"Well that was fun." Max noted.
I nodded, but instead looked back for Alex. "We are going to rely on you, now, to get us to your village."
He moved his horse up towards the group. "Of course. It isn't very far; we'll be there within the hour." He said.
I gazed ahead. Nothing but clear skies and tall, green grass. The air was so fresh. It made me want to never return home to my stuffy castle.
"What is it like, living in the country?" I asked him. "I have read many books on it, but I still wonder."
Alex shrugged. "It has it's ups and downs. The air is fresh and clean, unlike that of the city. Everyone knows everyone. But we don't have the access to many things, so we suffer in a few ways."
I blinked. I didn't quite know how to respond. None of these problems were within my power to solve.
"Princess," Logan interrupted. "You're hood is falling."
I brought a gloved hand up to find he was correct. "Thank you." I told him, for saving me from responding and for informing me of my wardrobe.
Max began to hum a tune and we rode to it, enjoying the peace of the lands.