The Prince & The Pauper || z.m. [Book 1]

~3~

Genevieve's heart stopped. Her eyes went wide and her body went still. She felt numb as she couldn't hear the horses, smell the manure or feel the gentle sensation that was left on the top of her hand. In fact, she couldn't even feel the prince holding her hand.

"You alright?" Zayn left her hand smiling.

"Um, I'm f- fine." Genevieve stuttered. She took her hand back and took a step back.

"You seem shocked." he looked concerned.

"I don't mean to sound rude your majesty, but you were to arrive in the afternoon."

"Well I've probably told a small lie." the ends of his lips tugged into a smirk.

"A lie?"

"Uh-huh." Zayn nodded. "See, knowing my mother, I know she has been waiting for my return since the day I left. So I decided to arrive earlier than she's expecting me to just so I can surprise her." he stood in place proudly explaining his plan.

"That's so sweet." Genevieve smiled and relaxed for the first time since the boy introduced himself as the one and only Genovian prince.

"I had to sneak into the castle from the side. I decided to meet Felix first. Just like my mother predicted, I wanted to go for a ride." he petted the horse grinning widely. Genevieve couldn't help but smile at the creature and boy bonding. "And then straight into the castle to give everyone a big surprise."

"Does anyone know you're here?"

"Well besides you, only Julian knows. I'm guessing you've met him at the front?"

"I have." Genevieve nodded.

"I'm guessing there are many new people at the castle now that I'm gonna meet." he sheepishly smiled running a hand through his raven coloured hair.

"I wouldn't know. Sorry. I have yet to meet and familiarize myself with everyone." Genevieve turned away from Felix and Zayn and went towards the wall where the saddles hung. She grabbed the maroon saddle guessing it belonged to the prince as it was one of the most exquisite one that hung there. As Genevieve returned with the heavy object, Zayn quickly took it from her hands and mounted it on Felix. "Thank you." she said blushing.

Felix neighed and stomped his hooves. He looked excited to finally get ridden again by probably his favourite rider.

"Well enjoy your time with Felix. I guess my work here is done." Genevieve began to exit the stable but Zayn stopped her.

"Will you join me?" he asked which made her stomach flip.

"Oh." Genevieve wasn't expecting the prince to ask her to join her. She thought he would want to be left alone with Felix. But why did he want her to join him? They had just met. She was simply a subject to him. Or was it only a kind gesture? "It's alright. You go ahead. Besides I'm not wearing the proper attire to ride."

"No problem. You could ride on Felix with me." Zayn smiled patting Felix's back. "I could use some company."

Genevieve didn't know how to reply. Should she go and accompany Prince Zayn or should she be at the castle starting on her next task? But her main task was to be with the prince with whatever it is he needed. Besides, Zayn had just arrived and he was going to need a friend. Was she going to be the one?

"If you're wondering if you're needed in the castle or not, I'd say no. After all you are suppose to be here getting Felix ready and you did do what was asked of you."

"Yes your highness." Genevieve nodded. She walked up to Felix and wondered how in the world she was going to get up there.

"I'll turn around so you could get on." Zayn smiled and turned so his back faced her.