Blue Blooded - [Mick Schumacher]

Twelve

The golden sunlight felt warm on her skin and the afternoon ride had tired her. Lucia leaned back against Mick's chest, his fingers now wrapped around the reins while she rested her hands in her lap. She had given Elias' reins over to him an hour ago. They had taken a couple moments to rest, especially for Elias to drink some water and have an apple as a treat. The coachman and the carriage did the same, making sure the horses could keep up with the long trip. They were nearly around the lake and they would reach Lausanne soon, as Mick had told her. She believed him right away, having no idea how far the region would be away from them. Mick held the reins in one of his hands, his arm curling around her as he leaned down to kiss her temple. "These clothes are ridiculously warm," Mick complained, feeling his sweaty skin under the layers he was wearing. "You can take that swim you wanted so desperately soon enough, I see," Lucia giggled as she pointed at the lake.

Mick hummed in agreement. "We're nearly there. Do you see that little peasant's house over there?" Mick pointed in the distance, the small house in the middle of green meadows appearing as Elias stepped over the path and down the hill. Lucia nodded. "That's were Jean lives, we're going to stay there tonight. It's nowhere castle alike, so I hope you won't feel uncomfortable?" Mick said in a question-ish way, his hand moving to the back of his neck as he forgot to tell her about the place they were staying tonight, which would probably be in the barn and their bed would exist of warm, soft hay and a couple sheets. "It's alright, we'll stay together, right?" Lucia asked. "Of course, probably even with Elias very close to us," Mick laughed and she smiled up at him. The sun was still shining brightly when, but it was clear that it wouldn't take long before it would set. They arrived at the little house in the meadows, an older man already standing outside to welcome them.

"My king and queen," Jean bowed for them and Lucia slowly let herself glide down to the floor, Mick hopping out of the saddle soon after. The carriage arrived behind them and Jean guided them to the stable that was a little further into the meadow. Elias was happy to be relieved from the saddle and he took his time to roll around in the grass and eat from the hay that he was given, standing contently with the other two horses. "Come in, please. You must be hungry. Mick, you have become so grown up," Jean smiled at the king, who stood tall next to Lucia. "My father wishes you all the best, Jean," Mick commented and shook hands with the man. "This is Lucia of Aosta," Mick's hand landed on her shoulder blades, and Jean just took her hand and gently bowed for her again. "Welcome, Lucia," Jean told her. They were guided into the house and the warm smell of freshly baked bread filled her nose. "Maria? The little boy from Geneva has arrived," Jean looked over his shoulder and grinned at Mick, who chuckled in response.

Maria rushed into the dining room, her apron still tied around her neck and protecting her dress from any cooking stains. "Little boy? Jean, behave. Look at the king you have become," Maria smiled widely and Mick leaned down to kiss her cheek. "Is this your beautiful queen?" she asked and Mick nodded. "I'm Lucia of Aosta," Lucia introduced herself with a blush and Maria took her hands, looking at her gorgeous figure. "A righteous queen for Mick. Please, sit and dine," Maria ushered them to the table that was made for the dinner. "We feel honoured you didn't forget about us, Mick," Jean told him as he sat down at the table. "I'm still just a person, Jean," Mick let out a breathy laugh, pulling a chair back for Lucia and then he sat down next to her. "And you have always been meaningful for my family," Mick continued while Maria added more plates to the table and poured in their glasses with their homemade wine. Lucia could get very used to the 'normal people' dinner they had.

Nothing was according to rules, nobody cared if some of the wine was spilled or if someone accidentally burped. Maria kept refilling her glass of wine and Lucia started to drink slower as she felt the buzz of the drink in the back of her head. She felt incredibly full after the dinner, stuffed with bread, eggs and fruit and vegetables that came from Jean and Maria's own meadows. "I hope you royalty don't mind sleeping in the barn," Jean mentioned while they walked outside and down the grass. "It's like back in the days," Mick grinned. They followed Jean into the barn, where clean straw was spread and actually a decent bedding was made for the two of them. On the other side of the wall were the horses and Elias neighed softly when he recognized Mick's voice. "The sun hasn't set yet, but considering you will continue your trip tomorrow morning, get some proper rest," Jean proposed and they nodded. Jean left them alone next and Lucia looked forward to dive into the soft straw, but Mick's fingers tugged on her hand.