The Worth (Rebellious Heroes 4)

20

One week has passed, and I was happy to see Angus becoming healthy day by day. He is also very playful and active, especially around Ylode and Maria. Every night, he would be delighted to see Philippe, ever since Philippe decided that we would hang out every night to be with Angus and care for him.

The hostess also told the ladies of their irresponsible way of caring for the horses. And since then, every after dinner, they would feed the horses first before going to bed.

The following week, I was surprised of Angus' progress. Every afternoon, I decided to ride and give him a stroll around the palace. Stroll that would soon become runs as days went by. I would always treat him with apples whenever he does a good job. In every sense of the word, he is like Sergei. Though no one can replace my Sergei, I can't help but imagine Sergei and Angus being best of friends when they meet one day.

One day, when Quentin is free, and we all go back to Tern.

Dinnertime, when the hostess came in the dining hall while we were eating.

"Ladies." She started.

"Good evening hostess." We all greeted.

"Ladies, three days from now, will be your horse race. I'm here to remind you to prepare and ready your horses. Make your fans proud, and hope you ensure a spot to proceed to the next challenges."

"Yes hostess." We replied as she left.

For the past three days, I did nothing but to condition Angus for the race. At this point, I didn't really care if I'll win the race. All that mattered to me was that Angus is healthy enough to survive the race.

I was busy creating myself my own obstacle course for Angus to practice on. After making it, I immediately tried it with Angus, and so far, he's loving it.

Three days later, we all woke up early in the morning to have breakfast and prepare for the horse race. After breakfast, I hurriedly went to the barn and fed Angus before going back and prepared, wearing the horse race uniform the palace gave us, black boots, wore light make-up and placed my hair in a braid. Afterwards, we were in the main hall and went out of the castle, to see our horses waiting for us.

The ladies then rode to their horses, me fixing the helmet the servant gave me and rode to Angus. The ladies and I then formed in line, with the carriage in front of us, followed by a van that had our maids with us. We started moving out of the palace to see people in the streets, waving flags, cheering, and even raising posters of every lady. I then prepared myself, ready to calm Angus once we are in public. But for the entire parade, I was impressed by Angus. He was confident around people, head high as he went with the parade. I was so glad I get to bathe him earlier at dawn.

Minutes later, we reached the horse race venue. We were then asked by the soldiers to hop down from our horses and let us walk with them instead to our own spots. Approaching to our spots, we saw groups of reporters interviewing few ladies before us, which is why it was not easy for us to reach our spots immediately. Sooner, a reporter and a cameraman approached me. And as soon as my face was seen on the big screen, people started to shout.

"And now, we have Avelon Shirley from Pangaea. Hello, Miss Shirley." The reporter smiled.

"Hi." I smiled back, waving at people at least to show confidence and a good impression.

"Beautiful brown stallion you got here." She said as she looked at Angus.

"Thank you."

"Mind telling us her or his name?"

"Angus." I giggled.

She giggled, "Well, we thought it's a girly name. It's quite unexpected."

"I just thought naming it Angus would be cool." I shrugged.

"And it is." She said as she giggled, "How are you feeling in this horse race?"

"Quite nervous for Angus. But I know my boy is strong enough to face the race." I said as I pet him, causing his head to gently bump me for acknowledgement.

"Well, good luck Miss Shirley. And I hope you'll still be part of The Worth."

"Thank you very much." I smiled, waving to the people again as they started cheering.

After the interview, I went to my spot where I saw Ylode, holding a towel, a water bottle, and a perfume for Angus. She then gave me an earpiece to communicate with her during the race.

"You okay?" She asked as I nodded, "You ready?"

"Quite scared." I mumbled as I smiled at her.

"Hey." She smiled, "You'll earn a spot in this challenge, I promise. I mean, you're an expert on horses. You can do this."

"Thanks Ylode." I smiled, "I know I can count on you."

She smiled back.

"Position ladies." The hostess announced on the microphone, causing more people to cheer. I then rode on Angus and prepared myself for position.

"Here." She said as she handed me a bottle of water and I gulped it, as she sprayed perfume all over Angus, "The sun is up. It's important for you to drink water."

"I just did." I said as I handed her the now empty bottle.

"Good luck." She smiled as she left my position. I then took a breath as I prepared for the next announcement of the hostess or the host of the race.

"People of Cech, and people across the world." A male host greeted, followed by a cheer that lasted for quite a while before it died down, "Today, 12 ladies of The Worth will battle for a spot through Horse Racing. At the end of this challenge, only 10 ladies get to remain for The Worth. Are you all excited?" The host shouted as the cheers went wide, "Who's your bet?" He asked another question as a lot of people cheered different names. I was glad when I heard a lot of people chanting Avelon over and over.

I still have supporters. And if I want to save Quentin, I have to use them at my advantage to win the king and hopefully kill him.

"Ladies, are you ready?" This time, the host lowered his voice and cooed to us. Releasing my breath, I nodded along with other ladies, "Well then, let's not wait any longer. The Horse Race will begin in 10..."

I could hear nothing else but the countdown. I then pet Angus gently, "Let's go Angus. We can do this." I whispered.

As the countdown struck one, I closed my eyes then opened them. And as the gun was fired, the doors opened.