Five Nations

Chapter 3

Liam's POV

Riding was probably the only thing that helped me clear my head. Turtle, my horse, sped up as I dug my heels into his sides. There was a trail that didn't have many curves or turns that I liked for a freedom ride. Where I could just ride and not worry about directions or anything else. This place was where I could forget about my mother, my brothers, Micah, and this stupid meeting.

The wind hit my face and it sent shivers through my body. With it still being morning, it was still a little cold. I closed my eyes and let the reins go. Turtle continued to run and kept a steady pace. He was midnight black and one beautiful horse. I held my arms out and imagined I was flying away from everything. Even though I love my family and people, sometimes I wish I could have been born normal, where the only thing I had to worry about was making enough money and providing for a family.

I pulled at Turtle's reins, and we slowed to a walking pace. "Good boy." I leaned into him and patted his neck. I stopped and got off him, leading him by the reins. We walked until I came across a stream. This place was a distance away from the palace. It was open and beautiful, fields of grass stretched as far as I could see. Streams flowed throughout it, not deep enough to even cover my knee. Turtle drank and I scooped some up into my hands and I had a drink too. I flopped onto my butt and leaned back into the grass looking at the light blue sky. My horse walked around the field but stayed close.

I breathed in and out my mind almost completely blank beside the thought of how peaceful this is. I inwardly smiled to myself.

I stayed out until the sun was high in the sky and it was getting a little too hot. I mounted Turtle and started back toward the chaotic palace I call home. I quickly put Turtle in his stall and went to change out of my riding gear. A group of maids approached me once I got into the building. "Your Highness." One waved her hand in the air to get my attention.

"Ah, yes, what is it?" It was the group I stopped earlier, they looked better which pleased me.

"We made you some cookies to thank you for helping us earlier." I smiled and took the box out of her hands.

"I didn't do anything, but thanks." I smiled and began walking away.

"Wait Your Highness, we thought you should know the Macayria Royal family is already here." My eyes widened and they bowed, running off. I started running toward the throne room. Of course, they are, I didn't think they'd be here this early. I ran to the throne room and pushed the doors open.

"Excuse me for my tardiness." I bowed to the Macayria family.

"Of course, it's no problem. We were supposed to be here tomorrow, but we are ahead of schedule." The Queen of Macayria smiled at me, and slightly bowed her head. I noticed the other two people beside her as I took my seat in my throne between my brothers.

"Took you long enough." Lawrence smiled and I smiled back.

"I apologize, I went for a ride." He nodded and pointed to the riding gear I still had on. I grinned sheepishly and reached over to Tobias and patted his leg. Tobias smiled and nodded at my gesture.

"I'm glad you're safe." Tobias replied.

"We are glad to be here again for this meeting." Queen Amina smiled. Her teeth were pearly white, her skin was dark brown, and she had long legs. The Macayrian people were known for their dark skin, they were gorgeous, nonetheless. "My daughter, Zara, really wanted to come so I granted her that pleasure. I hope that doesn't affect anything."

"Absolutely not, the more the merrier." Lawrence spoke up first and left his throne to stand with them. "It's nice to see you again, Prince Kiernan." The prince smiled.