Battle Horse

Chapter Eleven

   That evening, Ena lay on her bedroll staring up at the stars. Malvin lay on her left, and George on her right. After planning with the other boys for a good two hours on how they would approach the princess with Ena, They finally decided to sleep. Ena couldn't sleep though, knowing that she was days away from meeting the princess of Araluen. She was privileged enough to have been born in such high class. Ena envied her greatly. She wasn't shoved in a ward. She wasn't an orphan. She was a princess, and had a loving father and maids. Ena longed for a life such as that. What girl didn't? Especially a girl with nothing.

"Ena." A soft voice whispered. Ena turned to face George. He was lying on his side, facing her. His light brown hair swept across his forehead, falling into his eyes.

"Yeah?" Ena asked, moving closer to him so they could talk quieter. She could feel his warm breath on her face, and their noses were almost touching.

"Are you sure this is such a good idea?" He asked. She rose an eyebrow.

"How do you mean?"

"This whole thing with the princess. Isn't that invading her privacy? The horse school students aren't allowed to see her for a reason." George reasoned.

"I'm not going to flirt with the princess, I can promise you that." Ena scoffed. George shifted slightly so his hand rested on hers.

"I just don't want you to get into trouble, En. Especially with the King." His voice was tender, and she let out a big sigh.

"I suppose. But can we at least try? We might not even make it pass her guards." She pleaded. He gave her hand a small squeeze.

"Just be careful." He muttered. She smiled and closed in the space separating them, snuggling up to his chest.

"Of course, because you'll be right there next to me." She said. George hesitantly wrapped an arm around her waist. His tight embrace caused her to feel warm inside, like there was no chilled breeze whipping past her.

"Are you cold?" He asked quietly. She nodded stiffly. He moved back a little and pulled his bedroll cover back so she could slip in. The warmth was so inviting, and she snuggled back up to Georges chest.

"Goodnight, En." He whispered in her ear, but she was already to far gone to hear.

***

   Ena woke the next morning to the sound of giggling voices. She slowly stirred, rubbing her groggy eyes. She was surprised to find that something, or rather someone was constricting her movements. George was still in a comfortable sleep, nestling his face against her neck. Her face turned hot when she realised why she heard giggling voices. The boys stood all around, watching her intently as she sat up, careful not to disturb George.

"Have fun last night, Ena?" One boy teased. Her face couldn't have been more red as she glared at him.

"Aw shove off, Dan." Malvin's voice called. "Leave her alone."  She gave Malvin a thankful smile, but when she saw his face, it dropped. He looked...angry. George stirred beside her, slowly sitting up and stretching his arms wide.

"Morning everyone." He said sleepily. The boys all were grinning, and Ena stood abruptly, pushing past a few boys so she could head to the creek.

  The creek was a good few metres back from the camp site. They didn't want to risk getting bit by mosquitoes while they slept.

   Ena angrily knelt down on the damp shore and quickly washed her face. She ran her fingers through her long hair, causing the wetness of her fingers to dampen it. After running through it a few times, she tied it back on her head with a leather piece.

"Why'd you run off so angrily?" A voice questioned her. A fourth year who she had seen before just didn't know his name, sat down next to her.

"No one likes to be taunted when they wake up." She scoffed. She turned away from him so he couldn't see the tinge of pink that flushed across her cheeks.

"The boys were simply teasing." He said. She rolled her eyes.

"George is my ward mate. We're best friends. Nothing more, nothing less." She assured him. He looked doubtful.

"You two were cuddling. I saw cuddling." He said. Ena glared at him, scooping some water into her hand and flicking it at him. He flinched when the water hit him, but began to chuckle.

"I was cold!" Ena retorted.

"Sure." He said sarcastically. Ena stood, growling in frustration.

"Why am I even talking to you?" She asked looking up at the sky.

"The name's Tazim. People call be Taz." He said.

"Ena." She said hotly. He smirked and stood.

"Well then Ena. Come on. We'll be at the castle tomorrow, then you can continue sulking."

"I'm not sulking!" She exclaimed. He chuckled and began to walk back to the camp.

***

So nothing really happened in this chapter. It was more of a filler. They'll be at the castle in the next chapter though, so I plan on introducing Cassie and Evanlyn. Comment what you think!

~Avis