𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅

chapter seventy-seven

Emriana

"Akira, we're going home today!" I said as I ruffled his fur, and he growled as I distracted him from his nap.

"So grumpy, maybe I'll just leave you here," I teased, and he growled again. I laughed as my hands continued to stroke his fur. I was sitting on the stone floor outside the castle as I watched Zeke, Zander, and Drakkar talk with Droga in a hushed voice as some workers got the horses ready.

It wasn't a surprise that their horses were back stallions. Everything they owned was black. My white horse stuck out from the group, and I smiled as I watched her eat from the haystack.

I felt a little bad that my trip was so last minute, but to be honest, I didn't expect them to go with me, and I don't know why I thought that. They clearly cared about me, and I had to stop thinking they were cold-hearted.

It had been clear from my arrival back at the castle that General Droga wasn't a fan of me. He made his distaste for me subtle enough as he knew what Drakkar, Zander, and Zeke would do if he did anything wrong. I think he thought I was a distraction from their life, but I, on the other hand, thought that the distraction was good. They needed to have something else in their life than just being royals.

"Princess, are you sure you don't want us to bring out the carriage? It would be much more comfortable," one of the guards asked me, and I smiled, shaking my head.

"The carriage is too wide for where we're going, and I want to ride on my horse. Thank you," I said, and he nodded.

Zander left the group first, walking over to my side, and I smiled, standing up.

"Hey," I said, and he cupped the back of my head, kissing my lips tenderly.

"Hi," he rasped out, and I tried to control the butterflies in my stomach.

"Is everything okay? General Droga looks mad," I said, glancing at Droga before looking back at Zander.

He chuckled. "Yes, he's just not happy we're leaving so close to the coronation, but he can't do anything. We're the ones with charge,"

"That's true," I laughed as he grabbed my hand.

"Are you ready to go?" He asked, and I nodded.

"Yes, I can't wait," I grinned, and he chuckled, kissing my temple.

"Come, they're just finishing up," he said, and I skipped over to my horse, letting my hold on Zander slip as I caressed her neck.

"Hey, girl," I said, patting her stomach a few times before looking back at Akira, who was now deciding to wake up fully. He walked over to us.

Even if I told him I could do it myself, Zander insisted on helping me unto my horse. He lifted me unto the saddle like a child, and my face was red in embarrassment as all the staff looked at us. Drakkar and Zeke were already on their horses, and Zander got on his horse a few seconds later.

The three of them looked so handsome on their horses. They radiated elegance and finesse. Each wore a sword on their side. I tried not to eye them for too long as I squeezed my legs against the horse's stomach, and she started walking away.

We had decided to keep our trip a secret as much as possible to limit the danger. The four of us wore long black cloaks with hoods so we wouldn't be recognized. Droga even told us to use different streets to reach the kingdom gates.

It wasn't long till I reached the gates and saw them already waiting for me. "You guys were fast," I smiled, and Zeke smirked.

"Of course, princess. My horse is from a superior breed," I rolled my eyes before looking back to ensure Akira had followed behind.