Intent on His claim (Beauty and the Beast #3)

Chapter 55

We were going on a trip.

Just the thought had me deliriously excited. The prince had been busy with matters of state in the days and nights past, and I had longed to see him. His message to prepare for an outing had been more than welcome.

I stood studying my reflection in the calm pool of water right outside my room. The maidens had curled my hair and covered it with a jade colored veil with gold trimming, matching the jade outfit I had chosen for this occasion. I critically studied my makeup and gave a satisfied nod. This would be pleasing to my beloved. I thanked them for their help one last time and hurried to meet my prince.

When I stepped outside my doors, the guards stationed there flanked me and I dropped my eyes, keeping my gaze on my sandaled feet as they took me to the awaiting carriage.

I got increasingly nervous as we neared the brightly lit outdoors, knowing that the prince was a mere few feet away from me. The sight of him always took my breath away so I took a deep breath, curling my hands on my veil as I fought for some semblance of control.

"My lady?"

I looked up at the softly spoken words into the face of the chief of the guards – the prince's most trusted friend. He held a hand out to me to help me into the carriage and I realized in disappointment that the prince was not yet present.

"Are you not well, mistress?" he asked again.

I gave a small smile. "You address me in mocking, Amr."

"Or perhaps I choose to win the favor of my mistress before anyone else realizes your true position," he whispered back with a wicked grin. "May I help you?"

I giggled lightly, pulling the veil over my face. "I suppose if you insist."

"Ah, but you must remember me when you take the throne," he teased.

I giggled again, blushing, and took his hand as I stepped into the carriage.

The prince's guard appeared and he was in the middle of their ranks. Amr immediately turned to him while I settled in the carriage.

The prince arrived at the carriage and Amr bowed to him. Without a word, the prince gripped the side of the carriage and jumped into it. The carriage rocked and I gave a small squeak of surprise, grabbing the side in panic.

My prince laughed and settled in the seat opposite me.

"Have I scared you, wench?" he asked and I caught the teasing tone.

I looked up at him and dropped my eyes almost immediately. As always, the mere sight of my gorgeous prince had my face heating up. And the scorching look in his intense dark eyes... "The sight of you would make any man quake with fear, my lord," I teased back. 

Amr ordered the guard into their ranks and sat upfront of our carriage with the coachman. Once all was set, he gave the command for our departure.

I could still feel the prince's eyes on me and the nerves in my belly returned viciously. I glanced around us – though there was nothing to see but desert – as I sought to gather my thoughts.

My eyes lit upon a beautiful chestnut mare and I remembered Amr bragging about her in our last conversation.

"Oh, is that the chestnut you spoke of?" I asked, speaking loudly to get his attention. When both the prince and Amr turned to me, I pointed to the horse galloping slightly ahead of the others to scout the area.

"Yes, mistress," Amr responded. "She is a beauty, isn’t she?"

"Oh, she truly is marvelous," I agreed with a smile. Longingly, I added, "I suppose if I were to learn to ride I should know the true joy she brings."