Cursed Hearts

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lilah

I've felt good these past few weeks, knowing that Noah and I will get to live together until we die and that the Beauty Kingdom will be ours. As much as I want to spend time getting to know him better, I know there will be plenty of that in our future. Right now I need to spend time with my family because once I'm asleep, I'll never see them again.

   I spot my family having lunch together. And even Milo's home. After everything that's happened these past few months, he's stayed home and away from girls.

   I sit down next to Ivy and start eating my meal.

   "So I was thinking, maybe the four of us could hang out today," I say to my siblings.

   "Yes!" my sister says cheerfully.

   Finn and Milo nod, I'm sure they don't want to but they know I have a little over a year until I'm asleep.

   We all agree on horseback riding and of course, I'm happy to finally get back in the saddle.

   The backyard of the Beauty castle has a large field next to our stables. From the field, we have the best view of the Beauty Kingdom mountains and it's such a wonderful sight. The towering peaks reach the sky and when the sun sets, you can catch a glimpse of the golden glow, and every single time I see them, they take my breath away.

   I have so many memories of learning how to ride back there. My love of horses happened in the field, galloping off into the sunset.

   I even remember Archie and I sharing so many intimate moments in that field. Apparently, the horses weren't the only things being ridden.

   We saddle up the horses and each one of ours represents who we are. Sunshine, my palomino mare is absolutely stunning. Her long golden mane reaches down to her knees and she's stubborn yet fearless, just like me.

   Finn's horse Falkor is a huge bay gelding who's slow and steady, yet graceful in the way he moves.

   Milo's horse is named Atlas, and as I look at my brother saddling him up, I see Atlas try to bite him. The paint gelding is hot-headed and always moody, just like the prince who rides him.

   Lastly, I look at Ivy as she pets her flea-bitten gray pony, Sugar, who's just as sweet as her name suggests. It's funny that our horses reflect who we are, but I love it.

   I finish saddling Sunshine and mount up.

   I haven't been able to get out to the stables in ages and to think I only have a year left with her makes me sad. She's always been there for me when I've had a bad day.

   "You know Mom's planning on breeding Sunshine when your curse is in effect, she wants to keep her bloodline going so you can have a piece of her when you wake up," Finn says to me.

   I smile at his words. It makes me happy to know that Mom cares about my love of horses, especially my mare Sunshine.

   My siblings mount their horses and we head towards the field.

♡♡♡♡

The ride is full of racing each other, laughter, and overall just good memories. I'm definitely going to miss times like this.

   Once our horses are worn out, we cool them off and walk together through the field.

   "So, Lilah, is Noah a lot better than Archie?" Milo asks.