The Path to Ivory

Ch. 10 - The Best Treat

I had never quite been deflected like that in my life. I could've sworn I was putting my charm on the best I could, or, at least I tried. But that Prince Praline just shot me down so effortlessly. It was quite humbling. It's a shame, I found them quite endearing. They were the first person here to kinda treat me like a person, and when they called me 'Sir' I nearly collapsed. It's different when someone you fancy calls you sir compared to someone doing business for you. But what's done is done, life moves on.

My legs were long and carried me to Truffle within moments. We'd have to ride to the other side of town to get him fed, maybe washed as well. Depends on how lucky we are. And since I didn't spend any coin at this shop, maybe I could convince my way into a place to sleep. Or a bathhouse. That did sound nice, a warm soak to ease the muscles would definitely do the job.

It looked like a couple of people had surrounded Truffle, but when I came near they scattered. I'm not sure what that's all about, since he's just a horse. There's some all around here, but he does stand out. He's got the most build, and is the only Morgan. I check him out to see if he's untouched, and I'm glad to see that he is in peak condition. He looks a little tired, which leads me to believe they might've just pestered him. I undo the tie that holds him to the post and toss his reigns over his back. I put my foot in the stirrup, lift myself, and toss my leg to the other side. With some slight adjustment, I'm back where I feel most at home. Truffle looks appreciative that I came back, too.

I lead him back a couple steps, then turn him to the brick path. Onward to the feed store! His hooves click against the bricks to a nice rhythm, and the stares of the people continue. I just do my best to nod my head at everyone, leaning back and holding onto the reigns with one hand while the other rests on my lap. None of them nod back.

I don't yet pass the block when the clicking of someone's heels on the bricks behind me follow, knowing it was a person because of the frantic energy to them, but lack of weight. "P-Pardon me! Please wait!" It was the Prince, I can tell by the voice alone.

Pulling Truffle to a stop, I turn to look down at them, and sure as hell, they're there panting. "Y'came back to ask if you can ride with me, 's that right?" Under my bandana, I'm smirking, I was hoping that would work.

"W-no." They answer without hesitation. I feel a tug in my chest. "No, I wanted to give this to your horse! I didn't know you were the... rider. Honestly!" I'm not sure if they had aimed to drive me insane, but they were doing it.

"Well." I answered a bit flatly. This was probably my last opportunity to get them... and I still didn't even know what they wanted to be preferred as! All I know is they're not a lady, and I don't wanna assume again. "G-Go right ahead, Prince! Praline." I corrected myself.

Even if it was just for a night, I did want to get to know this curious one. Their position as a noble didn't scare me any. "Thank you! Does he have a name?" They asked me, hurriedly moving to the front. My eyes stayed glued on them.

"Yes'm. This is my loyal steed, Truffle." I lower my bandana again so they could see me better. "I've known him since I was'n younger lad." I said, and they didn't seem to absorb that information on the surface. Maybe they heard it, but they were certainly more focused on Truffle.

"Truffle! Aw, Truffle." The Prince was wildly excited for my steed, and I won't lie, I'm jealous of him. I want to be fed by a stunner. My eyebrows furrowed as I thought about it. I've never quite felt an envy like this.

"I'm on my way to the feed place south ways, ifin you're int'resred." I offer. "It seems he likes you, sugar." I test the waters.

"Hm? Oh, yeah! Why not, I don't have plans until later, I can lead you!" They're petting my horses' nose, and I give Truffle a look with displeased brows while he leans into it. My best friend stole my prize for the night. It's fine, I'm sure I can make this work.

"Or you can join me up here! Truffle really seems to like you, an' I know my way south. You could show me the sights. We got the time to go nice and slow~." Maybe I'm laying it in a bit hard and direct, but I'm determined.

"Well... I've never ridden a horse, sir Chocolat." They mumble. "I'm worried I may fall off."

I smile and scoot back on my seat, offering up the room, which I purposefully make not much. "Don't worry, darlin', I'd never let you fall. Come on, you're missin' out! Truffle is a trained professional, y'hear." They called me 'Sir' again and I had to hold myself back from leaping right off the horse to tackle them to the ground right there. They played me like a fiddle, and they didn't even plan to. At least I don't think so.

I see their eyes sparkle at the thought, and Truffle takes the opportunity to sniff out the sugar cube in their other hand. His nose pressed against their palm and swiped up his snack. It was precious, sure, but the best part was Prince Praline's adorable giggle. Chills go down my back.

"Say yes, won't'cha darlin'?" I beg of them. I don't know if I can take it any longer.