The Commoner's Princess

2

Miranda heard the horse neighing as she pushed up on her arms.

"My lady, are you alright?" She heard and looked up at a ruggedly young handsome man.

He quickly helped her to her feet and fixed her cloak concern etched on his features. "Are you hurt?" He asked brushing her off.

"I am fine thank you," she managed to reply. She looked over her shoulder and noticed the guards still in pursuit. Panic surged threw her once more as her mind raced for an escape plan.

Ben followed her gaze and noticed the royal guards, his brow furrowing in concern. "Looks like you're in a bit of trouble," he remarked, his tone matter-of-fact.

Miranda's heart sank at the realization that she would have to go back home. She wanted to stay out for a little while. But before she could dwell on her predicament, Ben extended a hand to her, his expression determined.

"Quick, hop on," he urged, gesturing towards his horse. He knew if he were to be stopped he would lie and say he didn't know they were after her.

Miranda hesitated for a moment, her mind reeling with the implications of accepting a stranger's offer of assistance. But as the sound of the guards' footsteps grew closer, she knew she had no other choice.

With a grateful nod, Miranda reached out and grasped Ben's hand, allowing him to pull her off her feet. With a swift motion, she mounted the horse behind him, clinging to his built frame as they galloped away from the guards.

Ben urged his horse to go faster as they went away from the town square and into the rural part of the town. He rode swiftly through the trees as Miranda clung to his waist.

She didn't see any guards behind her and was grateful.

"I think we lost them, sir," she said looking back again.

The horse slowed to a gentle trot and Miranda looked around at the cottages spread out.

"Where are you taking me?"

Ben glanced back at her over his shoulder, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Just a patient house call," he replied casually, his tone relaxed.

"Patient?...what are you?"

"I am a Doctor Ms,"

"You seem all too youthful to be a doctor"

Ben chuckled. "I am one and twenty. My father is a physician. I learned medicine at the same time I learned my ABC. I've studied extensively from the age of four and ten."

"Hmmm," she sounded. He was very admirable.

As they rode in comfortable silence. Miranda stole glances at the man who had come to her rescue. He was indeed handsome and the rugged look was working for him. She never thought that she would find a commoner attractive. She was so used to the polished and prestige look.

She couldn't help but feel curiosity about the Doctor.

Miranda cleared her throat hesitantly. "I realize we haven't properly introduced ourselves," she began, her voice tentative.

Ben glanced back at her with a curious expression, his eyes meeting hers for a moment, "You're right," he agreed with a nod. "I am Doctor Benjamin Warren."

Miranda offered him a small smile in return, her heart fluttering with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. " Pleasure to make you acquaintance I am Miranda," she replied, choosing to omit her title.

"Where are you from?" Ben asked.

"Hmmm?"

"You have the grammar, dictation, and speech of a noble or high class."