Elwanda

Chapter 26 - Date of Fate

Because of her ribboning nerves, Elwanda ditched her royal clothing for a more breathable dress; one of the lovely ones gifted to her by Queen Shailene of Raegros. The last thing she wanted to entertain was chaffing, bulky clothes in a setting that would be twice as uncomfortable.

Regardless, her maidservants convinced her to clasp on her royal velvet robe to, at least, paint her attitude toward the occasion as chalant. A very beautiful horse was provided for her; a palomino that she instantly loved upon seeing, and her escort, Phineas, revealed it was a wedding gift.

"From his Highness, Alodie." He explained as they rode out. "It should have come earlier, but this breed of horse can only be found in the far woodlands of Wyrilda, due West of Rune. They are bred and tamed solely by the noble house of Hingol Genesis, and the Advisor had to wait a few days for Hingol's merchants to safely cross the woodlands."

"She's a very lovely horse." She expressed in excitement, rubbing the horse's side. "And she looks young."

"Yes, my lady because she is. Helene is only three."

"Helene? That's her name?"

"Indeed."

Silence reigned, until they emerged out of the palace environments and into a short mile of bushes that Elwanda thought were familiar. After a while, they rode out into a much wider clearing and she confirmed that the location was, in fact, familiar. It was the same great fields that she had once seen from the Accord House.

In a very far distance, she sighted what looked like the picnic spot. A mud brown stallion was feeding on grass about a stone throwaway from a table and two chairs; the first being already occupied.

"Here is where I halt, my lady." Phineas announced. "You may go on."

The Steward rose when he noticed her climb off her horse, which she left next to his, but Helene shied away from the stallion by walking off to feed elsewhere.

"As stubborn as you are, I see." Was the Steward's first remark as he watched the horse abandon its original position.

"A fine morning to you as well." She smiled, ignoring his comment.

"I'll say, it's the perfect kind of animal for you."

Coming to stand next to the empty chair, she noticed his eyes sweep distastefully down her dress, which was a very clear opposite to his formal ones. A scowl formed in his eyes.

"Don't tell me you had no idea that this was a formal appointment."

"I did." She replied in a casual tone, holding his gaze. "I just didn't care."

With that, she allowed herself into the seat.

He did likewise, still glaring at her. "You look like a peasant."

"I am a peasant." She coolly agreed, acknowledging the pleasant light foods on display across the table.

"Sometimes, I believe you do these things just to spite me." His voice hinted a growl.

"What things?" She asked in confusion.

"The opposite of what I tell you to." He emphasized, placing a hand on the table.

She studied him and the exposed hand. It was thick and slightly pink at the knuckles with pinkish well polished nails. An urge came to place her hand ontop of it, but she ignored.

"You wanted me to wear those god-awful dresses on such a fine morning?"

"God-awful?" His brows lifted in surprise.

"I don't know about you, but I don't like to be trapped in my own clothes. Now, do you wish to continue on the wrong foot or eat in peace?"

He scoffed and began to help himself to toast. "If you wanted peace you should've done as you were told."