Uncrowned Princess

47

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Isabella woke to find Ethan still sleeping peacefully. She smiled softly, then leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on his lips.

Ethan's eyes fluttered open, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Mm, now that's a wake-up call," he murmured.

Isabella chuckled softly. "Rise and shine, sleepyhead. It's the big day."

She started to move away, but Ethan caught her by the waist, pulling her back to him. "Not so fast," he said, his voice still husky with sleep. He kissed her shoulder tenderly.

Isabella turned to face him, her hands resting on his chest. "Ethan," she warned playfully, "you'll be late."

"The world can wait when Isabella Harrington is present," he replied with a grin, leaning in to capture her lips in a deep, loving kiss.

As they parted, both slightly breathless, Isabella laughed. "Charmer," she accused fondly, running her fingers through his hair.

Just as Ethan leaned in for another kiss, a knock at the door made them pull apart.

"Breakfast is ready!" Jenny's voice called from the other side.

They looked at each other and burst into laughter, the spell broken but the warmth of the moment lingering between them.

"Coming!" Ethan called back, giving Isabella one last quick peck before they reluctantly got up to start their day.

As Ethan and Isabella descended the stairs, they were greeted by an enthusiastic reception from their friends. Jenny, standing near the bottom of the staircase, began clapping excitedly.

Alex, seated at the kitchen table, joined in by rhythmically clapping on the tabletop. He shot Ethan a grin and a thumbs up.

Dan, leaning against the doorframe, cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, "Woo! There's our champion!"

Ethan, caught off guard by the unexpected fanfare, played along. He raised his hands above his head, waving to his imaginary adoring fans. "Thank you, thank you," he called out dramatically, a broad smile on his face. "You're too kind!"

Isabella, trailing just behind Ethan, couldn't help but laugh at the scene. She shook her head fondly at their friends' antics and Ethan's playful response.

"Alright, alright," she said, still chuckling. "Let's not let it go to his head. We've got a big day ahead of us."

Jenny, grinning from ear to ear, gestured towards the kitchen. "And that's why we've prepared a champion's breakfast. Can't have our star rider competing on an empty stomach!"

Ethan caught Isabella's hand as they walked, giving it a gentle squeeze. Despite the playful atmosphere, there was a look of determination in his eyes. Today was the day he'd been working towards for so long, and with his friends' support and Isabella by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Isabella's car pulled into the sprawling competition grounds, the energy in the air was palpable. Behind them, Jacob's truck followed, carrying Ethan and the precious cargo - Caramel.

The friends piled out of Isabella's car, their eyes wide as they took in the bustling scene before them. The competition grounds were a hive of activity, spread out over several acres of meticulously maintained fields and arenas.

To their left, a massive outdoor arena dominated the landscape. Its freshly raked sand gleamed in the morning sun, surrounded by tiered seating that was already beginning to fill with spectators. Colorful flags representing different equestrian clubs and nations fluttered in the breeze atop tall poles.