History of Fictitious: Volume Three

Chapter 11

Wrapped in her red cloak, Rose entered the stables. No one else was around aside from the horses. That was what she thought until Richard emerged from one of the stalls, leading out Rose and Snow's beautiful white mount.

"So, you're really taking me up on the mountain with no chaperone?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Richard blushed as he patted the horse's muzzle. "We're just going for a short ride, so I didn't think it would be a big deal. And well, are you ready to officially be my intended? I thought it would be nice to talk about what that would entail."

"That is a good idea," she admitted, stopping in front of him.

He grinned at her before he mounted the horse. Rose got on after him, and they galloped out into the winter air. The guards on duty were barely getting around to closing the gate to the public when they bolted past. Richard waved at them while Rose buried her face into his back. For a secret outing, he was extremely open about it. There was no question the staff would be talking about Rose Red's late outing with the crown prince.

Once they were on the path to the mountains, Rose raised her head and stared at the remaining blue of the sky. She didn't know when Richard would change, but she was glad they were far away from watching eyes. Her heart felt a prick of guilt as she thought about the hurt this realization would be for Richard. She could already imagine brushing his fur coat while he whined in his wolf form. Or maybe he would run away from her in embarrassment. Of course, she hoped that maybe he would remain human and that she had been wrong.

Coming into a wooded area, Richard slowed the horse and jumped off. Rose tilted her head, wondering why he stopped.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Richard shook his head and extended his arms out to her. She accepted his help and landed safely on the ground.

"I wanted to walk, that's all. It will be easier to talk, and it is reminiscent of our first journey together."

Rose laughed, tucking her arm under his. "The way you talk, you'd think we've known each other for years."

"But doesn't it feel that way?" He kept Rose close but used his free hand to guide the horse behind them.

"I suppose it does." Rose stared at the sky again through the branches. This time, she could clearly see the moon.

Richard followed her gaze. "You know, it's been a while since I remember seeing the moon like this."

Rose was about to make a comment when she noticed Richard wince. Her heart pounded in her chest as the hope she once had vanished. He would change here soon, but he had probably been denying it.

"Are you alright?" Rose asked.

Richard nodded, dismissing the idea that his curse wasn't over. He stepped forward but ended up falling to his knees, letting go of the horse's reigns. His cry of pain spooked the horse, and it booked it, retreating up the familiar mountain. Richard clutched his chest, and Rose stooped down next to him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, tears threatening her eyes. "I didn't know how painful the transformation would be."

Richard turned his head to her, confused by her words. "What do you mean? Rose, what did you do?"

"That conversation I overheard, there was more. Chief Elijah and your mother discussed giving you a potion without your knowledge. I suspected your curse wasn't broken, but the only way to prove it was by ensuring you didn't take it! I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd believe me otherwise."

He took controlled breaths and stared at the moon above them. "So that drink Elijah gave me–"

"Yes, I drank the one intended for you." She patted his back, trying to comfort him as best she could. "You'll turn back in the morning, right? We can just stay at the cabin for now until you become human."