Elsa puts down some of the food she had been carrying for the horses. This is the life she had to put up with, being a stableman's daughter.
"Come on! You don't want the master to find you slacking do ya?" Asks her father taking the big stacks from her shoulders.
"No. But why do they have to be so mean papa?" She asks.
"Ssh! We don't question our masters her darling. Now, I believe the floors need some moping. We don't want the buyer to be disappointed now do we?" He asks handing her the mop and long broom.
She nods and takes them from him. He watches after her as she happily skips away to do as she is told.
A few hours later, everyone is assembled at the front of the ranch. The royal family is announced as they step off the carriage.
"Surely Hayley, you couldn't pick a more beffiting present?" Asks her mother the queen.
"No mother dear. This is just perfect!" Says the princess beaming for all the world. Looking at the lot, Elsa wondered how they all managed to walk with all those jewelleries and heavy crowns on their heads. Not to mention the robes that dragged at their feet.
Well, it was upto her to market the horses and make sure both her master and the buyers are a happy lot. Taking in a deep breath, she bows as they approach her.
"I want this one!" Says Hayley pointing to a black horse.
Elsa looks at it then responds, "Oh no your highness. Diablo here is a war horse. Purely bred and fit for your guard. He will not be of much company to a lass of your sort. Perhaps Pegasus will delight you?"
"That sounds like a lord's horse. What kind of names do you give your horses?" She says making a face.
"You will obviously rename him after you own him. I assure you, he is healthy, beautiful and very tame. He can take you anywhere your highness. Ofcourse we offer test rides with a trainer before selling." Says Elsa.
The king seems pleased with her presentation and gives his go ahead. Hayley climbs on behind our trainer and they ride off.
The king then walks off with the master to discuss payment with him. They both seem relieved and with that, Elsa knows she will be freed from her debt of twenty lashes.
When the princess returns, she climbs off the horse beaming and going on about how wonderful it is and how she would love it. Immediately, pegasus' reigns are handed off to his new owner.
"Remind me why I am buying you a chocolate cake this evening?" Asks her father.
"Because I got us this month's salary?" Answers Hayley. Her father smiles down at her and drapes a hand over her shoulder while they walked back to their quarters. He still could not comprehend how such a young girl could outsmart all of them at the ranch.
YOU ARE READING
Destined Hope
Historical Fiction"Go! They will surely have our heads if they know of this!" She says handing the baby to him. The guards are catching on and there is no time left. With one last look, she says, "Promise me you will never let her out of your sight." "But..." he sta...
