Foolish Doings

the one who's an animal lover - amelia

I poked my head out and was absolutely taken with the beauty that was in front of me. Since the cottage was very isolated, there was a lot of land. All the land was showing right before me. I looked around and couldn't get enough of the green grass and the smell of the fresh air. In a daze, my gaze landed on a stable.

"There's horses!" I gasped and walked out. I almost ran to the stables. I couldn't describe the joy I was feeling.

I've always had a thing for animals. Ever since I was little. I was known for bringing in strays. When I was younger, Elena and I were playing in the garden and we found a bird that was hurt. My brother, Leonardo, who goes by Leo, was also with us. Call me Snow White if you must but there was no way I left that bird alone.

I brought it into the castle with me and had it nurtured and fed. The bird was becoming stronger within the first half hour we had it. Though, my time with the bird was cut short when mother found out and made me put it back where it belonged.

It was the worst day ever but ever since that day, my love for animals just kept growing. It was to a point where not even mother could do anything to stop it. That resulted in 4 dogs, 8 horses, a few birds, 2 cats and obviously, fish. We had a big fish tank filled with them.

But of course with the horses we had and the royal "rules" there were, I became a good rider. A really good rider, as a matter of fact. Going on daily rides and getting daily riding lessons was probably one of the things I loved about my days at the castle. There wasn't much I enjoyed with the constant etiquette lessons and the posh stuff. But one thing I did enjoy was riding. I love horse riding.

"Hey there." I cooed as I brushed the first horse I saw. The horse neighed leaned its head into the palm of my hand making me smile greatly. There were 3 horses in this stable but this one caught my eye.

"That's Louise." I heard a voice behind me. It was the man who brought me to the cabin. James. "I could help you get her saddled up if you want to go for a ride."

"It's alright. I can do it myself." I said whilst still brushing the horse. I couldn't help the big smile on my face. There's nothing I'd rather do than ride this horse. But I needed to change first. I unwillingly pulled myself away from the horse making it neigh, almost in a way that you'd think it was whining. I feel the same way Louise. "I'll be right back. Don't worry." I cooed and turned around to face James. "Thank you for your help. You can take your leave now. I'd like to be alone."

I found out the man's name was James. James looked like he was in his 20s. Mid 20s to be precise. He didn't seem like a man who didn't show any emotions. Almost as if he wanted the other person to know how he was feeling. He was like an open book. I, on the other hand, am the complete opposite. With the responsibility of being a princess, you couldn't afford to show how you felt all the time. The only emotion you could ever really show was either a neutral face or a smile here and there. There were just too many eyes watching. Watching your every move, just waiting for you to make a mistake. That's my life.

"Of course, Your Grace. If you need anything, pick up the phone and dial 5. You'll be in contact with me and I will be at your aid." He explained. "Before I go, I just wanted to ask you if you'd be willing to have dinner with my wife and I."

He's married. Impressive. Mid 20s and married.

"I don't–" I started but James was quick to cut me off.

"I apologize for interrupting but my wife insisted. She figured you'd be tired and wouldn't want to cook on your first night here. I insist you and your grandmother come join us." He tried again.

Why do I feel like his wife threatened him?

"That's because she did." I heard.

"Oh no." I mumbled. He wasn't supposed to hear that.

He smiled. "So you'll come?"

I smiled curtly and nodded.

"Alright then. I will call you in the evening." He said. "I shall take my leave now."

He was about to leave but he stopped. He probably remembered something. "Before I forget. There is a team of guards, guarding this area so you are safe." Seriously. "I don't know if you are against that or not but if that is the situation, I apologize because there is nothing I can do about it. When the Queen Mother had this place made, it was protocol to have security secure this place when any member of the royal family resided."

Granny. I should've guessed.

"Alright then. I'll be on my way!" He said and walked away.

Once he was gone. I took one more look at the horses and made my way back to the cabin. Once there, I took my suitcase to the bedroom upstairs.

When I walked into the bedroom, I was content with the way it was laid out. It was way smaller than the room I was used to but it was perfect in every way. The room contained a bed and a vanity. It also contained a small closet for my clothes, along with a bathroom. The bathroom was straight forward as well. It had a tub, a standing shower and a sink with a mirror.

I went back to the room and put my suitcase on the bed. I quickly pulled out something I could wear while riding and left my room. It seemed to be mid-day so I had plenty of time to ride before I had to go to dinner.