Crowned Upon

Chapter 3

Rosalie

"Just look at his butt in those riding pants." Rosalie giggled to Vanna Baldwin, a daughter of a member of Parliament and one of Rosie's closest friends, although it could be argued that Rosalie didn't have any truly close friends. They were currently on the balcony of one of the many extra, unoccupied bedrooms in the palace. This one just so happened to perfectly overlook where her brother and Finn were currently atop horses, having their riding lesson.

"He's stunning." Vanna sighed dreamily. "His hair is so gorgeous."

Rosalie nodded in agreement. "What would you call that color? It's like a strawberry blonde."

"I'd call it gorgeous. In fact, I already did." Vanna answered.

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "He didn't seem very into me earlier." She admitted. "I gave him my look and everything. Do you think he's nervous? Or does he truly not like me?"

"There's no way he's not into you." Vanna assured her. "He's probably just intimidated. You're the princess. You could have anyone you want."

Rosalie gazed down at the young man below, feeling interested in something for the first time in a long time.

"Well," She said, her gaze fixed on Mr.Kendall, "I want him."

James

"Forgive me, your highness, but you seem to be a fairly skilled rider. Why do you still take lessons?" Mr. Kendall asked James as they trotted along the grounds easily after their lesson.

"In anything you will do, anything you think you have mastered, there's always more to be done, more to be learned, Mr. Kendall." James answered.

Mr. Kendall smiled. "If I may be frank, I feel strange having you call me Mr. Kendall. I'm not very much older than you. Call me Finn, if that's alright with you."

"Okay." James nodded. "Finn. What did you do before you came to the palace?"

"I worked on my family's farm." Finn answered. "I tended to many animals growing up but I always preferred horses. I gave riding lessons to locals."

"Does your family live far?" James wondered.

"Just outside the capital." Finn replied.

That pleased James, that he would be able to see his family on his days off. Some of the palace workers came from far across Nova and had to leave their families behind. Very few palace employees were allowed to have their families live in the palace with them, like Mr. Lincoln was. Kace was actually born inside the palace, just a few months before James and Rosalie, and had lived here ever since.

"I've lost you." Finn's voice brings James back to the present.

"Sorry." James apologized. "Lost in my own head."

"I suppose it's an easy place to get lost, as a prince." Finn mused.

"That it is." James agreed.

"Should we head back? I don't want to take you away from your duties." Finn suggested.

"I'd like to keep riding, if you don't mind." James said.

Finn's expression turned suddenly mischievous. "Wanna race?"

Race? James couldn't remember the last time he'd done something as trivial as racing a horse around the grounds for fun. His instinct was to say no, to chide Mr. Kendall for suggesting such a frivolous act to the crown Prince. He had more important things to do! He was in training to rule the country, he didn't have time for fun.

But the excitement in Finn's warm brown eyes was contagious. He suddenly wanted nothing more than to race around with this man, laughing and having fun. He wanted to forget, even if just for a moment, the crushing responsibilities that constantly hovered over him.

James smiled back at him, "ready. . . set. . ."

A lil baby of a chapter, but I like the characterization in this one! Chapter 4 will be up shortly!

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