One Look

Chapter 16

I gently traced over my mothers' necklace when I arrived at the carriage that Charles was waiting for me at.

"Good evening", he smiled when he saw me. I accepted his extended arm as he helped me into the carriage. If he had not entered behind me, I would have run away because Nathaniel and Isabella sat waiting for us inside. My face fell and Nathaniel grinned at me. I was still extremely annoyed with him that he had blatantly avoided me all day yesterday and had given my darling horse to the girl seated beside him, right now. He was sitting there, smiling at me, as if nothing happened.

Without a single word leaving my lips I sat in front of him and stared out the window. My view came to an end when the curtain fell, and I glared up at Nathaniel.

"Apologies the sun was in my eyes", he chuckled, and I rolled my eyes. The sun was setting form my viewpoint at the window, so it definitely wasn't in his eyes.

"Oh, I did not notice it", Isabella said, her eyes looking at the side of Nathaniel's face.

"Of course not dear, because it was shining in my eyes, not yours", he stated, and Isabella's cheeks flushed pink.

"Someone's in a mood", I muttered quietly, and Charles chuckled from beside me.

"The weather was wonderful yesterday for the hunt", Charles said, which did nothing to help the awkwardness in this carriage.

"Yes marvellous", Nathaniel agreed. "Did your horse behave?" he asked Isabella and my eyes narrowed at him.

"Oh, she was a darling, though a little wild to begin with", Isabella smiled at him, but he was not looking at her anymore. I quickly averted my gaze to that of the carriage floor.

"Yes, Sunrise can be a little wary of new people", I said, unable to keep it from Isabella that she had been in fact on my horse. Isabella's mouth dropped open, but she quickly regained her composure. "She's my horse".

"Why was I on your horse?" she asked, and I sighed.

"I have no idea", I said, and glared at Nathaniel, who was watching me with amusement.

"A horse is a horse", Nathaniel stated, and my eyes narrowed.

"I love horses", Charles said awkwardly, and I couldn't but laugh at him.

"That is lovely", I giggled, and he grinned at me.

The rest of the carriage ride was filled with awkward silence and me praying that Nathaniel realised I was annoyed with him. When the carriage stopped, we all hurried out and entered the theatre. The entry way was filled with noblemen and women. I stayed close to Charles so I wouldn't lose him as we made our way through the crowds. I didn't get very far though when a hand grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I quickly turned around and my scowl deepened when I realised it was Nathaniel.

"Why are you mad at me?" he asked, and I rolled my eyes.

"I will let you figure this one out", I snapped, and pulled my hand from his. When I realised Charles was gone, I glared at Nathaniel once again.

"Where am I supposed to sit?" I asked.

"The royal booth of course", he grinned. "Charles will be there".

I reluctantly followed him up the steps and passed the guards as we entered the royal balcony, Charles was indeed sat up here but so was Edmund and Maria.

"Ugh", I groaned, and Nathaniel looked at me questioningly, but I hurried over to Charles.

"I lost you down there", I giggled as I sat beside him.