White Gate Heart

•Chapter Seven•

Forgetting about the disappearance of a frisky horse, I quickly collected myself to my feet. Smiling hesitantly, I tucked stray strands of hair behind my ear. 

"My apologies for eavesdropping amid your conversation, but did you happen to have an escapee of a horse?" he questioned, settling in his saddle somewhat nervously. 

Sighing, I nodded without a word. Glancing back at Lydia, she seemed to be smirking, but it quickly cleared as I glared at her. She cleared her throat gently, glancing back at Charles.

"Yes, sir. We did. It's Rebekah's horse who has jumped the fence. You wouldn't happen to have a horse she could ride to chase after Jamie?" Lydia questioned, folding her hands together as if she had accomplished something.

"Actually, I was thinking both of us-"

"I only have this horse I'm riding at the moment. I'd be more than glad to offer you a ride!" he answered my sister, looking down at my face.

"Well my sister and I were planning on going together," I rejected him. The inside of me felt bad asking for a gentleman's horse just for my sister and I. 

Lydia did not oblige and shook her head firmly.

"Absolutely not. You see, I'm quite an awful rider and I happened to sprain my wrist today. I'm in no possible condition to ride a galloping horse after another galloping horse!"

Oh how I was fumed with anger towards her. I was uncomfortable being alone with this man, as much of a perfect gentleman he was. I could feel my heart falling for Charles, but I felt my own brain tuanting me because of it.

Foolish Rebekah, falling for each handsome man that comes waltzing along.

Don't be so pathetic!

"Very well then, Miss Wills. I'd be glad to accompany you. Surely you can't catch a horse alone," Charles stated, outstretching his hand towards mine. I hesitated, and his warm smile only made me want to climb into the saddle. Clenching my teeth, I took his hand and swung into the saddle. The stallion adjusted his feet at the extra weight, and I cringed for the horse having to carry more weight at a galloping speed. 

Without a warning, the white stallion took off at a quickening pace, faster than I would've ever believed a horse could run. Looking back before we disappeared into the wood, I watched Lydia wave me off, winking. I replied with a cringed face and stuck my tongue out. 

Whipping back around, I smiled at the feeling of galloping, which I had not been able to feel in years. 

"Charles! How do you know which way she went?" I asked, curious for I didn't even know myself where to start looking.

"She most likely would've headed to this forest for cover, everywhere else is open field. She wants to hide from her fears, does she not?" he replied. It was an intelligent thought that I wished I had thought of. 

"I suppose."

The wind pushed against my eyes at each glance upwards. The stallion whisked through the forest, barely touching the ground. I forced my eyes to remain open, even while they watered against the cold wind. I couldn't close my eyes, as I could miss a glance of Jamie. Finally, we slowed to a trot, the occasional snorts of the horse was all that could be heard. 

Charles cleared his throat awkwardly, shifting in the saddle.

"So, what is your stud's name?" I questioned, admiring the horse's pure white coat.

As if he knew I was talking of him, his ears pricked back towards my voice and he bobbed his head. Charles laughed heartedly and patted his neck. He allowed the stud to slow to a walk for a small break.

"Kingsley. I've had him for about two years now," he asserted. Charles seemed very proud of Kingsley, which he should. The stallion was certainly the fastest horse I've layed eyes on; quite strong as well. The undulating sensation of the horse's walk made me tired, especially after an exhausting day of work. I felt my eyelids drooping, right there in the saddle. Without warning, my eyes closed and I was swallowed by sleep. 

I awakened and lifted my head off of Charles' shoulder. Blinking my eyelids, I came to my senses and glanced around. Charles looked back, wondering as to why my head left the comfort of his shoulder. I felt my cheeks grow hot and I chuckled.

"Oh, my apologies Mr. Poppenburg. I can hardly remember even closing my own eyelids," I explained calmly.

"No worries. Please, call me Charles. We've made good acquantinces of each other."

He glanced back, smiling. My stomach and head spun and I nodded.

"Of course, Charles," I replied.

With a halt, Kingsley's nostrils flared. His ears pricked forward and his head turned towards the west, where the sun was setting. The wood was getting darker by the minute, and I was nervous of the creatures lurking within it.

"Come along King, we must get going," Charles urged gently, pushing his heels into the sides of his horse. Kingsley refused to budge, even when Charles was firm with his encouragements.

Following the stud's fixed gaze, I froze. I felt my eyes naturally widen at the sight they had laid upon. Charles seemed fixed on moving Kingsley, but had not noticed what I had.

There stood a sickened wolf, foaming at his mouth, his body spasming at the sight of a horse and two riders.