14 Chapter 13: Winter, Spring, Summer

Two weeks and a half pass since Winston and Vincent's abnormal conversation at the barn. To Winston's worry their relationship have continued to appear to sour to him. If Vincent wasn't preoccupied with a task he wasn't in the physical state to come to the castle or ride with him. One time he claims to had fallen off his horse and another time he got hurt while working with one of the horses. At one point Winston considers moving Vincent from the stables to being a servant in the castle despite his protest, but he knows that would not help whatever is going on between them.

Winston sits in his room as his servants work to prepare him for Lillian and Rosalinda's arrival. In response to the letter he sent two weeks prior Lord Argon and Lady Lackburd sent a request that both their daughters would come to the capital for a week to spend time in turn with him. Winston's mother brought the plan to him for his response. To Winston's surprise it was just the kind of thing he wanted to do before making his final decision. However, he chooses to shorten the time frame to three days before approving the plan without hesitation.

Now the day had come that the two girls are scheduled to arrive, yet the thought of Vincent still lays heavily on his mind and in truth is only half focused on his objective. After all, this is partly due to Vincent and his encouragement. How is he supposed to feel knowing his best friend isn't well.

"There you are young sire. What do you think?", says one of his maids. Her voice brings Winston back to the present situation. He blankly examines his ensemble and smiles.

"It's perfect. Thank you.", Winston answers. With their work done the servants leave Winston alone. He would be going to the throne room soon, but first he needs to gather himself. No sense in bringing his worrying feelings with him when he meets Lillian and Rosalinda.

As he does so he comes up with a plan. He would spend a day with each girl while they are here. He decides he will use that to his advantage and take one of them to the stables to go horseback riding. That way he will be able to get to Vincent and get him to tell him what's going on one more time. A knock sounds at the door.

"Come in!", Winston answers. One of the male servants enters.

"My prince, it is time for you to come to the throne room.", the servant informs him. With a nod Winston exits his room and walks to the throne room with his guards. On his way Winston decides he will take Lillian to the stables with him. He wants Vincent to meet her and out of the two girls she is the one he will most likely choose.

Winston awaits for Lillian and Rosalinda with his parents. He gets word that they are on their way when he arrives himself. It is not long before the two girls enter together and stop in front of the stairs that lead to where the king and queen sit. Winston stands on the second step from the top to the left of his father. He watches as the girls bow in greeting to his parents.

This is the second time he has seen any of them. Lillian still carries herself with the poise and confidence that someone with her status is expected to have. She wears a beautiful light blue dress with a light brown waist band with a white flower pattern along it that makes a an indention shape in the front. Winston has to admit that if he had not known that Lillian's family had suffered a tragic lost he would not have guessed it. He is impressed.

Rosalinda is around the same height as Lillian perhaps an inch or two shorter with a fuller face and blonde curly hair. Both girls are indeed beautiful Winston admits as his parents greet them and inform them of what will happen today and tomorrow.

After which both of them turn to Winston to see who he will pick first for today. Winston approaches them first and greets each of them in turn. He then chooses Lillian to spend the day with.

"I am honored, Prince Winston.", Lillian says with a curtsy. Rosalinda is then lead away by guards to one of the two rooms where she and Lillian will be staying for two nights. Winston takes Lillian by the hand and leads her out the throne room moments after.

"How are you?", Winston asks Lillian when they are alone. Lillian looks to him unexpectedly, but soon relaxes.

"I'm fine.", she answers. "What about you?", she asks.

"I am well." he says. Winston stops and faces Lillian directly. He is worried for Vincent, but he also worries for Lillian too. She has lost everything and her family were true friends of his own. He wants to show how genuine his regret for her is. "I am deeply sorry for what happened to you. It is a true tragedy.", he says. Lillian's expression is somber and grateful.

"I am grateful for your concern and words Prince Winston. I just pray my mother and I will make it through okay.", Lillian says.

"I'm sure you will and I pray your father and brother find peace.", Winston says with a smile. Lillian nods in agreement. "Now, I was hoping you wouldn't mind going horseback riding with me today.", Winston says changing the subject as he continues to walk.

"That sounds well. I would love to.", Lillian replies.

"Good. There is a friend I would like for you to meet.", Winston says.

Instead of taking the secret passageways to the stables Winston and Lillian take a carriage to the outside of town. This is the first time Winston has ever done this and it feels as if the trip is longer by carriage than by passage. When they arrive Winston shows Lillian inside the barn and finds Jamonson and Benjamin talking. The two of them immediately stop when they see Winston and Lillian come in.

"Prince Winston.", Jamonson greets him. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you.", Winston answers. "You remember Lillian.", Winston says bringing her to his side.

"Oh, this is Lady Lillian Lackburd.", Benjamin says coming forward. "Greetings my lady.", he says greeting her with a kiss to the hand.

"Hello. It is nice to meet you and I remember you Sir Jamonson. How are you?", Lillian says to each of them in turn.

"I am quite well and blessed, Lady Lillian, thank you. This fellow here is my nephew Benjamin.", Jamonson answers.

"I wanted to take Lillian horseback riding today for a while.", Winston tells Jamonson.

"Sounds nice, but I doubt we have any riding apparel for a young lady such as Lady Lillian here. I wish you would have let us know of your intentions prior.", Jamonson says putting his hand to his chin thoughtfully.

"You have no need to worry I'm fine as I am.", Lillian tells Jamonson.

"Are sure my lady? I wouldn't want your experience to be uncomfortable nor run the risk of ruining your dress.", Jamonson says.

"Honestly, I'm fine.", Lillian sweetly reinsures. Winston at this point is only half paying attention. In truth he was looking for Vincent.

Where could he be now?

Just then the sound of someone coming down stairs makes Winston look to the stairs that lead up to the living quarters of the barn. Winston turns to Lillian.

"There is one more person for you to meet. He is a dear friend of mine.", Winston says to her as Vincent descends the last steps. Vincent walks over to join everyone else while making an effort to avoid Benjamin though no one notices. "This is my friend, Vincent. He works here at the stables.", Winston tells Lillian. "Vincent, this is Lillian Lackburd.", Vincent looks to Lillian with warm eyes and a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Lady Lillian.", Vincent says greeting her with a respectable bow.

"Nice to meet you, Vincent. So you are Prince Winston's friend.", Lillian replies.

"He says I'm his best friend.", Vincent says teasingly putting emphasis on the word best.

"You are. And I am yours.", Winston says. Vincent smiles.

"I'm not so sure about that. Starracer and I have really gotten close recently.", Vincent says mischievously. Winston pushes Vincent's shoulder.

"Stop it.", Winston says happily. It is the first time in a while he had heard a joke from Vincent or even seen a smile for that matter. Maybe everything is alright after all.

"Why don't you go and get the gear for Prince Winston and lady Lillian's ride, Vincent.", Benjamin says interrupting them. Vincent looks back to Benjamin for a moment before nodding his head and doing as he said.

"Get Cinder's gear too Vincent.", Winston says as Vincent walks away. Vincent stops and turns to Winston. "I want you to come with me and Lillian as my attendant.", Winston tells him. He wants to help Vincent get the reins and saddles, but he knows he can't with Lillian here.

"Benjamin, help Vincent.", he says instead.

"No need, I got it.", Vincent protest right away.

"No. Prince Winston is right I should help you. You two would usually do it together wouldn't you? Seeing Prince Winston unable to do so at the moment I will instead.", Benjamin says walking to and pass Vincent. As he does Vincent stands where he is for a moment before following.

Winston notices that the light in Vincent's eyes have faded and it seems to him they have become almost battle hardened. For the first time Winston notices that Vincent's cut on his cheek had healed, but somehow Vincent still looked a bit battered. Winston guesses it must be because of his recent sickness and or injuries, but somehow that didn't sound right either.

While they wait for Vincent and Benjamin, Winston shows Lillian the different horses and around the barn. He is showing her Starracer when Vincent and Benjamin come back with the reins and saddles. The three horses are prepared and Winston, Vincent, and Lillian set out together. Winston and Lillian ride side by side with Vincent following a few paces behind at first.

"Come on. What is taking you so long?", Winston says turning to Vincent. A grin comes on Vincent's face and to Winston's delight he joins them on his other side. Winston turns to Lillian.

"How about I show you where and how we met?", Winston purposes to her.

"I suppose if it isn't normal.", Lillian says teasingly.

"By normal you mean boring and no it won't be.", Winston assures her.

"Embarrassing maybe...", Vincent adds. "But before we get to that I do want to give my condolences to you, Lady Lillian, and your family.", Vincent goes on.

"Thank you, Vincent, but the last thing I want is to talk about it.", Lillian says.

"That is understandable. I'm sure we both can respect your request.", Vincent replies.

"Of course. After all, I suppose we can talk about you, Vincent.", Winston says turning the conversation to Vincent.

"What is there to talk about, my prince?", Vincent asks.

"Are you really going to say that?", Winston counters. Vincent faces Winston, but says nothing. "Fine. Then I shall ask you what I asked before.", Winston pauses. "What is going on?"

"Prince Winston, you should pay attention to Lady Lillian. I'm sure she doesn't want to be ignored.", Vincent says dodging the question. Winston turns to Lillian.

"I'm sorry Lillian. Am I being unfair to you?", Winston asks genuinely.

"No Prince Winston. I am fine, truly.", she answers. With a nod to Lillian Vincent once again becomes the focus of Winston's attention.

"What is going on? I haven't seen you in almost a week. The last time we spoke you were hurt badly and didn't really want to talk then. Just the night before then everything was well. Something is wrong. I know it. What I don't know is why you refuse to tell me.", Winston says.

"If I tell you soon and just not now will you stop asking me?", Vincent says. Winston is taken off guard by Vincent's question, but decides that it is better than nothing.

"How soon and do you promise?", Winston replies.

"Not long and yes I promise.", Vincent says. Winston doesn't reply right away. He looks into Vincent's eyes.

"Fine. I trust you.", he says slowly. The three of them spend the rest of their time racing and talking about other not serious things. They also see the forest edge and the first yellow, red, and orange leaves of the fall.

When it is time for them to return to the stables it is past noon. After his talk with Vincent though Winston has to admit that the day went well. The three of them were able to get to know each other and enjoy the others' company.

At the barn while Vincent put each horse in its respective stable Lillian talks to Winston.

"I was curious about something. May I ask you about it?", she says to him. Winston faces her.

"Sure, but we must be off soon if we are to make it to dinner.", Winston says.

"Right, but I wanted to ask you...why did you question Vincent so persistently earlier?", Lillian says.

"Because I know him and whether he likes it or not I know when something is wrong with him. I have a bad feeling. A feeling that something is not right. When someone has a feeling about someone they care about they would be foolish not to act.", Winston answers; not even mentioning his dream. Winston's words seem to have an effect on Lillian in some way, for her eyes are thoughtful now and suddenly distant. Winston turns away from her and approaches Vincent.

"We'll be heading back now.", he says.

"She seems like a nice girl. Don't tell anyone, but my support is to her right now.", Vincent says closing a stable door. Winston agrees with him. "You know it would help her and her mother too if you were to pick her.", Vincent adds.

"True, to bad this isn't about helping her family. It is about helping mine.", Winston comments.

"Yes, but if I remember anything from my time at the convent. It is that when God blesses us he does it in a way that is like pouring a drink into a cup until it overflows. Meaning our blessings could be a blessing for someone else.", Vincent responds. Winston's eyes widen in surprise and impress.

"You certainly make growing up in a convent seem beneficial.", Winston comments. Vincent gives a slight smile.

"That's what happens when you are given a chapter to read every day.", Vincent says humorously.

After exchanging words of farewell Winston and Lillian make their way back to the castle by carriage. It is through dinner and as he gets ready to sleep that Winston's own words come into his mind. The ones he had spoken to Lillian about acting on feelings of worry for those close to you; especially when you can tell something is wrong.

He walks to his window thinking of Vincent. The last time his friend was on his mind so heavily was that night he had that disturbing dream and the next day he saw Vincent had a cut on his cheek and was clearly injured from something. Even now Winston doesn't believe the explanation Vincent gave for that.

"Enough...", Winston says to himself. He turns from the window and in hast replace his night clothes with the ones he just wore to dinner and quickly makes his way to the passageways. Winston runs the length of the passage and tunnels to the stables.