You'll ride with me

"Stop that bullshit, I can look after myself! And I'm not fighting those parasites, I just want to get to Azmar. I'll stick around with your men. If you think I would still not be safe, then question your men's ability, they can't even defend a puny little lady like me." I mocked.

The threatening look of his soldiers burned through every inch of my body.

I maintained my stance as he fixed his gaze on me for over a minute. "Fine. Give Lady Elivette a horse." I was so elated with his words that I couldn't help but grin, and seeing my 'look of victory' face, he scowled, which just made my grin bigger.

Now that I've convinced the Prince to grant my request, I feel as though I can accomplish anything. Then, out of the blue, I recalled that he had instructed his men to provide me with a horse, and in less than a minute, one was already in front of me.

I took a step back as I nervously peered at the big ass horse for fear that it would suddenly kick me.

The prince drew his horse closer to me and, full of authority, he stated, "What are you waiting for? Our departure is already delayed because of your ruckus. Ride that horse so we can leave right away." My confidence from before has since disappeared.

I looked up at him and explained in a small voice, "I don't know how to ride a horse." He stared at me for another whole minute, as if waiting for me to tell him that it was simply a joke.

"You're something else, aren't you Lady Elivette? Saying you can look after yourself yet you can't even ride a horse."

I scowled, "That's two separate things, Your Highness."

What is he getting at?

"The way you put it before suggests otherwise."

I did make a statement at the time that was overly confident.

I immediately proceeded, for fear that he would change his mind and wouldn't let me go with them anymore. "Why don't I just travel with one of your men?" I asked and looked around to try to find someone, but everyone merely stared at me, and some even turned their backs.

I had the feeling that my earlier comments might have angered them.

I heard him scoff again, and I turned back to him, only to hear him say, "Never mind, you'll ride with me."

I couldn't help but take a step back.

"What are you waiting for?" He questioned, extending a hand. HI didn't hesitate any longer and stood on the hanging strap before grabbing his hand because he was already becoming impatient.

He pulled me and I nearly fell once again because I was not able to balance myself on the horse just when I sat in front of him.

I can feel the cold metal of the breastplate armor he was wearing and I trembled when I suddenly felt a breathe of air in my right ear.

"You can take care of yourself huh." I heard him whisper and then scoffed.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes with his statement.

"Go grab another cloak," I heard him say. The man he was walking with scowled, "You only remember me when you need me."

"Don't waste my time anymore Ahren."

Ahren?

Oh, then is he the City Lord's son?

He went and followed the prince's instructions. He handed me the cloak when he was in front of me, which startled me.

That was for me?

When I heard the man behind me say, "Wear it," I grabbed it and put it on right away.

Thank God, the Prince isn't that cruel.

Lord Ahren smiled teasingly and said, "Take care of him, Lady Rose. I believe you can do that."

Hearing him call me Lady Rose made me realize that he must have seen me in Bare Elegance as a flower.

Now that I think about it, the Prince had called me Elivette.

Has he known my identity since he talked to me in Bare Elegance then?

I don't remember Elivette and the Prince interacting though. He must have seen her.

"I'll be back once I've settled Azmar." The Prince said to to Lord Ahren, and Lord Ahren nodded.

"Take care." As I looked at the other men behind, I think around fifty, they had already mounted their horses, ready to leave.

He did a little whistle and the horse moved.

The pace was slow to begin with but quickly picked up speed.

I can feel myself stooping forward because I'm worried I'm getting too close to him.

"What are you doing? Lean back a little and firm up your legs." I felt myself stiffening again but I followed his words and I felt myself relax when the straining on my waist was lessened.

"We will travel for almost a day with no rest in between so that we can promptly reach Azmar." I nodded, I don't mind not resting for a day.

"I understand." I firmly declared, "I won't be a burden to you."

"Having you here is already a burden for me Lady Elivette. The least you can do is take care of yourself and keep yourself out of harm's way."

"Yes, Your Highness."