Chapter:18 (Journey to the trip)

(After the previous chapter)

I was gaping like a fish at the sight of all those horses and that grand carriage. Each of those horses was the finest in the capital; I could tell just by looking at their size.

Someone came from behind me and tapped my head lightly. I whirled to see Prince Shen himself was standing right there with an amused expression. He said, "How long will stand here gaping like a fish? Flies will get in your mouth."

I closed my mouth shut, but my eyes were as wide as saucers! I said, "Your highness has such a great collection of horses. I was just appreciating their beauty."

He said, "Hmm. But we don't use the best ones except on the battlefields. Those you are seeing are my least favorite ones."

I was shocked! These were the best ones I'd ever seen, but to him, these weren't even close to the best! Royals! Ugh, why do I still get surprised?! I should have gotten used to their exaggerating!

He then looked at me and said, "Oh, you'll be riding my horse we reach the spot. Take proper care of him. He is the best one in this group. You'll get your own horse once we get there."

I bowed and said, "I'll try my best, your highness." He just nodded and walked away without glancing back.

Woah, I'll be riding his horse! I guess it was a big deal for a servant like me, haha! But seriously? Why me?! This time I didn't even try to impress him as I did with the Queen Mother! I heard Master Kang always takes care of his highness's horse until they reach their destination.

I looked at where Master Kang Ji Han was now talking to the guards at the front. He will be leading the group today. As I kept looking in his direction, he looked up as if he felt my stare. His eyes locked with mine for a moment, and he scrunched his eyebrows slightly as he stopped talking. But I didn't flinch away from his gaze. He was the one who broke away the contact first.

He quickly returned to his conversation before anyone saw who he was looking at. I walked away from where I was standing. I didn't notice that he looked back as I turned away.

Prince Shen was standing in front of his all-black and mighty-looking horse. He was patting its head. When I went closer, I realized it was even taller up close! And it even seemed to be glaring at me! I went to pat his head, but he moved out of reach and literally huffed at annoyance! What did I do?!

He was just like his master, full of arrogance. Prince Shen, no, I'll stop calling him 'Prince Shen' in my head. I'll call him 'Shen Yi' in my head.

He chuckled at my dumbfounded face and patted the horse with affection, showing off to me.

I tried again but met with the same rejection. I couldn't help but stomp my foot in frustration. Maybe I looked childish, but I didn't care when even a horse was behaving arrogantly with me!

Shen Yi seemed to be choking on his laughter, trying to hold back! He said, "His name is Atris. He is like this with everyone except me. So, don't worry, he doesn't particularly dislike you. He can be quite stubborn with strangers. So, good luck with that."

He grinned at me and left me with that beast of a horse. I sighed and looked at it. My day just started, and it seemed like this will be one hell of a long day!

I managed to get on the back of Atris with some difficulty. Everyone else also got up on their own rides and started off.

Seriously, it turned out to be a very difficult battle between me and Atris. As I tried to control this extremely naughty and stubborn horse, I almost fell off twice already! I heard a chuckle from close by and saw Shen Yi was peeking at me through the window of his carriage.

I managed to put up a strained smile and bowed my head.

Then he flared up my anger more by saying, "You know, right now you like a clown in a circus trying to entertain people! Who knew you couldn't even ride a horse properly?!"

He was obviously enjoying this! And it seems like he planned this deliberately. Or, why else he would choose this particular stubborn horse and assign me, of all people to ride it?!

He must be holding grudges against me! How petty he is! Hah, I'll make sure I get my revenge on you, your highness! Just wait till I get the chance!

Ughhh, this beast!! Well, if I stay alive after riding this beast, I'll think about my revenge!

Whenever I tried to slow down, he would start in a gallop. And when I tried to go fast, he wouldn't even want to want!

I tried to control it by pulling on the reins and stabbing sparks in his stomach, but nothing worked on this beast!

But I couldn't lose this beast. The more Atris disobeyed me, I got more determined and competitive to win him over.

I tried a completely different tactic. I leaned down and caressed his neck and his mane full of shiny hair, and scratched his ears. Surprisingly, he calmed down and slowly became obedient! I sighed and relaxed down.

I couldn't help but grin as wide as I could the next time Shen Yi peeked at me! His eyes went wide with shock seeing me riding Atris in comfort.

He looked at me for a few moments and then let go of the curtain of the window, letting it close behind him. After a few moments, he called the group to stop for a little break. I reined in Atris from his happy gallop and got off him. I bound him to a tree and let him have some water and food.