Her Royal Pen Pal

Chapter 35 [A Pleasant Surprise]

(Copyright) © 2011 Candle_Ice

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[[UNEDITED!!]] ... =)

Chapter 35

Leonidas picked out the perfect horse for Elise. He had driven out to see it yesterday where it was on Liam and Penelope’s farm. And the mare had a beautiful chestnut tail and a shiny brown coat. It would be perfect for Elise. And a surprise. Hopefully, she loved her new horse. He didn’t pick out a name, leaving it up to Elise to do so.

He was giddy about his surprise for her; he couldn’t keep still, even if he tried. He was heading to pick her up to take her to the farm, and avoiding Accra at all cost. He wasn’t in the mood to argue with his grandmother.

Saying a small prayer, Leonidas made his way to the garage, and hoped he didn’t see the old lady anywhere. God must have heard his prayers for he reached the garage without attracting any unwanted attention.

Not wanting to chance it though, he quickly got into his car and sped away.

He was anticipating a lovely afternoon in the country, much like the last time he had taken Elise to visit Liam and Penelope. This time, however, he was counting on getting the kiss he was denied that time, due to interruption, and he was certain he’d get one. Liam and Penelope were already at the palace awaiting his birthday ball tomorrow. So there wouldn’t be any interruptions.

That’s what got Accra so wary, and had Leonidas playing hide and seek with his grandmother. His birthday was a day away and she hasn’t heard any proposal bells being chimed as yet.

**

When Leonidas told her he had a surprise for her on Liam and Penelope’s farm, Elise was anticipating a picnic for the two of them, as they were hardly getting to spend time alone together. She didn’t expect him to get her a horse. Not that she was complaining.

There, in the pastures, tied to the fencepost, grazing lightly was the most gorgeous horse she’d ever seen in her life. Not that she’d seen many horses in her lifetime, but she was certain that this was one of the nicest.

As soon as she saw the beautiful creature, she fell in love with her. She wasn’t as intimidating as Sahara (Leonidas’ horse) but had a gentler feel towards her. The bright pink ribbon tied into a big bow which hung loosely around her neck may have had something to do with that less intimidating look. But Elise smiled at the gesture.

“Oh, she’s beautiful,” Elise gushed. Then paused and looked at Leonidas. “It’s a she, right?”

He chuckled. “Yes, of course. I wouldn’t put pink ribbons on a stallion, now would I? I might offend the poor creature.”

“Oh, I don’t mind,” she said, running up to the fence to get a better look. She turned to Leonidas when he came to stand beside her. “But it’s your birthday tomorrow; shouldn’t I be the one giving you presents?”

Leonidas shrugged and sent her a soft smile, “You’ve given me a lot.”

Elise didn’t quite get what he was talking about, but turned to the horse when she felt the creature come up to her and gave her a small nudge. She smiled and rubbed the horse’s head, venturing behind her ears, cooing softly to the creature. “What’s her name?” She asked Leonidas.

“Whatever you want it to be,” Leonidas told her calmly, smiling as she cooed at the creature. He remembered how she had thought it strange that he spoke to Sahara, but he didn’t point out that she was doing the same. It is a completely subconscious move at times, so she probably didn’t realise she was doing it.