Secrets of the Heart

Chapter 10

After what I hope was my last spat with Pier about Leonardo, the day went surprisingly smooth. I went on a brief walk through town with Pier, and greeted a few people of my kingdom. We had a large meal for dinner, and then Pier left to go home to his palace.

I went to sleep happy, and as I wake up, that feeling of happiness stays with me. I feel like I have not a care in the world, yesterday's troubles resolved and therefore nonexistent.

I happily jump out of bed, and slip into my closet. I pick out a sea green dress that falls straight down to my feet. The corset area is embroidered with a silvery blue material- yes, now that my wound has started to heal, mother is forcing me to wear corsets again.

I put on a pair of matching slippers, and head straight to the garden, skipping breakfast as I don't feel hungry at all.

Leonardo isn't here yet, so I decide I'll start down to the stable early, and meet him there. I'm well enough that I can walk without an escort- Leonardo only walks with me now as a formality, and because we are sort of friends.

On palace grounds I don't have to fear being attacked- knights guard every corner. It would be suicide to try and attack me.

The walk doesn't last long, the stables are only a ten minute walk, and that's if you are slow. My pace is quick and upbeat since I'm eager to see my barn.

'And Leonardo,' a voice in my mind reminds me.

'Hush up,' another snaps.

'Both of you, quiet. Don't make me come in there,' I order, silencing them both.

Great, now I'm having internal conversations with myself. I'm not surprised- it's like a constant battle of right and wrong are always going on inside of me. But sometimes the right thing is hard to determine. I don't know which will win half the time- right or wrong?

I'm so lost in my thoughts that I nearly run into the wall. Well, at least I'm at the stable.

I tiptoe into the barn, wanting to surprise Leonardo.

"I told you that you can't just show up here while I'm working! I could get in trouble, this is the most high profile place in the kingdom. And the princess was recently attacked, everyone is being more cautious," a male voice harshly whispers.

"I know, but I just wanted to pop by, I'll be gone before anyone knows I was here." This time, a girls voice answers.

I peek around the corner and see Leonardo talking to a girl. She is obviously a peasant, but it doesn't matter- she's beautiful.

I am shocked when feelings of jealousy coarse through my veins. Why am I jealous?

"Felicity you can't keep doing this- I have to go get the princess, you better be gone when I get back," he orders.

She huffs, but nods. I take this as my chance to enter, and I act as if I haven't been eavesdropping.

"Morning Leonardo," I greet cheerfully.

"Clarabelle?" he asks, shocked when he sees me.

I laugh at his surprised expression, and then eye Felicity, trying to hint at him to introduce us.

Recognition dawns on his face, and he looks in between the two of us.

"Felicity, this is Princess Clarabelle. Clarabelle, this is my little sister Felicity."

Relief floods over me when he says that she's his sister. Why am I relieved? Why do I even care?

"Your highness," she gawks, giving me a nervous curtesy. "I've always heard you were beautiful but...."

"Thank you," I say, a blush creeping across my face.

"Felicity was just leaving," Leonardo mutters, causing his sister to pout.

"Goodbye, I guess," she mumbles.

She quietly leaves, and soon she's out of sight.

"Your sisters beautiful," I compliment.

"I know- but she doesn't think so," he mutters.

We start to walk towards Echo, and a thought goes through my mind.

"I want to ride him today."

"Are you sure that's a good idea," Leonardo asks uneasily.

"My wound doesn't bother me any more- I think the only reason Mother doesn't want me to ride is because she's hoping that if I stop riding for long enough then I'll lose my passion for it."

He looks thoughtful for a moment.

"Fine, but I'm going with you- I don't want you getting hurt again."

I nod willingly. "You can ride any horse in the stable"

I might be imagining it, but I see his eyes light up like a child on Christmas. Our stable has the greatest horses in the kingdom, and he gets to take his pick.

I feel excitement well up inside of me at the thought of riding again. And with Leonardo nonetheless. We are friends, after all.

Friends.

I have to keep reminding myself that that's all we can be.