*Edited: Proofreading*
Word count: 3922
Before we get into things I just wanted to say a quick thank you, we made it to thirty-one thousands reads!?
You guys are so awesome - thank you thank you thank you!^°^
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The sky was mixing blues, oranges, and yellows; a soft breeze blowing through the grass and leaves on the small hill in the countryside.
It had been a few hours since we left the castle and had crossed the bridge over the river Thames - which George was more than happy to tell me about, and we had made it pretty far, through the countryside, passed houses and the bustling city awhile back, now only being accompanied by the city line view in the distance, farmland and it's accompanied houses, barns, and small buildings.
George and I had stopped along our little outing by a decently sized tree - along with the soldiers and horses, who had stopped to take a break; the two of us having had a small picnic by the tree while the soldiers stood around partaking in small talk with each other.
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The soft snapping of the flower's stem reaches my ears as I place it in my left hand - along with the four others I had picked moments earlier, my eyes gazing down at the light pink and gentle red hue of the petals.
An intent look sat on my features, a small smile on my face as I stand moments later, turning my gaze from the flowers in my hand to the fields of luscious green grass, bushes, and trees of all different heights, shapes, and sizes, and colorfully painted flowers speckling the area in patches.
It was something you would imagine in a book, its colors standing out from the backdrop of the sky behind it; and it was certainly something I could find myself getting lost in.
The cities and towns of Windsor - at least from what I had seen so far, were also breathtaking, from the streets varying from dirt and stone, the architecture of the lively yet elegant houses, stores, outdoor shops, and vendors selling a variety of items, and other buildings, all of which had interesting stories behind them.
But, elegant though they were, I always found nature more breathtaking; and growing up where I did I preferred small towns settled by trees and fields more than lively cities. Though both had their individual beauties and drawbacks.
I take in the scenery for a few moments more, getting one last good look at it as I knew we'd have to be going back soon.
Slowly I turn, keeping the image I had taken in, in my head as I slowly make my way back over to the small group of men who waited for me by the horses, while a soldier walked behind me.
"I take you're enjoying it?" George asks and I look up at him, smiling back.
"This place never ceases to amaze me," I say, looking once more at the picture perfect scenery behind me.
"it's gorgeous- breathtaking even." I say softly and George chuckles.
"Indeed it is." He comments and I shift my gaze to his caring blue eyes as I smile and take a small step forward, taking one of the flowers in my right hand.
I place the stem of the flower in between the male's white dress shirt and red vest, by his upper left chest and tucking it in so the mixing colored petals sat on the vest's edge.
I then pat the male's shoulder softly, looking back up at him.
"That's for you." I say shyly, "A small thank you, for this."
George smiles, cupping my cheek as his thumb rubs it gently. "Thank you, my dear." He says, his voice full of care. "But you don't need to thank me, knowing you're happy and that you've enjoyed yourself is all I need."
"I know." I respond in a meek voice, "But I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful-"
"Sweetheart, don't stress yourself." He chuckles, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Shall we get going? There's more places I know you'll love to see."
I smile, nodding slightly as the king chuckles once again.
"If you'd like, you could try riding completely by yourself." He says and a child-like smile forms on my face.
"R-really?" I say - nodding eagerly before turning more towards Ainsworth, who smiles and cocks his head to the side.
"Would you hold onto these for me? I know it's...cheesy but I want to give them to the girls." I say softly, a barley noticable blush on my cheeks as Ainsworth nods.
"Of course, your highness." He says simply, taking the flowers from my hand as I nod and turn my attention back to George.
"Do you think you'll be able handle leading the horse, love?" A hidden, nervous tone lay behind the royal's words, his hand on my lower back as he leads me over to Opi.
"Of course. There's no sense in not trying." I say, flashing the male a closed eyed smile and shaking my hands.
George takes notice of my small action, smiling softly as he takes off his jacket before draping it around my shoulders and adjusting it in the front.
I was caught off guard by the male's action, feeling my heart crumble from the warm, silky inside of the jacket and my gaze flickered up to his face as I shake my head.
"Y-your majesty-" I say quickly, stopping myself as the blue eyed male raises an amused brow and I quietly inhale. "George." I correct myself, watching his expression.
"I don't need this- you could get cold."
"Love, I'm fine. You're the one who seems a little cold." He responds, taking a small breath. "It is going to get dark soon, would you like to head back?" He says and I chuckle.
"No no, I'm fine." I smile, "...could we...stay out- for just a little longer?" I ask and George smiles as Ainsworth helps me onto the horse.
I nod, silently thanking the male before adjusting myself and the male's jacket on my shoulders.
"Of course, my dear."
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~~~ Small time skip ~~~
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My legs were both hanging over the left side of my horse, the leather reins being held loosely in my hands - by my lap as my upper body sways.
We were slowly making our way back to the castle, taking the longer, yet more scenic route back to the very small portion of England I had been to so far.
The grassy area we were passing by was speckled with trees, our horses walking along a dirt path a few good feet away from a fenced off pasture that sat to our right, the 'mooing' sound from the distant cows grazing the fields they were confined in reaching my ears.
A smile sat on my face as I leaned forward ever so slightly, looking at the black and white, and brown animals of varying shades and patterns with a look of content awe.
A soft chuckle leaves my lips as George glances at me, smiling as I shift my gaze to Opi for a moment, watching her head bob up and down with each step.
I then turn my attention to a horse in the distance, its head down as it grazed in the long grass at the base of an oak tree it stood next to, its dark coat almost making me miss the reins and bridal that fell down the sides of its neck, and the saddle that sat upon its back.
"Your majesty." Ainsworth says, a tone of slight caution in his voice as he too took notice of the dark colored animal, from his spot in front of us, keeping his gaze on the horse by the tree as he slows his horse.
"Is something wrong?" I question, holding the reins a little closer to my chest and Opi takes a breath.
"No, everything's fine, love." George comments, sensing the uneasy tone in my voice and I glance at him as I nod ever so slightly, clearing my throat as I turn my gaze back to the horse, studying the creature as it lifts its head, looking in our direction.
I then lift my gaze to the darkening sky above us, looking at the mixing hues and gradients the setting sun was painting the sky with as I try to focus on the gentle clicking of hooves against the dirt path, and the sudden, yet soft rustling of grass as I adjust the red jacket on my shoulders.
A few of the guards behind us slow their horses, all of their gazes on the field of tall grass to our right.
"General." The soldier next to Ainsworth mumbles and you could taste the unease in his voice as he looks to the man in question with a furrowed brow.
I look down, sensing the change in behavior of most of the men around me, as another soft rustling reaches my ears and my horse pulls lightly on the reins, stepping back and to the side as I once again sway with her.
Opi whines, snorting and pulling on the reins as she lowers her head for a moment, causing a few of the other horses to whinny back.
My gaze falls to her neck as I loosely hold the reins on my lap, with one hand.
I bring my right hand to her mane, gently patting her head between her ears before my hand slowly moves down.
"What's wrong?" I mumble, a comforting tone in my quiet words as she snorts again, holding her head high as she steps back.
"Your majesty..." Ainsworth says as another rustling sounds throughout the area, his tone low and laced with what sounded like caution. "I think it's best we-"
A sudden, loud - incoherent yell reaches my ears, joined by the cry-like whinny that Opi made as I too gasp and close my eyes tightly - a sudden, airy scream leaving my lips and my hands tighten around the reins as Opi rears up on her hind legs, kicking the air with her front hooves as her cries ring in my head.
The chaotic and jumbled noises of yelling men and distressed horses blur together, quickly getting farther away as Opi gallops off the dirt path- away from the group of men that called my name or title, or yelled orders and other things I couldn't make out — her hooves quickly hitting the hard green ground below her as the cold wind flicks passed my skin like a harsh, dull knife; my knuckles turning white as I held onto the reins - seemingly for dear life as Opi had taken off in fear.
"O-Opi!" I yell, fear lacing my words as I lean forward, my body tense as my heart - much like the thoroughbred I rode on, raced, pounding against my chest as her cries echoed throughout the area and I feel the silky red jacket slip off my shoulders.
"Opi!" I say fearfully - mind lacking answers. "Woah girl- you're ok-"
I feel myself slip moments later, falling off the left side of the saddle as I gasp and another airy scream leaves my lips as I land on my left side, almost immediately feeling a sharp pain shoot through my shoulder and ankle from the less than pleasant landing.
I inhale deeply, trying to get back the air that had been knocked violently from my lungs, a soft 'hissing' sound reaching my ears as the air passes by clenched teeth, yet, I lay there like a still statue - taking small breaths of cold air, in a loose ball in the middle of the grassy field, my body obscured by the tall blades.
My body felt stiff, sore as a pained expression sat upon my face and I furrow my brow in pain.
My head lay tilted to the side, resting on the hard ground as I block out the pain and force back the tears that threatened to dampen my eyes, instead focusing my attention on the fresh, sweet and grassy smell of the nature around me.
But after a moment the sound of quickly stopping horses reaches my ears along with clinking metal before rushed footsteps make their way towards my almost limp frame.
I take a small breath, slowly moving to prop myself up on my elbows and my gaze snaps to George, who kneels by my side as he places a hand on my back - his other over mine.
"Easy." He breathes, looking me over. "Are you ok?" He says quickly, a tone I don't think I had ever heard before in his voice.
Fear, mixing with panic.
And his expression was nothing short of terrified — a reflection of my own forced back panic.
His blue eyes wrre wide and etched with a sadness that accompanied his pain furrowed brow and slightly shaking hands.
"I...I'm ok." I say softly, placing my other hand on the male's as I show him a comforting smile. "Someone needs to find Opi- she's scared and I don't know where she ran off to." I say quickly.
"My men will, your highness." Ainsworth says in a calming tone. "But that's not our top priority right now." He explains and I shake my head, moving to stand as George quickly does the same, supporting my frame as I limp - yet hide the pained expression on my face as I keep off my left foot.
"I-I'm fine. Really I am." I respond, holding onto George's arm as Ainsworth hands him his jacket, which he places back around my shoulders before his eyes meet mine again, his left hand holding onto my upper arm as my right held his.
"Do you realize you could've gotten yourself-" he hesitates, taking a small, shaky breath and his grip tightens only just. "You could've gotten yourself seriously injured."
"But...I'm fine." I try to reason, feeling guilty as I look at the fearful expression in the male's blue eyes.
"Your ankle's not, your highness." Ainsworth comments and I glance at him as I swallow, not realizing he had taken notice.
"I-"
"Why would you run off?" George asks dryly, his hand turning my chin so I looked up at him and once again I felt the guilt stab me as I gazed up at an expression I hated seeing etched upon the male's features; an expression I wanted to help take away and replace with a happier one - yet I didn't know how.
"George..." I breath, seemingly at a loss for words. "I didn't...I promise." Was all I could get myself to say.
His hand cups my cheek.
As I looked up at his almost broken gaze I couldn't help but notice a hidden look behind his eyes, yet I stay silent as I watch his gaze fall to my shoulder, along with his hand, which fell to the side of my neck as he swallows and fixes his posture, taking a breath as my hand rests on his.
"...we're going home."
"No..." I whisper, my hand tightening around the male's. "no we can stay out."
"Love-"
"Please. I promise I didn't run, I-"
"Love." George cuts me off, taking my other hand in his as he looks me in the eyes. "We're going home."
My chest falls as he looks over at the general. "Prepare to take the fastest route back to the castle." He orders and Ainsworth nods as I shake my head.
"No, George...please believe me. I swear I didn't try anything this time- I don't know what happened." I say quickly, limping as I take a small step back, the male's hand falling away from my neck and back to his side. "And I'm fine, it's just an ankle, it'll get better-"
"If you were fine you wouldn't need your ankle to get better." The male cuts me off once again, a saddened tone in his words.
"George-"
"I said we're going home. That's final." His tone was more stern - as was his expression, yet they both still held worry.
He takes a breath, stepping forward as I clasp my hands up by my chest.
"George please..." I say softly, letting my voice falter as my gaze falls to the grass.
I could feel the guilt eating at me, making me numb as the male picks me up bridal style, walking me over to the dark bay colored horse.
A part of me knew it wouldn't matter - that the male wouldn't believe me no matter what I told him or how genuine I made it sound.
For I had unintentionally 'cried wolf' one too many times.
But I didn't blame him, and deep down I wondered if I had actually tried something I didn't register at the time.
George helps me onto his horse, getting on to sit behind me - his arms placed either side of my frame as he held the reins, keeping me in place as I take a breath and adjust myself while watching Ace turn.
I glance back at Ainsworth, who was atop his horse as he too flicks the reins and gently kicks the horse's sides, catching up to ride behind us, but moments later my head is turned by George's hand, which gently touched my chin before going back to the reins and I sigh.
Ace steps back onto the dirt path, passing the four remaining guards.
I furrow my brow slightly as we pass, my eyes catching a quick glimpse of moonlight reflecting off of what looked like broken, dark green pieces of glass scattered in the dirt.
Three of the four guards ride to catch up while the other turned, heading off in the direction Opi had taken off in.
Two rode behind us, while one rode in front with Ainsworth.
I had assumed one of the soldiers was already looking for Opi, and was going to be joined by the other soldier shortly.
But that still didn't explain why we were short two soldiers.
I feel George kiss my head as I snap out of my thoughts, looking up at him as he shows me a small, kind smile, his eyes gentle and I wanted to smile back.
I didn't like seeing the male so frightened, worried - not knowing how I could help ease whatever had caused his pain.
But a small wave of relief had washed over me as I looked at the gentleness in his eyes.
Slowly I move, leaning to the side as I rest my head on the male's shoulder, nuzzling it as if for warmth as he kisses the top of my head and whispers something I didn't quite hear as I place my hand on his chest.
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~~~ Time skip ~~~
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The trip back to the castle was silent, all except for the sound of hooves clicking on dirt or stone, and the soft sound of the male's breathing.
I open my eyes, taking a breath as the horses stop in front of the castle and my gaze lands on the closed front gate in the distance, soon taking notice of a lot of the soldiers' behaviors, who all seemed on their guard.
"...I'm sorry." I whisper as I look up at George, who flashes me a small smile as he rubs my back before he gets off the horse, standing by its side as he lifts his arms.
I place my hands on his shoulders as his larger ones go to my waist and he lifts my frame off the horse before setting me down in front of him.
He adjusts his jacket, staying silent as he lifts my chin.
"I'm so sorry." I say again, my words quick as the male leans down, leaving a kiss on my forehead.
"Shh." He soothes, picking me up bridal style before walking towards the castle's front steps, Ainsworth and a few other soldiers following.
"I want you off that ankle for the rest of the night. I'll have the doctor over as soon as I can so he can look at it more and make sure there's nothing else wrong." George explains yet I stay silent, opting for a small nod as I knew there was no sense in arguing with him.
The large, front doors soon open, revealing a worried looking Samuel, who quickly made his way towards the king as Warner and a few other men wearing the same uniform he did stopped by the entrance.
"Your majesty." Samuel starts, his tone full of worry. "I heard what-"
"Not here, Seabury." George orders simply, walking into the castle as the male in question follows.
"Fetch for the doctor immediately and meet me in (y/n)'s chambers, we'll go over things then."
"Of course, sire." Samuel says simply, bowing to George before turning.
I keep my gaze on my fingers as George makes his way up the grand, marble stairway - and I keep quiet as he walks through the halls of the castle. He held my meek frame in a loving, almost protective way as Ainsworth and Warner followed a little ways behind.
But soon I look up, watching the male's expression as I swallow and pinch my thumb.
"I really am sorry." I say quickly, my voice timid, catching George's attention as he looks down at me.
"If I did something I wasn't aware of, then please know...I'm truly sorry- I didn't mean to cause trouble, scare you...have our trip end the way it did-"
"(Y/n)." He says softly as he holds me closer. "You just took off, and when I find you, you're hurt."
"Please don't be mad- Opi just took off." I say in a pleading tone. "She was scared and I-"
"My dear...I'm not mad. But...you almost gave me a heart attack." He says and a saddened look flashes in my eyes.
"I'm sorry-"
"I don't want you to hurt yourself doing something so reckless," he cuts me off, his gaze on the floor as he furrows his brow. "it may have been your ankle this time, my love, but, what if it was something more serious?" He questions and I bite the inside of my cheek.
I look down, watching my hands once more as George sighs.
"I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." He whispers, his voice dry.
I stay silent for a moment more, pushing away the seemingly endless guilt before looking up.
"...does this mean I've lost 'horse riding privileges?'" I ask and George chuckles, looking at me with a small smile as he walks into my chambers.
"No, I suppose not. We'll go on another ride soon, I promise...but you'll be riding with me from now on; at least for the time being."