Page 30 of Her Royal Rebellion

“Wonderful. I’ll just get Jasmine ready.” I moved to my pure white Irish Sport. She was bred for show jumping, but wasn’t a very good student so a family friend gifted her to me when I was sixteen. We both preferred easy, slow rides and became a perfect match. Aiden and Cian enjoyed racing and challenging each other on their horses, but Jasmine and I were more dignified than that. Another surprise for Philippe. Parsley was used to taking off for the woods and racing Steel, Aiden’s horse.

Logan appeared giving me a discrete wink before moving down to the last stall where Jerry, our Irish Draught, waited. Jerry was an older, more docile horse. One that our guests usually rode. He was patient and forgiving. If I was a kinder person, I would have insisted Philippe ride him.

Oh well.

Jasmine was ready and waiting for me, munching on a bucket of apples. I took her reins and led her outside before slipping my foot into the harness and pulling myself up. I waited for Philippe and Logan to join me while patting her silky neck.

“We’re not going to be out too long, okay?” In my mind she always understood me perfectly. She knew when I just needed time away from everyone and we would take long, lazy walks through the woods. I rarely directed her, simply letting her wander where she wished, carrying me along for the adventure. “Tell Parsley to take it easy too. I don’t want anyone hurt today.”

She turned her head toward me and I swear she smiled. Horses were smart creatures with their own personalities. I swear she was laughing along with me.

The men walked their horses out and I got a few minutes to giggle while Philippe struggled to mount Parsley. Each time he put his foot in the harness, Parsley took a few steps, just enough to make Philippe lose his balance and jump back. It happened three times before Logan jumped down and held Parsley in place long enough for Philippe to settle into the saddle.

“Ready then?” Philippe had the grace to chuckle at himself.

“Sure.” I tapped my heels against Jasmine’s sides and she started her slow, steady jaunt down the path to the woods.

“Whoa there.” I heard Philippe call out a few times, but I remained faced forward. Let Logan worry about the poor man. I was being a horrible host, but any show of concern would only encourage him.

“Pull back, sir,” Logan called out.

“I’m trying.” Philippe’s voice held panic. “He’s not listening.”

I glanced over as he passed me with a death grip on the reins. Parsley was only trotting, but I could tell the horse was growing impatient. By this time, Cian would have disappeared from view.

I checked over my shoulder and Logan gave me a tiny smile. He was enjoying this as much as me.

“Maybe just let him trot. We’ll stay behind you.” I offered.

Philippe gave me a stiff nod and relaxed his hold. The horse took that as his signal and took off at a run down his favorite path. To his credit, Philippe looked like an experienced rider, but he wasn’t a match for the stubborn horse.

“Come on. Let’s not fall too far behind.” I encouraged Jasmine to follow and she sped up just a bit. Philippe never disappeared from view, but I could see his frustration in his raised shoulders. He wasn’t enjoying this leisurely ride.

“How are you doing?” Logan asked.

It was the first time in a while that someone asked. I glanced at him and attempted a smile. “I’m trying to stay optimistic.”

He nodded. “Hopefully we can continue to scare them away.”

I almost laughed. “We have gotten quite lucky.”

He winked and I nearly swooned. “Are you sure we can’t just run away?”

He ducked his head and slowed Jerry. I took that as a no and urged Jasmine forward.

“Should I go round him up?” Logan offered from behind me.

I nodded. “It’s only going to make Parsley angrier the longer they ride.”

I slowed Jasmine down and we enjoyed a quiet walk while Logan and Jerry surged ahead to catch up to the lord.

“I don’t think he’s going to be very pleased when he gets back,” I leaned forward and told Jasmine while I stroked her mane. Her head bounced in agreement and I giggled.

I let the men figure things out and turned Jasmine down a short path that circled back to the stables. The sun cut through small breaks in the trees, providing just enough warmth for me not to chill. The calm around me was a tease. I longed to spend the rest of the day out here but I would be found in minutes. As soon as Mum or Dad saw a suitor without me, they’d send out a search party since that was all I existed for at the moment.

I still couldn’t believe my father had gone so far as to clear my schedule without even warning me first. Was I really so dispensable? No one on any of the committees needed me? Things would move forward seamlessly without my presence. Why did I bother then?

I thought they were proud of me for being involved. I could spend my days traveling, shopping, or enjoying the company of my friends. I could overindulge in the privileges my life had to offer, but no. I was responsible. I wanted to help and make a difference. Why didn’t they see that? Why was I just a future trophy wife to them?