Later, just after having breakfast...
Both Atem and I walked outside and headed for the royal stables. Thankfully, it would only be him and I on our outing, no guards to keep watch over us. The had begun to set into the day as we walked under the sun. Luckily for me, I was wearing light clothing, no long dresses to weigh me down. As we walked, we conversed, trying to get to know each other prior to riding.
"So, you are an only child?" he asked as I nodded.
"Yes, I know it can be quite strange as most royal families have a larger amount of children, but I've heard it's the same for you as well" I replied.
"Yes, although I have wondered what it would be like to have a brother or sister. With that said, however, Mana and Priest Mahad have always acted like a brother and sister to me since I was a young child" he chuckled slightly. Smiling, I said in turn, "They do seem to care deeply for you."
He returned the gesture, "Forgive me if this seems to personal, but, you never mentioned your mother" he noted as he looked to me.
I smiled sadly, "No, it's fine. Unfortunately, my mother past three years ago. She had taken very ill and there was nothing the healer could do" I answered.
"I'm sorry for your loss, I shouldn't have asked" he replied, feeling a tad bit guilty for bringing the subject up. I smiled and took his hand to get his attention. His eyes widened as he looked to me. I smiled, "It's alright, you did not know. And besides, I know my mother wouldn't want me to mourn. I'll always miss her, but that does not mean that she's still not in here" I pointed to my chest, where my heart resided.
His smile returning to his lips, he nodded, "You're right. I guess that would go the same for my mother as well" I nodded.
"Looks like we have more in common then many would think" I stated.
"I suppose you're right" looking down, he noticed I hadn't let go of his hand, however, he was not about to remind me.
We arrived at the stables shortly after. Walking in, we were greeted by one of the servants.
"Ah, my Prince, it is good to see you!" the man bowed his head in respect.
"You as well, Jahi" the prince greeted.
Jahi turned to me and smiled "And you must be Princess Layla, welcome to Egypt" he bowed to me.
I smiled, "Thank you, it is a pleasure to be here."
At that moment, a boy who looked no older than six, peered from around the corner to look to me and blushed slightly, "H-Hello Princess" he stuttered.
My heart melting at the sight of him, he was adorable! He had dark chestnut hair and large brown eyes. I gently bent down to his level, "Hello, and what is your name?" I asked, gently.
Fidgeting with his fingers as he walked out slowly, he replied lowly, "I-It's Gyasi."
"Hello, Gyasi, it's very nice to meet you" I greeted.
"Y-you as well, Princess" he replied, smiling.
"He is my son, please forgive him, he's quite shy" Jahi smiled as he placed a hand on his son's head.
"No need to apologize, Jahi, you must be proud to be raising such a sweet little boy" I dismissed his apology.
"Thank you, Princess, that means so much" Jahi bowed respectfully. I nodded then turned back to Gyasi.
"Well, Gyasi, I am in need of some assistance" I began, grabbing his attention, "I need a suitable horse for my outing with the Prince, can you help me with this task?" I asked.
Nodding his head as he smiled, I stood up, "Perfect, here, show me where we can find one" I held out my hand to him. The entire time I interacted with Gyasi, Atem could not help but smile at how kind and respectful I was.
'I cannot deny that she will one day be an excellent queen' he thought as he watched Gyasi slowly take hold of Layla's hand, leading her down the stables. He chuckled softly as he and Jahi followed close behind. Venturing down the stables, Gyasi slowed his pace as he pointed to one of the horses. I looked to see a beautiful, brown stallion with a small white diamond on his forehead and long white hair, cascading freely. I smiled down at Gyasi.
"Excellent choice! What is his name?" I asked.
"Eshe" he replied, smiling.
"Perfect, I will choose him then, thank you Gyasi" I thanked the little boy.
"You're welcome, Princess" he replied. I still held his hand as I bent down to look at him.
"Do you spend a lot of time here with your father?" I asked gently.
Nodding, he continued to smile. My grin grew, "Well in that case, would it be alright if I come to see you when I have a moment?" I asked.
Happy he made a new friend, he nodded gleefully. Laughing, I tightened my hold on his hand in a gentle squeeze, "It's a promise then" I let go of his hand and turned to Atem, "Shall we?" I asked.
Nodding, he smiled, "Let us go out from the stables for a moment while Jahi prepares the horses" he suggested.
"Right" we both headed outside while Gyasi helped his father with the horses.
Having a moment alone, Atem spoke, "You handle children so well, Gyasi is a very shy boy" he stated.
"He's very sweet, I'm sure he just needs a friend to open himself to" I explained.
"You may be right, still, I've never seen him so happy before" he stated as we looked inside the stables to see Gyasi laughing with his father as Eshe nuzzled his head with Gyasi, "He's very attached to that horse as well" Atem said.
"Ah, so that's why he wanted me to choose him" I acknowledged.
Chuckling, the Prince smiled, "I believe so."
Just Outside The Palace Walls...
Atem and I rode out from the gates, the horses running fast onto the dirt path as we past the villages. We were careful to take the paths less traveled on so we would not cause any troubles to the villagers.
"I'm surprised you can keep up!" I shouted into the wind as Atem laughed.
"I was about to say the same for you!" his horse gained speed as we rode out onto the path. After enjoying our little competition, we decided to stop by an oasis, not far from the path so the horses could drink and rest. As we came to a halt, before I could get off the horse, Atem was standing next to me, "Allow me" he offered. I smiled as I slowly slid down only for him to catch me by the waist as I was lowered to the ground.
"Thank you" I felt my cheeks burn a little. His hands were wrapped securely around me until, reluctantly, he let go. We took the reins of our horses and guided them to the oasis. As the horses rested, we both sat down on the ground and rested ourselves.
"I must say, your reputation does precede you. I must know, how long have you been riding horses?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Giggling softly, I turned to him, "Since I was eight years old, my father was terrified I would fall and hurt myself, but my mother encouraged that I ride, she said it was a skill that I should learn and that I will need for the rest of my life. It's funny, it's usually the mother that worries too much and the father to act more nonchalantly" I mused.
"Well, she is right that it is a useful skill" he agreed.
I grinned as I looked up towards the sky. The sun was shining brightly, no cloud in sight for miles. I pressed my hands to the ground as I leaned back and basked as the sunlight kissed my skin. It was so quiet, yet peaceful, no awkwardness hung in the air. I heard one of the horses make a small whining noise. I looked to the right and noticed Atem's horse was rolling around in the sand. I laughed slightly as Atem looked in his direction and joined in the laughter. The poor thing was probably being bitten by mosquitos. On that note, Atem was the first to stand, offering his hand to me.
"We should probably continue on our way" he suggested. Nodding, I took his hand as he helped me to stand. I brushed the sand off my clothing and walked to Eshe, hopping on with ease as I slightly pulled the reins. Atem mounted his horse as well and soon we were back on our way.
Later...
It was just nearing lunch when we arrived back at the stables. Again, before I could dismount Eshe, the Prince was waiting for me. I giggled as I reached the ground, "Thank you" I decided to be brave, reaching up to kiss his cheek. Before I could see his reaction, I took hold of Eshe's reins and led him into the stables. Atem, with a slight blush on his face, proceeded to guide his horse into the stables.
Jahi met us before entering with a smile on his face, "Prince Atem, Princess Layla" he bowed his head in respect, "How was your ride?" he asked.
"It was excellent, thank you" Atem replied, giving the reins over to Jahi as I did the same to Gyasi.
"Thank you for recommending Eshe as my horse for the day, he's a beautiful horse" I smiled at the young boy.
Blushing, he smiled, "You're welcome" he said lowly.
"Come now, Gyasi, let's put the horses back, enjoy the rest of your day, your highness'" Jahi bowed again and walked with Gyasi and the horses inside.
"Bye!" I waved to Gyasi. He turned slightly and waved back.
"We should probably ready ourselves for lunch, will you allow me to be your escort?" he held out his arm.
"Oh, my Prince, you spoil me" I giggled as I gently took his arm as we walked inside.
