This story is set in the years following their adventure in Arrida.

Horace and Cassandra had become closer over the years. They saw each other almost every day. That was of course because Horace now also lived at Araluen Castle.

They often saw each other in a formal way. If he kept watch or at parties and in the evening with dinner. But not only then. They also saw each other outside of work and obligations. They were good friends, after all. Maybe even a little more than that. They might not have known that themselves ...

They went riding in the woods together, picnicking, hunting and walking. As often as they could, because it was just incredibly fun!

In the evening after dinner, when most of the staff no longer walked in the corridors, Cassandra sneaked to Horace's chamber. She knocked on the door and Horace opened.

"Cassie !!" he said then.

"Hi Horace" Cassandra greeted him back and without asking (because she knew it was okay) she walked past him into the room. She sat down on the bed and Horace went through his standard routine and sharpened his sword. She talked for hours, about their adventures together and things they had done that day. They always had to laugh a lot. When Horace finished his sword, he sat down on his bed. Comfortable against his pillows at the headboard. Cassandra sat down beside him and leaned her head on his large muscular chest. So they sat for a moment before Cassandra really had to go back to her chambers, she wished each other a good night, gave a hug and then she left.

Horace immediately felt a kind of emptiness. It was quiet without her...

When Cassandra walked back to her chambers, she also missed his company. She would prefer to stay with him, but ... they didn't share a room. Oh well, she didn't have to complain so she thought ... she would see him again tomorrow!

~ Next day

The next day Horace and Cassandra had agreed early to ride. Horace was already waiting in the stables when Cassandra entered softly. She had knee-high black boots with deep blue breeches and a white knitted sweater. Her blonde hair in a high tail on her head and her emerald green eyes sparkled when she saw Horace. She looked beautiful. Horace simply wore his standard uniform with his riding boots. He had already saddled Kicker and Cassandra's horse so that they could go right away.

They were trotting along the forest paths. They were silently listening to the wind that swept through the leaves and the chirping birds. "It's so peaceful here!" Cassandra said after a while. "No obligations, no overprotected father and no servants who constantly ask if you need anything."

Horace smiled at her. He knew that she was incredibly grateful for the life she led and that she treated everyone with respect. But he also knew that she enjoyed these small pieces of freedom.

"I know, it's great here!" he said

"I wish I could do this always and whenever I want!" Cassandra said with a sigh. "But a princess must always be present, reachable and protected ..." she said in a mocking voice. Horace laughed about it.

"Well ... that's just the life of a princess. I also wish we could do this every day. " And then he looked deep into her eyes. For a moment there was a spark between the two young people. Cassandra smiled lovingly at him and Horace got a warm feeling in his stomach. He had never experienced it so strongly before. "Well ..." Cassandra began, "then we must enjoy it now!" she had a naughty grin on her face and she gave her horse the spurs. She galloped away hard on her horse and shouting after Horace: "Whoever is first at the stream!" Horace laughed when he saw her galloping away. Her wild tail was following her in the wind. He also gave Kicker the spurs and tried to go after Cassandra as quickly as possible.

If you want me to go on with this story, please leave it behind in the comments!

Then I know if you like it or not. I enjoyed writing it very much!!!

Thanks for reading! :)