Chapter 9 – John's Plan

A couple days later, I was able to visit John in the morning. I wondered what his plan was.

"So, anything new?" he asked while brushing a horse's mane.

"I was informed that I'll be taking my language lessons with Prince Oreto. We started yesterday. Mo matter how hard Language Tutor tried, Oreto just won't make a sound. I think the teacher spent more time trying to coax Oreto than actually teaching the lesson." I missed my language lessons at home with Mother, but I didn't tell John.

"So what's your plan to get me out of this prison?" I was impatient to know.

"Oh, I wouldn't call this prison." John continued his work slowly; I think he was trying to vex me. But I played along, knowing if I were more patient he'd tell me eventually.

"You haven't been cooped up in the castle doing," I made a face "Embroidery. You are lucky to be able to go outside the castle walls. I on the other hand hadn't seen a field for almost a month."

"That's my plan."

"What?! To have me cooped up again?" I was exasperated.

"No, I meant when you said I was lucky to go outside."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"I go outside to exercise the horses right?" I nodded "Today, you are going to do the same thing."

Before I could ask how, John shoved a bundle into my arms. "Put it on."

I unwrapped the bundle and found the Ayorthaian groom's uniform identical to the one John was wearing.

"How did you get this?"

"It's my extra suit. They gave me two just in case."

"This is brilliant! Thank you."

He smiled and gently pushed into a corner so I can change.

The uniform included a pair of brown trousers, a simple white undershirt, a brown coat with "Ayorthaian stable" embroidered on the right side, and a brown cap to finish it off. The trousers were a bit baggy though the length fit because John wasn't much taller than me. The coat was way too big, but it was just as well, because I hid any clues that I was female. I tucked my hair into the cap, although my hair was already short I was afraid people could tell I was a girl.


John walked out of the stable leading Hotspur, a bay stallion who was used as a carriage horse; he was John's favourite. I followed with Lightning.

There were many people entering and leaving the castle, merchants, servants, visiting nobles, and guards. As we stepped onto the drawbridge, my heart thumped loudly against my chest. Would somebody recognize me?

But nobody did. They went about their business. I let out my breath.


As soon as we walked around to the back of the castle, I got on Lightning and set her to a trot.

"Wait for me." John hopped on Hotspur and followed.

Soon we were galloping across the green field. I've never felt so free. I really wanted to take off my cap and feel the wind in my hair, but I was afraid people would see and recognize me.


We stopped for a rest beside a stream. There we sat under an apple tree.

"Shouldn't we get back soon?" asked John.

"Why? This is the best!" I never wanted to go back "Unless you are needed in the stable."

"No, not yet. I was worried about you. Wouldn't you be in big trouble if they found out?"

I wasn't worried. At this moment, my freedom seemed more important. "What's the worst they could do? I don't care if they report to Mother, she'll understand."

"They could shut you up in your room and throw away the key." John teased.

"Then I'll find a way to escape."

"Or I'll rescue you."

"No thanks, I don't need rescuing."

John thought of everything. He even brought food so we could have a picnic lunch.

After we ate, I decided to tell him a bit more about me.

"But first, tell me what you know so far."

"Well, I know you are spirited and don't like to follow the rules. I also know that you don't like being a princess. You'd rather wear men's clothing than dresses." So he did notice "And you love to ride."

"I also like archery," I told him "And I would like to learn swordplay, but Father wouldn't let me."

John looked thoughtful for a moment but didn't say anything.

After a while, we decided to go back since John still had work to do. We decided to meet again tomorrow.

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Thanx once again for the reviews. And thanx to phoenix for the suggestions, I'll try to incorporate what you said in future chaps.

I know my grammar sucks. Could somebody help me??? I'm looking or someone who could edit my story. If you are interested, send me an email or give your own. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanx a million!!!