It was a chilly afternoon, so Brandi set out my winter riding habit. It consisted of a long black skirt, white blouse, a blue shirtwaist, and black, leather boots. Aimee had similar attire on. We met the prince and duke in front of the stables.

"Princess, your mare, Gaia, is saddled and ready," the stable boy informed me. I couldn't wait to see her for the first time. And what a sight she was. Gaia was a pure chestnut color and about 13 hands (A/N- a measurement for horses' height). Trevor chose Zeus, Aimee had Athena, and Darren favored Apollo. As I compared my height to those of my companions, I realized how short I was and why I always had to be lifted to get placed on Gaia's back. Darren rushed forward and wrapped his hands around by waist and lifted me up as if I was a rag doll to sit me in the side saddle. Trevor was a little upset until Aimee tapped him on the shoulder and batted her curled eyelashes at him. He helped her up without a second thought. The ride was arranged with Trevor and me in front, with Aimee and Darren behind. Throughout the ride, Trevor attempted to engage me in a conversation about his battles. I, on the other hand, was pondering about my surroundings and their colors and shapes. I really could care less about his "heroic" fights. Aimee was listening, and actually paying attention. I kept feeling Darren's soft gaze on my back. With her sharp eyes, Aimee noticed the duke was staring at me, so she arranged for her to have some alone time with the prince.

"Oh! Look at the lovely flowers over there!" she sighed, "Aren't that your Highness' mother's favorite flowers? Do tell me about them," she beamed at Trevor, who led his and Aimee's horse over to the patch of flowers.

"Duke Darren, do you like Apollo so far?" I asked, looking towards the handsome duke.

"Yes, Your Highness. Although, I didn't choose this magnificent creature for its looks, it was his name that attracted me," he smiled, "I love music and Apollo, as you probably know, Princess, is the Greek god of music."

"By music, what do you mean by that, if you don't mind me asking, my lord?"

"I can do a little bit of singing, but the lyre is my specialty," he answered, flushing.

"You and Prince Trevor must come to tea with me and the lady Aimee, sometime so you can play for us," I proposed. He inclined his head slightly at my invitation,

"I would be honored, Princess, but only if you agree to accompany me in a short tune." I giggled and nodded. After that, the prince and Aimee returned. We all continued to ride in silence until we met a fork in the path.

"Why don't you two go that way and Princess Cecilia and I will take the path to left?" Trevor suggested, smiling as if he had the best idea known to man. So, I was separated from Aimee and Darren and left with Sir-Fights-A lot.

"My princess, you are a flower compared to the weeds of the others at court," he attempted flattery. I personally found that insulting to country and told him so. This caused him to flush with embarrassment and apologize. He reared his horse to stop, when we were on a hill with the sunset right in perfect view. It was incredibly romantic, but I think I would rather be in this place with the stable boy than Prince Trevor, but I kept reminding myself that this man was my true love and I would probably notice it when we kissed. After all, everyone knows that when you kiss your true love, there are fireworks.

"I am so glad that you accepted to go riding with me," Trevor whispered as he moved his head closer to mine. I could feel his warm breath on my face (can anyone say breath mint?) right before his lips met mine. It was nice, I have to admit, but no fireworks, no spark, no nothing, nada, goose egg. I suddenly pulled away.

"That was a little too forward for my liking, my lord," I murmured quietly.

"But, we are engaged to be married, darling," he insisted.

"I barely know you!" I practically screamed in his face. I then gave Gaia a small nudge with my boot, urging her to go.

"Princess, wait! This is you're future husband talking to you, you know!" he shouted to be retreating back. I couldn't believe he would try to command me like that, as if he ruled me or something! I gave myself a little talk to calm down, maybe he thought it was the right thing to do, he was probably just as nervous as I was……..I kept telling myself. When I arrived at the stables, Aimee and Darren were already there, waiting.

"Where's the prince?" Aimee said quizzically.

"He kissed me!"

"So?" Aimee snorted. Darren helped me down and assisted in "undressing" Gaia. After a quick word of thanks, I grabbed Aimee's hand and pulled back into my chambers.

"Cecilia, the man is gorgeous and you complain about him kissing you," she asked, appalled.

"Aimee, I've the prince for about two hours at the most!"

"I would've let him kiss me, hug me, and take me to his bed….."

"Gross, Aimee!"

"It's the truth," Aimee shrugged, grinning at me. I rolled my eyes and went to pick out my dinner dress.

"How about, you wear a lilac color and I wear yellow, that way, we compliment each other's dress," Aimee suggested. I nodded in agreement. After all, I trusted her completely. I was so glad that Aimee was of high enough birth that we could easily communicate without the barring restrictions I have with my other ladies-in-waiting. I dismissed my maids so Aimee and I could try our hand at make up. The stuff was so weird and I was amazed by the world around me. Maybe me and Aimee could go horseback riding again tomorrow, without our guests.