Decided to expand this chapter a little more. Leave a comment to let me know if you enjoyed this. :)
Title: How to Ride a Horse with a Prince
Inspired by: Chapter 36 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki
Wordcount: 1013
Rating: General
Lyrias' top botanist and meticulous pharmacist departed, escorted by guards who immediately assisted them back to the carriage they used to travel to the Saturn Gate. Shirayuki gave a wave to their retreating vehicle, and when I am sure that they no longer could see where we are with the aid of the falling snow, I tugged her towards me.
"Mind your step." I warned her, as we went to another direction where my horse was stabled. She tried to keep up with my long strides, but the heavy snow at our feet, plus the fact that she was wearing thick clothing, added to her struggles.
One of the guards was already waiting outside, coaxing Zephyr to stay still. Amidst the cold, the horse's breath came out like puffs of smoke. Another horse was all prepped up for her use, a magnificent chestnut brown animal.
She balked at the sight of the animal though.
"I can't ride on my own."
I raised my eyebrows. "Surely not?" I asked. I was so sure that she had ridden one before.
She shook her head.
Tightening the cords of my cloak, which felt stifling suddenly, I let out a shaky resigned sigh. "Then you will ride along with me."
She whipped her head up to look at me, eyes big with astonishment.
"B-but…" she began.
"Is there a problem?"
She opened her mouth slightly, her cheeks turning a little pink with embarrassment. "Ride with you, Your Highness? It doesn't seem right. I have never even ridden with Prince Zen at all."
"It's a big distance if we walk. And I refused to stay out in this weather for longer than I plan to. So, either you ride alone, or with me."
She lowered her head, looking dejected at the options I presented her with. "With you, Your Highness."
"Very well, then."
Without warning, I scooped her up, gauging her weight. She let out a gasp of surprise, automatically clinging to my arm, her warm breath close to my cheek. I smirked a little, unexpectedly happy to find out another of her weaknesses. Though I guess Zen already knows about it. Still, it pleases me to see that she feels uncomfortable about riding with me; I wonder what kind of thoughts are running through her head now. I am strangely fascinated by this.
She felt light, despite the heavy clothings she wore. She sat on Zephyr's back awkwardly, a little unsure on where to put her hands or even balance herself out.
Noting with interest that her cheeks are pink, either from the cold or from shyness, I climbed up and settled myself securely on the saddle, right behind her. She fussed about her cloak, reaching behind to gather them about her person and making as much room as possible for me. I felt the urge to chuckle at her attempts; it is obvious she wishes to put distance between us.
"Careful where you place your hands, Shirayuki." I murmured near her ear. "You might catch something that you shouldn't be touching in the first place."
She stiffened at my teasing. "I am merely trying to make this ride as comfortable as possible for Your Highness."
"Hmpf!" I scoffed. "Sit still or else, you will fall. Permit me to do what is necessary."
"Fine!" she retorted, raising her arms slightly.
"Clever girl."
I reached down, pulled the cloak that was wedge uncomfortably between us. Pushing it more the side, I slid more snugly behind her, knees to knees, thigh to thigh. My knees tingled with how close she is. Peering down a little in front of her, I was glad she wore sensible clothings. Heaven knows the situation will only be worse if she wore heavy skirts and embroidered slippers. At least she was outfitted in an acceptable riding gear. Anyone who sees her will not protest how close we sat together on top of the saddle.
"Forgive me." I whispered against her hair, my fingers brushing past her waist and resting on her upper thighs. Even with the thick clothing, I can feel her heat emanating from her person, and I felt the first wave of lust course through me.
This is a bad idea.
Lifting her a little, I readjusted her sitting position, resulting to her back resting close against my chest. She tried to resist, but I am a master horseman, and she had no choice but to bend to my will.
"Better?" I asked, feeling a little triumphant in making her obey.
She nodded, feeling the difference. She no longer trembled about falling off.
"If you permit me to do one more thing?" I asked.
"Anything Your Highness desires." She answered wryly. "I seem to have limited choices, don't I?"
I chuckled, the sharpness of her tongue seemed like music to my ears. I reached behind my head, pulled the extra elastic band tying my hair.
"I needed complete visibility in this weather, Shirayuki, and as much as I like to see your magnificent red hair whipped about in this wind, it pains me to do something about it." I grabbed her shoulders to steady her before I began to gather her hair.
She jerked a little, realizing what I intended to do. "You could have just handed me the elastic band. I am perfectly capable of tying my own hair!" she said indignantly.
"Ah, and deprive me of the chance to touch your crowning glory?" I feigned hurtness. Her hair flowed luxuriously between my fingers.
She let out an exasperated sigh. "Let us go, my Lord. Time is running short."
I finger combed her hair as quickly as I could, liking the silky texture on my skin. I tied it securely and pushed the hood of her cloak back up. "There."
She reached up and touched the spot where my hand was moments ago. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Whipping the warm gloves from my pockets, I slid my hands inside.
I let out a half smile, reaching around her waist and gathered the reigns of my horse. "Don't thank me yet, Shirayuki."