Things had surely been awkward since the incident in the forest. Although she didn't see him right afterwards, Elizaveta would pass by Gilbert every so often, after all he lived and worked in and manor. She didn't talk to him, so she didn't think he would talk to her either. After all, a servant never spoke unless spoken to, that's what here father always said. But Gilbert tried to start up conversation whenever they met. Her personal guard Antonio, who watched over her while she was within the mansion's walls, stood in front of her to remind him of his place. Gilbert took the hint and walked away after flashing a quick 'see ya' before he went. Elizaveta didn't go on her ride the next day, much to her grief; fore she had collapsed during her lessons in her study, nearly giving her tutor, Arthur, a heart attack. She was kept in bed the rest of that day, having others care for her like she was an infant. That also ment that she didn't see Gilbert that day either. Strangely she felt more lonely than usual.

Today she was feeling much better health wise. She received an extra dose of blood that would soon become the normal dose. Her day went as it always did; Breakfast in bed, her lessons, lunch, and now her ride. Although Elizaveta always looked forward to her afternoon ride, this one was much more anticipated, though she didn't know why. Maybe because she missed yesterday's ride. Katyusha begged her to take the day off as well and focus on her health, but was politely declined. Reluctantly she rolled Elizaveta out of the house and down the ramp to where a platinum blond called Gilbert was waiting. Both their horses were already saddled and ready to go. Gilbert held a stupid grin on his face as he walked over too her chair of misery.

"Hey Lizzy!" He greeted. "Ready for your ride?" Elizaveta ignored the informality of his greeting and nodded. The manor guard knocked him upside the head and told him to behave. Gilbert just laughed and waved him off.

Mounting their horses, the two strutted to the gate and waited for the nameless guard to give his speech. The stable boy rolled his eyes and Elizaveta simply ignored him. Once the gates were open, the two thundered out and bounded down the road and into the vast field. Gilbert quickly took the lead of their nonexistent race with the brunette hurriedly trying to catch up. 'Some nerve' She huffed. A servant/guard never dare take the lead of those they serve, as her father had always told her.

"What's up Lizzy?" He hollered back at her. "Can't keep up with my awesomeness?" He taunted.

Never has Elizaveta had someone, anyone, talk to her with such disrespect. But the way he said it was in no way negative, and it somehow made her happy to have someone call her by a name other than 'lady' or 'madam'. Like she was a normal teenage girl, not a pathetically weak, dying heiress. It set a spark of excitement in her bones.

Feeling competitive now, the teenage girl fought even harder and erged Candlelight to go faster. The two raced neck in neck, fighting each other for the top spot, but Gilbert remained ahead by just a few inches. Upon coming closer the the river, Gilbert had instinctively slowed down. This gave her the chance to catch up and get ahead. She headed for the shallow part and strided through at top speed, almost getting thrown off in the process. But she didn't think, she didn't care. Because right now, she was truly having fun. On the other side of the water, Elizaveta slowly came to a halt and looked back, her silver blond guard was still crossing the river at a little ways behind. Elizaveta smiled in triumph of her victory. Candlelight was exhausted after the race sat down, the girl rolled off onto the ground as well.

"That wasn't very smart Lizzy." Gilbert scolded as he walked up to her resting spot, but by the softness of his tone she could tell he actually wasn't angry with her. His voice bordered more on... worry. She looked over at him and saw a strange look in his eyes that mirrored his voice, along the lines of concern and impress, but something else resided within them as well.

"I still won." She smirked. "Guess that means you're not as awesome as you thought." Elizaveta laughed as she jumped up and ran (more like a semi fast walk) back towards the water. Gilbert followed closely grumbling at her to 'take it back'. She retorted with sticking her tounge out at him in a playful manor.

"I told you so." Said Gilbert suddenly.

"What?"

"The other day you said you preferred to live a quiet life. I knew it wasn't true, I can tell you have a very adventurous spirit." Gilbert smiled kindely. "Plus, you're actually talking to me today." He then pointed out with a smirk.

"T-that's only because your dumb face was annoying me!" She defended, if that made any sense. "And I do like a quiet life."

Elizaveta dusted of her skirt and walked back to her horse with her head held high. The silver blond sighed in almost defeat. She was just to hard a nut to be persuaded otherwise.

For the remaining time of their ride after their small break, Gilbert and Elizaveta decided to sumply ride along the flowing river. She soon got conftorble as she discovered that her silver haired companion loved to hear himself talk. Behavior that would usually be unappropriate for a servant or guard was displayed with vigor by him. Elizaveta decided that he probably didn't care much for rules or status. Gilbert filled tthe silence talking about his "awesome" dream to become a knight for the royal guard of the kingdom, and would be leaving for the capital once he was able.

"Why do you have to wait?" Asked Elizaveta suddenly. "Surely it is not that expensive to travel, what's keeping you?"

Gilbert went silent only for a moment. He gave a nervous chuckle and oddly rubbed his hands together.

"I have a younger brother to take care of. He's currently living at the Vargas diner and inn while I pay for his board."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

'Way to go Elizaveta, you made it awkward again.' Elizaveta as inwardly scolded herself. Quickly changing the subject they went on to talk about funny experiences they've had with friends (Elizaveta only talking about Katyusha). She learned that Gilbert was actually friends with her house guard Antonio, and had found this job through him. This conversation to, however, ended going down an awkward path.

"So I know that 'Kat' is the head maid. So why don't you talk about some of your other friends." Gilbert suggested ignorantly.

"I don't have any friends." Elizaveta answered nonchalantly.

Gilbert did a double take and whipped his head towards her, taking his eyes of their path.

"What?"

"I've never left the manor grounds."

"What?!"

The brunette gave her companion a look like he had just suggested they go kill the king and replace him with a house cat. She honestly didn't understand what he what so shocked about. Sure it sucked, but wasn't it normal for young girls of her status to stay within their home until they are married off? Which is exactly what she proceeded to ask him.

"Status or not, being cooped up in the same space your entire life is not right. You're not a doll."

"Of course not." She retorted, feeling offended. "I'm a human being."

"Really? Because a regular human has the right to decided for themselves. Even rich people can go out when they want. Open your eyes Lizzy!" Gilbert countered. Elizaveta's face was covered with hurt and sadness, with a little anger mixed in. His words had genuinely stabbed her. she could tell by his expression that he regretted what he said, but she didn't care.

"Times up." She said icly.

Without another word she turned Candlelight around and marched back towards the main house, not bother to look back to see if he was following. Although she knew he was by the echoing footsteps.

When she got back she immediatly demanded her maids prepare her bath. Elizaveta almost never ordered her servants around, but she was in such a bad mood that she didn't think twice about it. Once she was alone with her thoughts in the hot water. Elizaveta allowed a single tear to fall down her cheek, but as unable to control the rest.

Sure she wasn't in control of her life, couldn't chose for herself, set on a pedestal from everyone else in the manor, wasn't allowed to leave or have friends.

But was she really a doll?

...

"Gilbert. What's wrong mi amigo?" Antonio asked walking up to the dinning table, located in the manor's secondary house for staff. Gilbert had barely touched his food, which was very unusual for him. He ignored his friend's question and continued to sulk. Antonio let out a heavy sigh and sat next to him.

"Listen Gil, I know you're a social and caring guy by nature, even if you don't always act like it. But you have to be more careful with Lady Elizaveta. She's not your friend, she's your mistress. Keep acting like how you are now and you'll get fired." The spaniard warned him.

Gilbert shook his head and sat up to face his fellow guard.

"You don't understand. Elizaveta-" Gilbert started but was interrupted by an angry maid.

"What did you do to my Lady!?" Katyusha burst through the door and stomped over to the sad blond. "Lady Eelizaveta is now crying in her bedroom!" She nearly screamed at him. Both of the boys were shocked by the intensity of Katyusha's rage. Gilbert didn't awnser, he didn't know how to. Now he felt even worse. He felt like a pile of shit.

Getting up he dragged his feet and moved his ass to his room, with Kat still shouting at him as he left. Walking into his room, he plopped down onto his bed and dug is face into his pillow.

Gilbert lay in his shabby bed provided to him by the master of the house. He deeply regretted talking to Elizaveta like that. He had literally just got back on good terms with her, and yet he managed to screw up so badly that Elizaveta ran away from her ride. They still had half an hour left of time but he made her give it up. How could he be so insensitive? Elizaveta was ignorant of the world and of how she was living. She was unhappy with how people treated her like an expensive show piece, he could see that and wanted her to see as well. For whatever reason, she was in denial and set on the idea that that's how life was supposed to be. But in the process of trying to help, he only managed too make her feel worse by insulting her fleeting life.

He had to show her there was more to life than she was let on to beleive. He knew she didn't have much time to live, but he wanted her to enjoy it while she could. He would treat her as an equal, even if others didn't.

He just needs to appologize first.

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Woah this took longer than I thought. I'm sorry for the wait mina. But just so you know I'm not really a fast updater... sorry.

I GREATLY appreciate any reviews, I love hearing your thoughts. So please drop one befor you go! Until we meet again!

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