I do not own Midnight Cinderella Ikémen Royal Romances.

So for the most part this is going to just be a moving forward chapter, not too much going on, but still nice. Please review what you think of it!

Chapter 13: A Beautiful Horse

August 22

4 Days Till Coronation Ceremony

The next morning I awoke even before Nico came to wake me, but even though I had slept quite deeply and through the night, I was still exhausted the next day. My arms and legs were slightly sore from my dance lesson the day before as well... When Nico did come by he seemed quite surprised that I was already up, and even picking out my own outfit for the first time since I'd come here.

The selection was quite nice, and there were more casual dresses than I expected, although they were all of very high quality. Nico insisted that he help me pick one out, and I tried to refuse at first, but the silvery haired man politely declined to listen to me. Thankfully though Nico was very in tune to my own opinions rather than what he thought best, unlike Giles.

"What about this one m'lady?" Nico held up a pale green dress, but I shook my head.

"It's too thick. I'll be sweating like a pig in that once my dance lesson starts." Nico nodded in understanding and we began searching through my room of clothing again. I did end up finding a cream colored blouse with sleeves which came down to just above my elbows. It buttoned up in front with small black bows covering the buttons and I liked it a lot, plus it was light and airy. Then began the search for a skirt. Nico picked out a rosy pink skirt which came down to my knees, and then a pair of flats the same color as my blouse. Thank God for Nico, right? He knew how much trouble I was having with the heels, and they were starting to give me blisters. After getting dressed, Nico offered to do my makeup and hair, to which I refused, instead just putting my hair up in a ponytail.

After a slow and boring breakfast, which was quite a relief actually, Giles asked me to meet him in his office. Before I made my way there though, I thought about last night. It's last moments were hazy, but I recalled thinking that I should thank Louis for the tea yesterday... I suppose I should head to Louis' chambers now... I hope he's around, it'd be pretty embarrassing to show up and he not be there. It took a while to find the Duke's room, as I was trying to be inconspicuous with it. When I did, I gave the door a few knocks. Moments later, Louis' always perfect face appeared. I immediately began to fidget. I knew it was going to be hard for me to thank this man for something, us having so many differences and all...

"Um, morning, Louis..."

"What is it?" Louis' brow furrowed slightly at the sight of me.

"I-I just wanted to thank you for yesterday," I looked away, frowning.

"Thank me?" I nodded, still not meeting Louis' cold gaze.

"You know, for our dance lesson. Giles told me that it was you who asked him to prepare the tea. I..." I swallowed my pride as best I could, and continued on. "I don't think I would have made it through that lesson without that break. Thank you, Louis." The creases in Louis' brow only deepened at my words. I looked at him expectantly for a an answer.

"You needn't concern yourself with such trifles." I frowned at him again. Something was off, yet I couldn't quite put my finger on what. Is he paler than usual? Sad again? I can't tell...

"Are you alright Louis?"

"Why do you ask?" He replied, showing no emotion whatsoever. Why? I still frowned at Louis, but with a hint of curiosity and interest. My emerald eyes were wide as I stared slightly up at the man. I felt goosebumps rise up on my skin before I answered.

"Sometimes I wonder about you. You often seem to be in pain, you know." My voice was soft, as if I were speaking with a child. Louis looked down immediately, breaking off eye contact with me.

"I think you are mistaken. I agreed to teach you what you need to know to be princess. But that's the extent of our association." Our 'association'? What a joke... It's hard to even be angry with Louis anymore... I ran one of my hands slowly through my hair, causing a few yellow blonde strands to come loose from the hair tie.

"Listen Louis-"

"Furthermore, I acted of my own interests. You owe me no gratitude." I didn't try to speak anymore, he sounded nearly angry. Louis shut the door in my face. He shut me out, disappearing behind the door to his quarters. Really, I only wanted to know him a bit better, maybe act a bit nice for once... I guess he doesn't feel the same though. I stood there, not moving. I really should expected that, I suppose. Still though, I couldn't help but feel shocked by the coldness of Louis' rejection. I sighed again, quickly running my fingers through my hair again.

After all that, I didn't quite feel up for a meeting with Giles. So I made my way to the side of the palace, leaving out through the very same door that I had used to sneak in on my first day here at the castle. From there I made my way around a small path between the tall stone walls of the castle, and the less tall stone gate surrounding it. I ran my right hand along the wall as I followed it. The stone was old, but still strong, and covered in soft moss and vines.

Eventually the path came out into a grassy area in the back. The stone wall went on, but the castle stopped. There was another small garden, but instead of the flowers found in the courtyard, there were vegetables and herbs growing here. There were also fruits, both in the garden and growing on trees. My balcony and window in my room looked over the town and the path leading there, but I kind of wished that it looked over this back garden. And beyond that garden and small orchard, were the stables. I smiled immediately.

I loved animals. And I'd been riding horses for a long time. Marissa had taught me how years ago. There were stable boys and gardeners around though, and by the way they all stared wide eyed at me I was pretty sure that they knew who I was, and any attempt I tried to ride one of the horses would surely be ended quickly. But, that didn't mean I couldn't do something with them. Actually, it's the perfect plan! Show Alyn that I can take care of a horse just as well as one of his own soldiers, and he'll have to teach me! I grinned happily as I walked right into the large open doors of the barn, past a bewildered looking soldier who was leading a pale stallion out.

It didn't smell very nice inside, but it never would in a stable. Manure and rotting hay no longer bothered me too much. I couldn't believe how many horses there were here though! All different kinds as well. There were enormous clydesdales, particularly muscled horses, probably used by the soldiers for the most part, lean ones which looked the most speedy, even miniature horses and ponies! I saw two donkeys and a mule, and also came across the horses that were surely used by nobles and for important events. These horses were the cleanest with the nicest kept stalls, many of them were pure colors too, with emblems carved and painted on the front of the stalls.

I wandered around the stables for awhile, trying to decide which horse I wanted to care for. Suddenly I heard a horse practically roar from the other side of the barn, and the unmistakable sound of hooves against wood. My short skirt and flats made it easy to run over there, and see what was going on. A stable boy was trying to put a young stallion back into its stall. It was a beautiful creature, with a gray coat and white speckles on the face. His mane and tail were solid black, and uncut. Almost all of the horses except the working ones had cut manes.

The stable boy yelped as the horse reared up again, neighing loudly once more. Then it kicked backwards, hitting the post in between the stalls. The boy had dropped the horse's reins, and even though a soldier had just run in to help, I was sure that the horse was going to make a run for it. I dove past the horses dangerous front hooves, grabbing the reins and pulling back towards myself before the horse could run.

"Princess!" The soldier yelled, but I didn't respond. I scrambled back onto my feet, and together we forced the horse back into its stall, slamming the door and locking it.

"I-I am so sorry Your Highness!" Both the knight and I looked back at the young stable boy, whose eyes were brimming with tears. "I only wanted to see if he would walk with me, he's been trapped in their for a long time..." With a start I realized that the boy was talking to me, he was practically begging on his knees and crying. Is this what people are expected to act like towards me? It's awful! Why would anyone act so weak for someone else?! Immediately I kneeled down and put my hands on the boy's shoulders. He didn't seem any older than twelve, just a bit older than the age of most of my students. I smiled at him warmly.

"What is there to be sorry about? I probably would have done the same thing!" The boy blinked at me, before quickly wiping away his tears and smearing dirt on his face in the process.

"Really miss?"

"Of course! I love horses too, you know. Why don't you go take care of one of the more well mannered ones though, and leave the rough horses to everyone else, alright? Oh, and go and get yourself a treat from the kitchen too, tell them Ava sent you!" The boy grinned at me, tipping his hat before jumping up and running off. I smiled myself before standing up and brushing the dirt and hay off of my legs and skirt.

"You know Princess, you really shouldn't be throwing yourself into situations like that." I turned towards the knight with the amused voice and shrugged at him.

"Honestly, I can't help it. You lot obviously needed help, and I gave it. You should be thanking me." The knight grinned, and I noticed that one of his front teeth was chipped, and he bowed to me.

"Thank you, Your Highness Ava. Now, I really should be going, so please watch after yourself."

"You're welcome." We nodded to each other before the knight left, leaving me alone in the stable.

Wham! I jumped as the stallion kicked the back of it's stall again, whinnying.

"Oh, quiet you! You could've hurt that kid you know!" Just after I had scolded the stallion, the larger horse next door snorted, as if it understood me. I walked over to stand in front of her stall. She was a beautiful horse, and according to the parchment posted in front of her stall, a female draft horse mix. I assumed she was mixed with a sportier horse, since she was a bit smaller than a normal draft horse, but still quite muscular. She was really beautiful too, with a red coat and several white spots, and a white nose. There was a single stripe of white in her mane, and in her tail as well. "Magnolia sure is a nice name."

I undid the latch on the mare's stall, and went inside. It was roomier than I expected, but the horse seemed a bit surprised by my sudden entrance and backed up a step.

"It's alright Mags, I'm just here to hang out. Let's see..." I searched the hooks on the side of the stall, on which hung some supplies and whatnot. "Here we go!" I picked up a brush, and went towards Magnolia, who was still watching me with one of her dark brown eyes. I pulled up a stool beside the horse, as if I'd been doing it all my life, and began to brush her side.

"This is pretty nice actually, I don't get to relax like this often. It's been awhile since I've been around horses, or any animals for the most part. I hope you're doing well Mags, cuz' I think we'll be seeing a lot of each other for now." Mags finally relaxed into me, her breathing soft and heavy. The stallion next door banged his head on his stall door again, but other than that it was relatively quiet in the stables.

I stayed there brushing all of Magnolia a lot longer than I probably should have, until finally the knight from earlier showed up saying that Nico was looking for me. I reluctantly left after that, patting Mags' nose on my way out, and telling the Stable Keeper that I would be her caretaker for the time being.

Back to being princess it is...

August 22