As A Princess

Darian asked, "which horse do you choose, princess?"

Darian and Ariadne are currently in the stables. Ariadne still chooses the white horse she wants. There are two white horses available. One female, and one male.

"I want the white horse we rode in training. When you taught me to ride. If I remember correctly, we're on a white horse. Was the horse of the time female or male?"

Darian chuckles. "Of course the male one. It's called Space."

"His name is bad."

"Then you should give me another name. Are you going to take Space?"

Ariadne nodded. She stood in front of a stall that contained a handsome white stallion. "But I'm afraid, this horse is quite big."

"I'll teach you to ride him to excel."

"Okay. Then let him out."

Darian nodded. The man opened the horse cage door called space. Leading the white horse to the corral and into the field.

"What do you want to ride for?" Darian asked because he was curious.

"I just want to try something else. Can't a princess ride a horse?"

"Of course you can. But you're a woman and --"

Hearing that darian could only be silent. What Ariadne said was true. All women have the right to do whatever they please.

"Where did you learn about it, princess?"

Ariadne smiled. "From the outside world. The outside world is filled with all kinds of things. Elie did teach me how to sew, embroider, cook, paint, and learn manners as a princess. But Dlie didn't teach me to be a tough woman."

"Tough woman?"

"Yes. Tough lady. Elie never taught me how to be a strong, strong woman. You know darian? A princess also needs the strength to take care of herself. It will take when all the guards fall."

"You mean, a princess must fight?"

"I didn't say that. But if so, why not?"

Darian chuckles. "Enough of your jokes, princess. You're a princess with a lot of bodyguards. And you shouldn't do anything strenuous."

"What kind of heavy stuff are you talking about, Darian?"

"Well, heavy things like riding, archery, martial arts. A princess should be honored and sit on her throne."

Ariadne laughed heartily at darian's statement. The man in front of her doesn't know that she's been practicing martial arts with Charlotte.

"Why do you laugh, princess?"

"Oh no, whatever you think. I just want to let you know that all the things women do shouldn't be limited."

"Okay. This time I give up. I agree with your opinion, princess."

"You should give up when you see me."

Then they both laugh together. Their laughter was witnessed by the horses released from the stalls.

Darian patiently taught Ariadne the right way to ride. Surely Ariadne has replaced her gown with a thick riding suit. Ariadne's body looks so thin and ideal. Even Darian was nervous teaching Ariadne to ride up close.

Darian has never seen Ariadne's slender body before. Because Ariadne had always been wearing a dress only in the service of any event.

While training Ariadne, Darian's heart quickened. When that man's hand touched Ariadne's body, it felt like electricity. Sometimes Darian helps Ariadne gain control of the horse. Help Ariadne get on the pedals. Darian also held Ariadne's waist in helping the woman set the balance of the body.

Several times Ariadne fell, overwhelmed when the white horse on which she rode was particularly swift. Her body was not steady as her horse increased in speed. Ariadne's still trying to master it.

"Do you think I'll be able to ride a horse after how many days?"

Darian was wiping Ariadne's sweat on her forehead and on her neck. The man smiled. "After a week or two weeks at least you'll be able to ride a horse yourself."

Ariadne's pouting. "Ah, that's way too long."

"Where do you think you're going with a horse?"

"I only wish I could ride."

"Can't you ride a horse, princess? You have mastered the riding exercises."

Ariadne shakes her head. "I'm not good at running. I'm definitely gonna fall. My body is not balanced."

"Then, ride your horse in the usual manner. No need to tell that horse to run. Just let it walk and point where it will take you."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, just like that. Don't put yourself in danger."

"Okay. I'm tired of Darian, put that horse back in the stable."

Darian nodded. "You're done? Won't you give him a name, princess?"

"Ah, yes. Umm, what's his name again?"

"I don't know. Think about it."

"Emm, his name is Griffin."

"Griffin? Ah, I just heard that name." Darian said with a look of admiration.

Ariadne chuckles. "I just took a word from my Latin name, Darian. In latin, Griffin means strong."

"Ah, I understand. Would you give him a necklace?"

"Well, can it?"

Darian nodded enthusiastically. "I'll get you the horsebands available at the barn."

"All right, I'll wait here."

Ariadne smiled at Griffin, her horse. The girl stroked Griffin's thick hair. The horse seems so tame in Ariadne's eyes. The horse has been silent and breathless, not revolting at all.

About fifteen minutes, Darian came in with a horse collar. The pendant is made of copper iron, while the neckline contains only a special string for animals.

Ariadne was fascinated by the necklace. It had a "G" engraved in the middle. "Woah, did you carve it?"

Darian nodded. "I'm going to stop by the jewelry department. I asked Robert to help me carve a letter here. Put this on your horse, princess."

Ariadne smiled brightly. The girl received a necklace from darian. Then put a collar around griffin's neck. Griffin is much more handsome as a horse. It makes that horse look really tough and strong.

"Thank you, darian. You're very kind."

"You're welcome, princess. Return first to the palace. I'm gonna put your horse in a special place."

"Yes. Okay.."

Ariadne stroked Griffin's face before she actually went back inside the palace. Enough riding practice for today. At least Ariadne has mounted Griffin. Ariadne will make sure she gets to see Charlotte once a week. She's starting her secret training next week.

***