Chapter 6
Nicole wished she could rescind what she said and just leave Lady Waverly behind, so as not to torture herself with the very sin her mind had conjured during her sleep the night before. She wished for the younger Earp to say that she’d rather stay than ride a horse to a manor she has no business of – wished for the younger girl to say that she would rather be in the safe haven of the royal library than be out in the open with ghastly winds to ruin her tresses. She had wished and wished for a lot more but everything in creation must have been conniving against her because there she was still, under the eyes of the very lass who, by merely standing, could take all the air in Nicole’s lungs and she would be more than willing to provide.
“Are we going yet?” Lady Waverly Earp asked excitedly, voice charming and divine as usual, as she walked towards the window closer to Nicole whom took a step back, clearly bringing a safe distance between them. The younger girl was too ardent to even notice how firm the King’s grip was on her riding crop, a little harder than necessary, it seemed.
Nicole had never wanted to mount her horse so desperately before and have it dash away as fast as it could and as far away till she’s nowhere to be seen, just so she could keep the distance between her and the lady who casted a spell on her on their first introduction.
She’s starting to regret all the decision she had made ever since she allowed her mother to announce the arrangement of marrying her off – something she had never done within the thirteen years of her reign over England. Not a single royal decree was uttered without proper deliberation and each and every of her decisions were calculated and premeditated; she’s anything and everything but thoughtless, but somehow, whenever she’s with Lady Waverly Earp, she’s void of logic and wisdom.
So when Nicole suggested for her saddle to be changed with one where she can have another rider on her horse, it was a little later that she realized what it would mean - she would have the younger Earp in her arms as they rode all the way to her Aunt’s manor. Wynonna knows how to ride a horse, yes, but not as efficient with a rider along. And knowing that Lady Wynonna’s little sister has no past experiences with horses, Nicole would never permit her to ride alone and most definitely not with the knights either; she deducted that it’s best for Lady Waverly to ride with her, the most qualified horseback rider in the castle. It wasn’t planned nor on purpose, she can pledge it on her father’s grave.
“They have yet to change the royal horse’s saddle.” Lady Wynonna answered as she looks out the window of the cloister, watching as the royal servants hastily secure the saddles to the horses.
“If I may, your Majesty, why don’t we just use a coach instead? That will be more convenient than having me ride with you on your horse.” Lady Waverly conveyed as she turned around to look at the King who was rather preoccupied, already perceiving that the journey to her Aunt’s manor will not be as comfortable as she had used to but envisioning the intimacy that she dare hope will happen.
“Have you not been fed up sitting on a carriage for days and days to no end?” Lady Wynonna voiced out her obvious detest to having to travel again on a coach, the older Earp would rather walk on foot than to sit on a carriage again, at least for now. “Did you not want to ride a horse for a change?”
“Well yes, I do want to.” Lady Waverly admitted. “You will not drop me, yes?” Nicole’s trance was broken by the younger Earp’s apprehensive voice tone; she shook her head and assured her, “No, I certainly would not. I’ve never fallen off a horse before, and surely, I will not start now.” She wanted to wipe away the worry on Lady Waverly’s face so much so that she assured her once more, “Do not fret my Lady, I shall take care of you, you have my word.”
Nicole saw how Lady Waverly Earp’s face easily changed and she could not help but mirror the same smile that the younger girl was wearing. She then pretended that she did not see Wynonna’s quizzical look; she would rather not have any discussion about how palpable her ever growing affection to the younger Earp to her own sister; she’s not even convinced herself as to what emotion did Lady Waverly Earp exactly stirred within her as of yet.
She was more than pleased to hear that their horses are ready, an excellent pretext to avoid the older Earp’s inquisitive eyes.
Moments later, Nicole found herself in a disagreement with Lady Waverly as to who should mount the horse first. Being a gentleman that she is, she wanted the younger girl to hop in first before her but the latter would not mount the horse first in fear that the horse would run away before the King can settle behind her and not knowing what to do if that happens, scared her more.
“Why don’t you mount it simultaneously? The royal servants can get you another step and you can mount it together.” Lady Wynonna suggested, looking rather impatient as they are taking more time in the courtyard than their supposed journey.
Agreeing that it’s best to do the older Earp’s suggestion, Nicole found herself holding Lady Waverly’s hand as they both mounted the horse at the same time, helping her and assuring her that she’s there and there’s nothing to be afraid of .
The younger girl must have hopped a little forceful though, her buttocks almost slipping off the saddle as she did so, and fortunately, the King were attentive enough to foresee it before it even happened; Nicole already had her arms wrapped around Lady Waverly’s petit form, securing her against her own. “See? You are safer with me.”
She cleared her throat after another second passed between them in silence with the younger Earp still in her arms. Hoping that Lady Waverly did not hear the boisterous hammering of her heart against her ribcage, she let go; instantly regretting doing so as she immediately missed the warmth the younger girl had provided her within the fleeting moment.
Nicole waited for Lady Waverly to get settled in front of her before whipping the horse on its rear, starting their short journey towards her Aunt’s manor where the Queen mother awaits them, feeling rather guilty of pretending once more as she saw the older Earp’s face, etched with curiosity and notion.