love cherry motion into a purple midsummer night's dream
Rio Vidal prided herself as an Elite Knight. Following the code of chivalry with unwavering devotion — honor, duty, and obedience above all else. Her accolades spoke for themselves: earning the fearsome title "Dame of Death" in the battlefield during the recent war, and having been announced as the first contender to be Knight Commander before the age of five and twenty.
But it was a time of peace for the kingdom, and thus, it was why Rio currently grumbled as she rode her horse, Morta, down an established path inside a forest to accomplish a lowly job.
The assigned quest was simple: protect, deliver, and then return home with another feat under her name.
Like every other part of her life, the plan was efficient and utterly without room for improvisation. She would arrive at the Baron House of Harkness precisely at noon, present her credentials to the widowed Baroness, and escort her daughter to her future husband across the kingdom without incident.
No detours. No distractions. No nonsense.
But then a woman fell out of a tree and knocked her off her horse.
The world spun in a blur of blue, green, and brown as Rio hit the ground with a graceless thud. Morta let out an indignant snort and took two steps back, flicking its tail at the sudden turn of events.
Rio coughed, trying to recover the air that was knocked out of her from the fall.
"Oh, splendid. You are alive," said a voice above her. "I was worried I might have to bury you in the woods and steal your boots. They look quite expensive."
Rio blinked at the figure now standing over her. It was a young woman with a loose braid of thick, dark hair over one shoulder wearing a tunic suited for a stable-hand. There was a smudge of dirt across her cheek and an undeniable gleam of mischief in her bright ocean eyes.
"You..." Rio struggled to stand up, still not having caught her breath. "You just assaulted a knight of the realm!"
"Oh, please. You assaulted yourself with gravity," the young woman replied, crossing her arms. "I merely expedited the process. It is not my fault you so happened to be where I was going to land."
Rio scoffed, brushing leaves from her green cloak. "What business do you have up in a tree anyway?"
"Just enjoying the view," the young woman said lightly with a shrug of her shoulder. "Besides, it is a beautiful day for a bit of chaos, is it not?"
Rio studied her suspiciously. "...Are you a bandit?"
The young woman smirked. "Would you like me to be?"
Rio stepped forward, grasping her wrist in one swift motion. “Enough. I am placing you under arrest for interfering with the duties of a knight of the realm.”
“Ooh, how exciting.” The young woman’s eyes danced with amusement as a Cheshire smile appeared on her face. “I have never been arrested before.” She stepped forward, smile growing. “Do I get a trial? Or do we skip straight to the gallows?”
Rio frowned at the sudden invasion of personal space. “You will come with me and explain to the Baroness as to why I am late to my appointed time. She will determine what happens to you.”
The young woman’s eyes widened and she moved back, trying to pull her arm away. Amusement was no longer found in her expression.
“Let go of me!”
Rio tightened her grip on the young woman’s wrist and marched her back to her horse.
Morta flicked its ears back at the commotion but remained obediently still as Rio lifted the young woman with ease and placed her on the saddle. She secured the woman’s hands and feet with rope, making sure the bond was not too tight and just enough to prevent any unexpected escapes.
“Trust me when I say that you are making a mistake.” The young woman narrowed her eyes, wiggling her hands to try and get out of the restraints.
Rio ignored her and patted Morta to start walking as she fell in step beside her horse.
“Please, Ser Knight.” The young woman’s voice now sickly sweet, though there was a dangerous darkness in her eyes. “I apologize for the assault to your person. There, I have confessed it." She batted her eyelashes and wiggled her shoulders slightly. "I have learned my lesson and I will be sure to watch where I fall. Now, will you please, let me go?”
Rio rolled her eyes and simply walked on.
The journey to the Baron House of Harkness was an agonizing blend of silence from Rio and sarcastic commentary from her prisoner. When she did respond, Rio kept her replies terse, her mind too occupied with the thoughts of what the Baroness would think when she would finally arrive with a bound and troublesome woman.
When they reached the grand estate, the guards at the gate stared openly at the scene before them.
Rio flashed her badge. “I am here upon the request of the Baroness for official business.”
The guards barely spared a glance at her badge and instead looked at the young woman tied up on top of the horse.
The young woman merely giggled, lifting her bound hands and wiggled her fingers in greeting.
The guards exchanged a glance amongst each other before stepping aside to let them pass.
Inside, the Baroness was already waiting at the main building’s entrance, hands akimbo and clearly upset judging by her deep frown.
Rio gave a respectful bow as soon as she grew close, and pulled Morta’s reins to bring her prisoner forward.
“I do apologize for my tardiness, Madam Evanora. There was a disturbance on the road and I found this one in the woods causing trouble.” Rio said crisply. “I thought it best to bring her here for your judgment as it was in your estate grounds she was lurking.”
There was a long pause.
Then, the Baroness sighed, closed her eyes and pinched her nose in irritation.
“You are a lost cause, Agatha Harkness. Already at the ripe age of twenty and still gallivanting about like a hellion.”
Rio’s heart dropped. Dear Heavens, no.
The Baroness opened her eyes and glared at the young woman. “Perhaps this journey will finally teach you some propriety in time for when you meet the Earl."
Rio whipped her head up to look at the one atop Morta in horror.
Seemingly unaffected by her mother's words, the young woman — Agatha Harkness, Heiress to the Baron House of Harkness — beamed down at Rio.
“Surprise!”
The travel party bustled about in the courtyard as they finalized their preparation for the journey. Horses were being groomed and saddled, supplies secured in wagons, and guards murmured quietly amongst themselves.
Rio stood by Morta, methodically working in silence as she double checked every strap and buckle and ensured her bags and pouches were supplied.
She heard someone approach her from behind and turned to see the Harkness Heiress walking up to her with a lopsided smile on her face — dark hair wild and free and wearing a proper dress fit for a Lady, appearance now clean and no dirt present.
“Good afternoon, Ser Knight.” The young Heiress said with a mockingly deep curtsy. “Agatha Harkness. I do believe I have not properly introduced myself to you.”
“Rio Vidal, my lady,” Rio began, her voice a bit too formal. “I wish to extend my sincerest apologies for the… misunderstanding and my mishandling of you this morning.”
Agatha arched a brow, eyes with the same glint of mischief Rio saw earlier that day. “Oh, where you tied me up and dragged me to my own home?”
“Yes. That.” Rio forced her expression to stay even. “I was unaware of your identity and acted in accordance with my duty. It was a grave error.”
“I am curious how a Lady’s arrest would have differed. Perhaps a velvet rope? Something more befitting for my fragile sensibilities.” Agatha raised her arms and rubbed her wrists in a show of exaggeration. “I could have perished from the shock of it all. Being tied up like a common criminal.”
Rio couldn’t help but stare guilty at Agatha's wrist where there was a faint shade of red from the ropes she tied around it. “I am glad you were not fatally harmed by my actions, my lady. I should have exercised better judgment and more restraint.”
“Well, I suppose I must graciously accept your sincerest apology, Ser. Though, I must admit, I am a little disappointed at your quickly treating me as a ruffian.” Agatha teased, hands behind her back and rocking back on her heels. “Perhaps you were expecting the Heiress you needed to escort to be some maiden locked away in a tower and pining for her future husband.”
“I expected someone with your title to be waiting at the estate.” Rio said through gritted teeth. “Not falling from trees.”
“Ah. I see.” Agatha’s smile suddenly sharpened. “Is that Ser Knight’s way of calling a Lady 'improper' without actually saying the word? Then, forgive me for not being the dignified Lady you clearly hoped I was.”
Rio furrowed her brows. “I d—.”
“I jest, dear Ser.” Agatha waved her hand dismissively and gave a laugh, but Rio could see the mirth didn’t quite reach her eyes.
The sound startled a few members of the travel party nearby.
Rio pressed her lips into a thin line. “My lady, I suggest you go and gather your belongings. We are already behind schedule.”
Agatha gave a wistful sigh. “Since you have asked nicely, I shall spare you the agony of further delays. I would not want you to break out into a sweat with worry. You seem the type to have every minute of our journey planned.”
Before Rio could respond, Agatha turned, ending the conversation, and strolled toward her carriage — unhurried and humming a tune under her breath.
Rio exhaled sharply and looked skyward, praying to the Heavens for patience. The journey has yet to begin and it was already proving to be a very long one.