Ian and I ride in silence for what feels like forever.But one question has been at the back of my mind the whole time. "Hey Ian?" Ian looks over at me. "Yeah?" "Look I dont know how much you really heard but-" "I told you I heard you talking to Oynx-" I give him a sideways glance. "You and I both know that's not true. I mean unless you have superhuman hearing along with your shapeshifting ability then sure. But if not then there is no way you heard me talking to Onyx." The tips of his ears turn red giving me the answer I needed."You heard Dex and me fighting didn't you? That's how you found me." He nods. "I heard a lot." I groan.
"I was afraid of that." He gives me a small smile. "Don't worry I don't blame you for what you said about their majesty's. They cant just expect you to love them right away and forget about your foster parents." I sigh. "Apparently I'm supposed to be grateful and love them for it. According to Dex. But I just can't do that Ian I don't want to forget them." I feel tears brimming my eyes. "You don't have to princess. Dex is just a stickler for the rules. But he is probably the best warrior we have. He is very loyal to the royals and those he cares for. It may not seem like it but Dex is caring and kind when you break through that icy wall of his. I only know of one other person who ever got through to him." "Amelia." Ian nods. "She was so kind and always knew how to care for others." I see the sadness in his eyes. "You fell for her too didn't you?" Ian nods once. "Yeah I did. But I wasn't good enough none of us were." I nod. "She said that she could not and would never love you all. But I thought only Dex and Max were there that day?" "They were. I went to see her a couple days later. That's when she told me the same thing. To this day I still dont know why." "I think I do. Dex said something to her that day and I dont think she ever forgave him. Now i think she believes anyone who has a title or works for or in the castle think that they are better then everyone else."
"Hmm. I never would have guessed that." The one question I really wanted to ask still nudges the back of my mind. "Do you think Dex is right? Sould i have stayed behind and not be a problem here anymore?" Ian brings his horse to a stop suddenly."What?" I halt Onyx and look back at Ian. "Hes right. I have caused nothing but trouble since I have been here. Maybe I should have stayed behind." Ian gives me a dark look although its not really directed at me." He did what?" I shrug. "You didn't hear that part?" "No I didn't hear that. He actually said that?" I nod. "Yeah." His face becomes a rush of anger. "I cant believe him. He's a knight. A servant of the crown. He should be way more respectful to you." "Apparently to Dex I haven't earned his respect. Honestly I cant blame him. Respect is earned not given. He shouldn't just automatically have respect for me just because of my title and birth thats not fair. It's not fair to anyone to have to act like we are better then them just because we live in the castle. To believe that we are better then everyone else just because we were high born? Thats just selfish and wrong. People don't get to chose what family they are born into. Its not a choice. Its life. I don't want to be that girl." Ian's face softens.
"You really are opinionated aren't you? I have never met a girl like you. Most girls would jump at the chance at being a princess. With all of the fancy dresses and living in a castle. And having fancy meals everyday.Heck most girls wouldn't know how to argue about Pride and Prejudice much less what it is." I shrug. "Well I'm not like most girls." He smiles. "No your not. Your kinder,more caring,strong,headstrong,and very stubborn." I giggle. "You have a very adorable laugh and bright smile. Dex is crazy if he thinks your not worth the trouble." My cheeks feel like they are on fire. "And your face looks like a cherry when you get compliments SlimeGirl." I groan and punch him softly on the shoulder. "Shut up." He laughs with me. I smile at him. "Thanks Oxford. I really needed to here that." He smiles then clears his throat smile fading away. "Well we better get going again." I blink. "Oh um yeah. Lets go." I click my tongue and ride in front of Ian and his horse Sader. All the while wondering what really happened to Ian's sister. And what the heck really attacked her and her boyfriend that night. Because whatever it was I dont think its anything good.
Ian's P.O.V
I stare at the back of her head perplexed. How can one girl be so kind and generous to people she barely knows? Besides Max she doesn't really even know anyone. Not even me. We went to school together but I never really got to know her. Looking back I wish I had tried a little harder to be her friend. What are you thinking about master? Saders voice runs through my head. At some point everyone who owns a mystic horse will become telepathically bonded due to a certain mission taken.Knights wait and train their whole lives for that day. Nothing. Sader snorts. I know you are staring at the princess.
I sigh internally. Fine. Its just I find myself wondering how a girl who has had everything taken from her in the expanse of a few weeks can still be so kind. Well master from what I have gathered from Onyx and the princesses other horses she still misses her old life. She talks everyday about wishing she could go back if only for a moment to see what became of her home. But she knows that she couldn't stay and no matter what she did it would happen all over again. Even through everything that she has been through her heart remains pure and good.
I chuckle. I have to say I regret my decision in staying away from her. I could have used a friend like her. Sader snorts again. If I didn't know any better I would say you have grown quite fond of the princess. I stiffen up. Sader grunts in my head. I will take it I am right. I will my eyes. You don't know any better. How could I be fond of someone like her? Shes stubborn,dosent want to listen to orders. Sader chuckles in my head well in the way a mystic horse can. Be that as it may I do believe you used stubborn as a pro not a con. Do you really mean that? Or is it just the fact of her title that makes you say these things? I heard her as I know you did when she said that to her title means nothing. To her everyone is equal.Who are you trying to convince that you cant like her me or yourself? I dont answer him this time. I ask his question over and over again in my head trying to find the answer. When the princess looks back and smiles at me warmth spreads through me and I feel nothing but happiness as I watch her.