"Butler, could you please prepare Lightning's saddle for me?"
With these words said merrily to the butler, Ivana Bennett ascended the stairs.
"Of course, Miss!"
For the first time, even the butler's tone carried a smile.
He had witnessed Ivana's riding skills, and his earlier worries that she wasn't up to the task had visibly faded away.
As Ivana climbed the stairs, the old butler gestured at the servants to prepare the horses for Grand Duchess Theresia and Ivana.
A moment later, Ivana emerged in her equestrian outfit and walked to the stables, where Theresia, also clad in riding attire, was getting ready.
The woman, who always sported professional dark suits, was now dressed in a black and white riding costume, which with its short black jacket, white breeches, and black boots, perfectly accentuated her slender figure.
There in the saddle, Theresia revealed a rare, gallant side of herself.
Holding the reins, Theresia gazed down at Ivana from her perch atop the horse.
