Lilith opened her eyes shakily, slowly adjusting to her surroundings. She was in her room but how? She could barely remember the events from yesterday and she had a terrible headache.
"Did I finally open the door?" She thought quietly to herself.
"I remember the shouts of someone from outside the door but who could that be? How many hours have I been asleep?" She thought to herself, walking to her windows overlooking the horse stables and watching them.
Their regal presence, clean manes, and unwavering beauty are a drawing view to Lilith. She looked at the horses with such rapt attention that she didn't even notice when someone came in until they were so close to her.
"Good morning," Kent said, his eyes dancing in delight.
Lilith jumped. "Oh, Kent. I didn't notice that you came in." She said, her hand over her heart.
"Of course you didn't. You were so enraptured looking at the horses." He said with a laugh.
"Actually yes. They are so beautiful." She said looking at the horses with a loving expression.
"Truly you are beautiful." He said looking at her.
"What was that?" She said, turning to him confusedly.
"Oh, I said yes the horses are beautiful. Nice skin, Very clean."
"Yes, they are."She said, turning back to the horses.
"How are you feeling today?" He asked her, looking very concerned.
"I am very fine today. I had quite a fright yesterday."
"I would like to apologize for the careless behavior of my staff yesterday. You would possibly had frostbite in the library and no one would have found you."
"No, It wasn't their fault. I should take the keys in with me next time. Maybe then the door wouldn't have banged and closed itself."
"Lilith. That's not what happened. You were locked in there. Someone wanted to harm you."
"Harm me? What did I do?"
"I don't know but I have this under control. She's being searched for right now as we speak and as we find her. She'll be duly punished."
"..."
His eyebrows scrunched noticing the change of her expression. "What's wrong?" He asked her worriedly.
"Just a tad bit shocked that someone tried to kill me."
"And it will never happen again. I will always protect you."
Lilith looked at him through her hooded lashes. "Thank you, Kent." She said quietly.
"Anything for you, Lilith." He said brushing her hair behind her ear.
A long silence followed as they looked into each other's eyes waiting for something neither of them knew.
Kent finally broke the silence looking away and back to the horses. "The weather looks nice. Want to go horse riding?" He asked, turning back to look at Lilith.
"Right now?"
"Yes." He looked at her. "Anytime you want to go.
"But I don't have any riding clothes." She said,
"I got some for you yesterday. Try them out and pick your favorite."
"You did?" She asked. Her eyes seemed to be the shiniest star Kent had ever seen.
He would do anything she asked to make her look at him like that every day.
"Thank you so much, Kent. I'll get dressed and come down quickly for breakfast."
"Okay. Take your time." He said leaving the room.
Lilith spun around her room in circles in excitement all of a sudden a knock on her door.
She opened it and saw Beth.
"Beth!" She says with joy.
"I've missed you terribly," Beth said, giving her a big hug.
"Lord Kent sent me upstairs to help get you ready."
Lilith stood nervously in her chamber, the delicate fabric of her riding habit lying on the bed beside her. Beth bustled around the room, selecting accessories and ensuring every detail of Lilith's attire was perfect.
"Hold still, Lilith," Beth instructed gently, securing the last button on Lilith's tailored jacket. The dark green fabric complemented her fair complexion and dark hair, which Beth was now deftly arranging into an elegant bun, suitable for both the style and practicality required for riding.
"Are you certain this isn't too much, Beth?" Lilith asked, a hint of apprehension in her voice.
"Absolutely," Beth reassured her, smoothing the jacket. "This riding habit is the latest fashion, and you look splendid in it. Kent will be most impressed."
Lilith glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The high-collared shirt she wore underneath the jacket was crisp and white, contrasting beautifully with the dark green. The skirt, made of sturdy fabric, was designed to allow ease of movement.
Beth handed her a pair of leather gloves, soft and supple. "Remember to stay calm, Lilith. Lord Kent will guide you."
Lilith nodded, slipping on the gloves and feeling a surge of confidence. "Thank you, Beth. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Beth laughed softly. "I am always here for you. Now, shall we see about your hat?"
Lilith allowed Beth to place the smart, wide-brimmed hat on her head, pinning it securely in place. The hat's satin ribbon matched the color of her riding habit, adding an elegant touch to her ensemble. She turned once more to the mirror, straightening her posture. "I think I'm ready."
With one last look in the mirror and a deep breath, Lilith made her way out of the chamber and down the grand staircase. The sound of her boots against the polished wood echoed through the quiet hallways.
Kent stood by the stables, his horse already saddled and ready. He looked up as she approached, a smile spreading across his face. "Lilith, you look wonderful as always. This color looks so good on you."
Lilith felt her cheeks warm under his gaze but managed a graceful nod. "Thank you, Kent."
Kent smiled and he stepped forward, offering his hand. "Don't worry, you're in good hands."
Lilith approached her horse, a beautiful chestnut mare, with a mix of excitement and trepidation. With Kent's assistance, she managed to mount, albeit a bit awkwardly. As she tried to adjust herself in the saddle, the mare shifted, causing Lilith to lose her balance.
"Whoa!" Lilith exclaimed, her arms flailing slightly as she tipped sideways.
Kent quickly moved to her side, his strong hands catching her just in time. "Easy there," he said, laughing softly. "I've got you."
Lilith couldn't help but laugh too, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and relief. "I suppose I have much to learn."
Kent gently helped her regain her balance in the saddle, his hands lingering a moment longer than necessary. "That's what I'm here for. Ready to try again?"
Taking a deep breath, Lilith nodded. "Ready."