The next morning, Albert visited Ignis with a few dresses that are usually worn by commoner women in the city.
"His Majesty doesn't like being at the center of public attention, hence you must visit as a commoner. Also, the public is generally more welcoming and comfortable with a commoner than a Noble" he explained.
"Understood, but, I won't require these many dresses." Ignis said while picking a dress for today.
"His Majesty said that he wishes to take you on more such tri - " Albert covered his mouth and started coughing. "Expeditions... more such expeditions".
Ignis could feel her cheeks getting heated up.
"My Lady, will you be comfortable riding a horse? or you want me to fetch a carriage for you?"
"Carriage will slow us down. A horse would be more efficient. We will be able to explore more area if we increase our speed" she thought for a moment and then asked "Is Gale available today? Is he under training?"
Albert flinched at the mention of the horse.
"My Lady, we are already preparing Gale for His Majesty. Also, among all the horses in our stable, Gale is the most notorious one. It is dangerous for you to ride such a horse. Only His Highness was able to tame the beast. I will prepare a much safer horse for you."
Ignis was disappointed.
"Thank you Albert. As long as I am able to meet Gale, I am happy" she tried to give him a small smile.
*****
In front of the Great Hall, Adrian was feeding an apple to Gale. "Be a good boy today" he said to the white horse, stroking its neck gently.
"My Lady, how about you carry a hat as well. It is sunny today" Adrian heard the Princess's attendant and quickly turned towards the sound.
He saw the Princess hurriedly climbing down the large staircase of the Great Hall. She wore a typical knee-length layered dress, worn by peasant women in the villages, with a flowing, long-sleeved mulberry under-dress and a deep square-neck olive green sleeveless overdress with leather shoes that complimented her wheatish skin and black wavy hair. The afternoon sun was giving her skin a subtle glow. Her regal poise made it hard to believe that she is a peasant.
She quickly looked back at her attendant, halfway on the stairs, and snatched the hat and a black robe. When she crossed the last stair, her legs wobbled a bit before regaining her balance. Adrian almost shot himself to catch her.
"I am ... sorry ... Your Highness" she spoke between panting and huffing. "I ... I got lost".
He held her both shoulders and steadied her "Breath Princess. Take deep breaths".
After taking a few deep breaths, she apologized again for getting late.
"It's alright, we are not going for any official event. Now, which horse would you like to ride?"
She saw Gale, happily eating away his apple and another large dark skinned horse. It looked like a war horse.
"I was not aware I will get the option to choose my ride" she smiled at Gale before looking at the other one. "And who is this handsome?" she asked. When she walked towards the other horse, Gale blocked her path and made a displeasing sound.
"This sly kid. Looks like he doesn't want you to get near other horses." he glared at Gale, before turning to Princess. "This is Fenix, he is my war horse, but, I use him for almost every ride. Though he looks intimidating, he is quite soft with people he likes."
"Fenix as in Phoenix?" Ignis asked. She looked surprised, maybe because the mythical creature was once part of the Fyre Land history.
Just then, two guards came to saddle up the horses.
Adrian nodded. "A merchant guild once came to sell horses from the Fyre Land. Fenix was one of the foals. But, he was too weak so nobody paid any attention to him. His eyes looked kind to me so I purchased him. After proper training and diet, he is now the strongest horse in the Empire."
Adrian rubbed his neck and gave him an apple.
"Even though Fenix looks fully grown, Your Highness still treats him like a child" Ignis pointed out.
"I actually took him as a pet, a friend, but when he started showing healthy growth during his training, my Mother decided to make him a war horse. His performances surpassed our expectations and soon he joined me in the battles." Adrian felt proud, so much as he wanted to share many of his good memories with the Princess. But soon, he decided to do it some other time.
Ignis nodded in awe and gently patted the war horse.
"So which one do you want to ride today?" Adrian asked her again.
She was about to answer, when Gale rubbed its head on her shoulder. Ignis turned towards the white horse and let out a laugh, stroking its mane. Her laugh was brief, but for Adrian it felt like the world slowed down. He saw her slowly lean her head back, slowly expelled the joyful sound, furrowed her eyebrows for a millisecond due to sunlight and brought her head forward, while rubbing and patting the neck of the young horse.
"Your Highness, I will take him" Adrian was pulled back from his daze. "Are you happy now?" she asked Gale, who stomped its feet in excitement.
Adrian gave her a nod.
"Do you want me to help you - " before he could complete his sentence, Ignis briskly mounted herself on the horse.
"Looks like you have a good experience with horse-riding. How many years have you been riding?"
"Initially it was my Mother who taught me horse-riding. After her, I met someone who taught me for some time before I started my practice alone. I do not have much battle experience, but, I was taught by one of the best horse riders in my country, so I am confident to ride in a city or forest. I can even ride downhill with no problem" at this point, Adrian felt that the Princess was exaggerating.
He mounted himself on Fenix and turned towards the gate.
"Yes, whatever you say, let's go".
"You don't believe me?" Adrian could see a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"Oh, of course I believe you" his lips twitched in amusement.
"Your Highness, this is no jest. I will show you my skills today"
"Princess! This is our first expedition together. Let's try to stay safe for now."
"Can we race till the city?" this sudden suggestion from Princess, caught him off guard.
"I believe you. You do not need to prove anything."
"Are you scared?"
"Princess, this is childish"
"You are scared"
"I am not"
"You also don't believe me"
"Damn it! For the last time, I don't"
"Aha! you don't"
"I mean I do"
"No"
"I do"
The squabble continued until the Palace was out of their sight.