Ivin hurried towards the animal farm, eager to visit her favorite horse. Her steps slowed as she approached the majestic creature, her hand outstretched. Suddenly, Tadio , a stablehand, appeared behind her, cautioning gently, "I don't think you should touch her right now, my lady. She's rather aggresive today."
Turning to face him, Ivin raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "How do you know she's aggressive.
Tadio smiled knowingly, his demeanor relaxed. "It's something a horse expert would sense. But I'm guessing you're not a horse expert," he added with a playful smirk.
Caught off guard, Ivin muttered, "Huh, show-off."
Tadio's smile widened. "I apologize if it came off that way. I didn't mean to show off."
Embarrassed by her own retort, Ivin looked down momentarily before regaining her composure. "Well, I didn't mean it like that. I was just... um, just..."
Tadio chuckled softly. "I understand what you meant. By the way, I'm Tadio Cliff. And what should I call you, my lady?"
Ivin hesitated for a moment, then decided confidently, "Vin. Call me Vin."
"Alright, Vin," Tadio nodded warmly. "I see you have a deep love for horses."
"Not just love," Ivin replied earnestly. "I adore them. They're like my babies.
Tadio's eyes brightened with interest. "That's fascinating. We share the same interest."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, carrying on until dawn began to break, signaling Ivin's return to her duties.Tadio, a hint of disappointment in his voice, remarked, "It's already dawn. I suppose duty calls. It was a pleasure meeting you, Vin."
Smiling warmly, Ivin nodded. "Likewise. Until we meet again." She bowed gracefully before walking away, glancing back at Tadio with a lingering smile.
As Tadio watched her depart, a thought crossed his mind, "Interesting," he murmured to himself with a smile before turning back towards the animal farm.
Later that day, Ivin, still feeling the warmth of her encounter withTadio, hurried to her sister Irene's room. Finding Irene sitting on her bed, Ivin couldn't contain her excitement.
"Guess what, sister," Ivin exclaimed, lightly touching Irene's arm to get her attention.
Irene turned to face her, a playful smile already forming on her lips. "You discovered something new about the horses again?"
Laughing softly, Ivin shook her head. "No, not this time. Something much more interesting."
Irene raised an eyebrow in mock disbelief. "More interesting than your beloved horses? I'm intrigued. What could it be?"
Taking a deep breath, Ivin said seriously, "I met someone today. A guy."
Irene burst into laughter, unable to contain herself. "That really cracks me up, Ivin."
Frowning slightly, Ivin insisted, "No, I'm serious. I met him at the animal farm."
Irene, still chuckling, reached out to touch Ivin's forehead teasingly. "Are you sure you don't have a fever? This is so unlike you."
Pulling away gently, Ivin replied with earnestness, "I'm fine, Irene. And yes, it's true."
Irene's expression softened as she realized Ivine was being genuine. "Well, I'm genuinely happy for you, sis."
Smiling gratefully, Ivin continued, "I thought you'd find it interesting."
"So, spill it all," Irene prompted eagerly. "Tell me everything, leave no detail out."
Ivin recounted the entire encounter with Tadio, from their initial banter to the shared passion for horses and their names exchanged at dawn.
Irene listened intently, nodding along with a knowing smile. "So, you like him, huh?"
Blushing slightly, Ivin hesitated. "Does it seem that obvious?"
Irene laughed softly. "Absolutely. It's written all over your face."
"Well," Ivin admitted shyly, "he's charming and... and he's..."
Irene finished her sentence, "And he's captured your heart."
Ivin nodded, her cheeks flushing even more. "Maybe."
Chuckling affectionately, Irene teased, "Alright, alright. Enough about your feelings. Go take a bath, you reek of horse dung."
Sniffing herself discreetly, Ivin wrinkled her nose. "Seriously? I don't smell anything."
Irene rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, to me you do. Go freshen up. It's almost time for dinner, and we don't want Mother finding out you've been visiting your 'babies' again, do we?"
Realizing Irene was right, Ivin nodded. "You're right. I'll meet you at the dining hall.
Day after day, Ivine and Tadio's paths crossed at the animal farm, their conversations becoming a highlight of Ivin's routine.
---
One sunny afternoon, Ivin and Irene strolled hand in hand through the castle garden, engaged in a lively discussion. Ivin couldn't shake off the thoughts that had been weighing on her mind.
"So, do you think I should tell him how I feel?" Ivin asked tentatively.
Irene stopped in her tracks, turning to face Ivin with a knowing look. "Yes, definitely."
"But isn't it too early?" Ivin questioned nervously. "I'm not sure I have the courage to confess my feelings."
Stopping to face Ivin directly, Irene replied firmly, "Stop telling me about your feelings, Ivin. I'm tired of hearing them every day. Tell him. He's the one who needs to know."
Ivin sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "I just... I don't know if I can do it."
With a mischievous glint in her eye, Irene teased, "Should I help you then?"
Brightening up, Ivin asked eagerly, "Can you?"
Rolling her eyes, Irene chuckled. "Don't be silly, Ivin. You have to do this yourself. Besides, I've never even seen this mysterious Tadio of yours."
Suddenly, Ivin stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening with realization. "Hold on, Irene. There he is, over by the animal farm."
Irene followed Ivin's gaze, spotting Tadio at a distance. She observed him carefully before turning back to Ivin with a grin. "He is quite charming, as you said. Remind me again, what did you say his name was?"
Excitedly, Ivin replied, "Tadio Cliff!"
Irene thought for a moment before saying casually, "You know what, Ivin? I think I forgot my handkerchief on the table in my room."
Ivin offered her own handkerchief, but Irene shook her head. "No, I can't use yours. Can't you go get it for me? It's really hot, and sharing a handkerchief isn't advisable for princesses like us."
Agreeing reluctantly, Ivin nodded. "Alright, I'll go get it for you." She turned and headed back towards the castle.
As Ivin walked away, Irene muttered to herself with a click of her tongue, "Naive as always." She made her way towards the animal farm, her eyes fixed on Tadio , who was engrossed in his tasks.
Approaching him confidently, Irene greeted him in her usual assertive manner. "Hello"
StartledTadio turned to face her with a polite smile. "Good afternoon, my lady. How may I be of assistance?"
Irene cut him off smoothly. "I'm Princess Irene of Elgard."
Realizing his mistake, Tadio bowed deeply. "Your Highness, my deepest apologies for not recognizing you earlier. Please forgive my manners."
Irene waved off his apology graciously. "I understand. It's not every day that a lowly servant such as yourself encounters royalty. You are pardoned."
Bowing again, Tadio replied respectfully, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your gracious understanding."
Irene continued with a hint of mischief in her tone, "Without wasting time, I must say, you look rather dashing. I've taken an interest in you, and I believe we should be friends."
Tadio, taken aback by her directness, hesitated before responding carefully, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness. But a lowly servant like myself could never presume to become your friend."
Irene dismissed his concerns casually. "I understand your hesitation, but consider it a privilege for a servant to be in the alliance with a princess.
Tadio nodded respectfully. "I am honored, Your Highness. I'll cherish—"
Irene interrupted him with a wave of her hand. "No need for formalities. I'll see you around." With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.
Watching her depart, Samuel sighed softly to himself.
Meanwhile, Ivin hurried back to Irene.
"So, did you find it?" Irene asked casually as Ivin approached.
Ivin shook her head, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Nope, I couldn't find it. I searched the entire room."
Irene chuckled softly, finding the situation amusing. "That explains why you took so long. No worries, dear sister. I'll make sure to get another pair."
Brightening up, Ivin suggested, "And why not choose one with a new design? I think I could use a new one too."
"Great idea," Irene agreed with a smile. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's get moving."
The sisters made their way towards the carriage, ready to embark on their outing. However, Ivin paused for a moment, a thought crossing her mind.
"Shouldn't we inform Mother and Father that we're leaving the castle?" Ivin asked, concern evident in her voice.
Irene waved a dismissive hand. "I don't think that's necessary. They're probably busy with their own affairs."
Ivin sees a maid passing by and she asked kindly"can you kindly tell mother and father that we are going out?"
"Yes my lady" the maid replied
As they settled in, Irene couldn't resist teasing Ivin gently. "Playing the innocent saint, are we?"
Ivine smirked playfully. "Maybe."
With that, the carriage departed, carrying the princesses away from the castle grounds.
Meanwhile, outside the castle walls, Ivin and Irene arrived at the bustling dressmaker's shop in the nearby village. The shop was known for its exquisite designs and impeccable craftsmanship, frequented by nobles and royalty alike.
As they entered the shop, Ivin's eyes widened with excitement at the array of colorful fabrics and intricate garments on display.
"Look at all these dresses, Irene," Ivin exclaimed softly, marveling at the craftsmanship.
Irene grinned, equally captivated by the sight. "Indeed. The dressmakers here truly have a gift."
Approaching one of the attendants, Irene spoke with regal authority. "We're looking for something unique. Show us your finest designs."
The attendant, recognizing the princesses, nodded respectfully. "Of course, Your Highness. Right this way."
As Ivin and Irene browsed through the racks of dresses, they discussed the latest court gossip and upcoming events. Despite their royal status, they enjoyed blending in with the common folk on occasion.
After some deliberation, Ivin selected a gown with delicate lace embroidery, while Irene opted for a vibrant silk ensemble adorned with intricate beadwork.
"Absolutely stunning choices, ladies," the attendant praised with a smile. "These will surely make a statement."
Irene nodded in approval. "Thank you. Prepare them for us, please."
As the dresses were being prepared, Ivin noticed a nearby mirror and couldn't resist trying on a tiara adorned with pearls and sapphires.
"Irene, look at this tiara," Ivin exclaimed softly, placing it delicately on her head. "Doesn't it complement the gown perfectly?"
Irene glanced over and nodded appreciatively. "It does indeed. A perfect match."
After finalizing their selections, Ivin and Irene bid farewell to the dressmaker's shop and made their way back to the awaiting carriage retuning to the castle.