" Then what do you reckon we do?" I asked Ryan. I mean, what could we possibly do? We had been traveling the whole morning and afternoon, and it was late afternoon now. There was no way we could turn back to find a wheel.
He ignored me.
" Stay here with her. I will be back." he said, pointing at me, then got off the carriage.
" Yes, your highness." the carriage coach replied.
" W-wait." I said, stepping closer to the door.
" Where are you going?" I asked
" To find help." he said.
" By foot?" I asked incredulous.
He ignored me. I felt like ignoring me was his habit now.
" Your Highness, I asked you a question." I said, my back was now hurting because I had bent for too long while standing in the carriage.
Ryan did not stop walking. He kept moving further and further away without a word.
" Ryan, if you don't answer me, then I'll take as permission to come with you!" I shouted. He paused, I knew that if I used his name to call him directly, he would react.
Unfortunately for me, it only has a short-lived effect as he didn't stop for long before continuing with his journey. Though I was only bluffing earlier, I decided to follow him for real because it seemed he did not believe me.
I stepped on the edge of the carriage red to get off, only to find that I actually missed a step and my leg twisted awkwardly, making me fall.
" Ah!" I screamed unceremoniously. I knew that this was not how a lady would behave however, I was falling so I would care about mannerisms after I got to safety.
Responding to my scream, Ryan, I don't know how he did it, swiftly rushed to me, and caught me by my waist. For balance, I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck.
My heart was racing so much it was all I could hear in my ears.
" Ms Charlotte."
" Ms Charlotte."
" Ms Charlotte?"
" Ah, yes?" I answered him and look up to face him. Big mistake, I did not do it intentionally but, when I looked up, his face was only inches away from mine and he was looking at me as well.
I had never seen his face in such close proximity and I subconsciously studied him. I noticed that his eyes were not just blue as I initially thought, they had a trace of green which I found fascinating.
" Ms Charlotte?" he called again
" Yes?"
" Are you hurt? Can I put you down?" he asked.
" Uhmm, I am fine. Yes, you may. Thank you." and then he put me down.
As soon as my left foot touch the ground, I felt a sharp pain coursing through it. I guess the twist was significant enough to cause an injury. I frowned, this meant that I wouldn't be able to follow Ryan even if I want to.
"What's wrong?" Ryan asked looking at me.
" Huh? nothing." I said with a small smile.
" Why are you frowning?" he asked.
" No reason." I smiled
He looked at me for a minute and then turned and left without a word. I wondered how long it would take him to get to the nearest paid phone or even a shop.