Elysia narrowed her eyes as she watched a girl lift a wooden bucket and fill it with horse feed. The girl's dress was covered in dirt and oil, and her hair was wild and unkempt. Sweat glistened on her face and neck, causing some strands of hair to cling to her skin. Elysia couldn't help but wonder who this girl was.
She continued to watch the girl move from one place to another with the bucket. She finally made her way to the stableman who observed the men horse riding. She placed the bucket on the ground and wrapped her hand around the man, giving him a kiss on each side of his cheek.
Was that his wife? Certainly not, she was too young to be his wife. Perhaps his daughter or niece? Elysia asked herself.
"The grounds are indeed wet and slippery." Rohan announced as he jumped down the horse, holding the reigns.
"I did mention that to you, but you still insisted on taking the horses for a ride. And I am glad that you are safe." Collins stated, a smile spreading across his face.
"Good evening, Sir Rohan." The girl greeted with a low bow, her lips pressed in a thin line.
"Dear goodness, it is good to see you again Enola." Rohan smiled broadly.
Elysia raised from her chair and made way to where the men stood. "Can I finally return to the palace?" She asked.
The girl who was standing with the stable man turned to Elysia. Her bright hazel eyes roaming the Lady.
"This is my daughter Enola, and Enola, this is Lady Elysia." Collins introduced.
"Good evening, lady Elysia." Enola said, giving her a bow, a small smile appearing on her face.
"Pleasure meeting you, Enola," Elysia said, returning the smile. Sevastian joined them just a moment later. Elysia couldn't help but notice that Enola was the only one who didn't smile at Rohan, her expression unreadable as she regarded him.
"I will take the horses back to the stalls." Collins announced, taking the reigns from Rohan and reaching for that of Sevastian.
"I will escort you to the stall Mr Collins." Sevastian announced, walking with the old man leaving Elysia with Rohan and Enola.
A moment of silence passed before Rohan spoke. "I see you are still angry at me for the broken bucket." He flashed her an awkward smile.
Enola crossed her arms, leaning against the stable wall, glaring at Rohan with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "My anger has not wavered even a little bit since you broke my favorite bucket," she said, her voice light but laced with underlying irritation.
Rohan raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "I know that," He smirked, adjusting his gloves. "But, It was just a bucket, Enola. Do you not think your anger has stretched for too long?"
"Just a bucket?" Enola scoffed, stepping closer, her hands on her hips. "That bucket was the best one we had! It survived countless chores, but it could not survive one of your reckless racing games."
Rohan let out a laugh, shaking his head. "It was not reckless I must add, it was strategy. I had to take that corner hard to win."
Enola rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Strategy? You mean galloping your horse so fast that you knocked over half the stableyard including my bucket, just to prove you could beat Sir Sevastian, whom I must add still took first place."
"I could have beaten him. Could I not?" Rohan shot her a grin, flashing her his white pearly teeth.
"That is not the point!" Enola's tone turned indignant, though the corner of her mouth twitched with the threat of a smile. "You still owe me a new one. I can not believe you have yet to replace it yet."
Rohan tilted his head, pretending to think. "A new bucket? Let me see... I have been meaning to get you something of higher value. Something like... a gold-plated one, perhaps? I know you would like one."
Enola snorted, unable to hold back her laughter. "Oh, right. Because a gold bucket is exactly what I need in a stable. Very impressive, Sir Rohan."
He winked at her. "You know I am a kind gentleman and you my dear, deserve only the finest."
Enola shook her head, fighting the grin that was now tugging at her lips. "You are impossible, Sir Rohan."
"I prefer the term 'charming'", He corrected, his smile wide. "But impossible can do too. If it will stop you from glaring at me every time I visit the stables, I will be sure to find you the best bucket money can buy."
Enola narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "That would be a good idea, Sir Rohan. And make sure it is sturdy enough to survive your next 'strategic' racing disaster."
Rohan chuckled, offering a mock bow. "As you wish, my dear. I will make sure it is indestructible, so when I run over it again. It would not have even a scratch."
"Good," Enola replied, turning back to the fall the stable with a smirk. "I will hold you to that." she added.
Rohan lingered a moment longer, the playful banter between them softening the tension that had lingered since the infamous race. They both knew the argument over the bucket was as much about their friendship as it was about the actual item.
"I must leave now, I still have a lot of work to finish up on." Enola announced, pushing her hair away from her eyes.
"Very well then, I am glad we are back to friends. Now, I no longer fear tumbling off my horse anytime I come riding from your murderous glare." Rohan said.
Enola snorted out another laughter, placing her hand over her mouth. "You exaggerate Sir, I will leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening."
"Very well, do enjoy yours too, Enola." Rohan replied, watching the young woman give him a bow then one to Elysia before walking away.
Enola shook her head again, still smiling. Despite the bickering, she could not help but enjoy their exchanges.
Rohan let out a sigh and tilted his head to look at Elysia who was narrowing her eyes at him. "What!?" He asked.