Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door, followed by the familiar voice of one of the royal maids.
"Princess, you should take your horse riding class now."
Eleanor blinked, the words tugging her from the haze of her memories. She glanced up at the door as it creaked open, revealing a young maid with a shy smile. Eleanor didn't respond immediately, instead staring at the maid in silence for a long moment.
"Alright, Ms." Eleanor's voice was steady, calm, and completely devoid of the arrogance and temper that had once been a staple of her behavior.
The maid froze, her hand still on the door handle. She had expected the princess to snap at her, perhaps to throw a tantrum about how tedious the riding lessons were, just as Eleanor had always done in the past.
But this calmness, this unexpected quietness, caught the maid off guard. She blinked, unsure whether she had heard the princess correctly.
"Princess, you—" The maid stuttered before quickly regaining her composure. "Of course, Princess. I'll prepare your horse."
Eleanor gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, her gaze turning back to the window as the maid closed the door behind her.
Her mind churned with conflicting thoughts, but she didn't allow herself to indulge in them. She couldn't afford to waste any more time. There was a life to fix, a future to create, and she had no intention of repeating her past mistakes.
A few minutes later, she found herself outside in the royal courtyard, where her horse awaited. Her riding instructor, an older man with a weathered face and sharp eyes, stood by, ready to begin.
Eleanor approached the horse, effortlessly mounting it with the grace she had spent years perfecting. The familiar motion of riding soothed her somewhat, though her mind remained restless. She practiced her form, her movements controlled and deliberate. She needed this time to think, to center herself before facing the kingdom she had once ruled with such recklessness.
But then, something caught her eye.
Off in the distance, a young boy perhaps a few miles away was riding a horse at a gallop, his posture elegant and confident. He was dressed in a noble's attire, his dark hair wild as the wind whipped through it.
Despite the distance, Eleanor's heart skipped a beat as her eyes locked on him.
Sebastian Montrose.
She knew him instantly. Her pulse quickened as memories of her past life resurfaced, unbidden but undeniable.
Sebastian Montrose had been one of the key players in her downfall. A charming, deceitful young man, always driven by ambition, who had manipulated his way into gaining influence in the kingdom.
It was he, who had orchestrated the final stages of her demise, turning the entire kingdom against her, using every weakness she had every flaw in her reign against her. He had been the mastermind behind the rebellion that led to her death, all while pretending to be her ally.
"Princess Eleanor," Sebastian called warmly with a genuine smile. "It's been a while since I've seen you, especially on horseback."
Eleanor felt a small, guarded twinge inside her. Sebastian still had that easy confidence, but she knew he wasn't entirely innocent. She couldn't forget the man he would become. Still, she couldn't show any weakness.
"I've been keeping busy," Eleanor said coolly, though with a hint of humor. "It's not every day I get to practice in peace."
Sebastian smiled, riding his horse up beside hers. "I get that. Life at the palace is hectic, no time to relax." He chuckled softly, looking at her thoughtfully. "It's good to see you back out here. You're as skilled as ever."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow, unsure how to respond. "I suppose some things never change," she said evenly. But her mind wandered to the ways Sebastian had deceived her in the past and his role in her downfall.
Sebastian seemed at ease, as if they were just old friends catching up. "I always enjoyed our conversations back then," he said casually, glancing at her with a half-smile. "It's rare to find someone who can keep up with me."
Eleanor's heart tightened, but she kept her face neutral. "I don't remember our conversations as particularly memorable," she said more sharply than she intended. "You're quite the smooth talker, Montrose."
He laughed lightly. "Maybe," he agreed, eyes twinkling. "But I've always preferred honesty to flattery." His smile softened, and for a moment, Eleanor almost forgot who he was. Almost. "I've heard rumors about changes at the palace... changes affecting more than just the royal family. It's interesting to see you so calm."
Eleanor glanced at him, her guard up. "Changes are inevitable, Montrose. I can only hope they're for the better."
Sebastian tilted his head, looking mildly curious. "Perhaps," he said lightly. "Sometimes I wonder if people change for the better, or just for something different."
Eleanor felt a chill. The conversation, though friendly, had underlying tension she couldn't shake. Was he testing her?
"Time will tell," she replied evenly, hiding her unease. "But for now, I think we've both said enough."
Sebastian's eyes sparkled with something unreadable. "Of course, Princess. But I hope we cross paths again soon. There's no harm in old friends reconnecting, right?"
Eleanor stared at him, unsure of his words. Old friends... She almost laughed at the thought. There was no friendship between them. But she kept her composure and nodded politely.
"I'm sure we will, Montrose," she said coolly. "Until then, enjoy your ride."
With a final smile, Sebastian nodded, then rode off slowly, fading into the distance.
Eleanor remained still, her thoughts stormy. He's not the same as before. Or is he? She couldn't lower her guard. Not yet. Not with someone like Sebastian Montrose, whose ambition she knew wouldn't fade.
For now, she would let him think she was just another princess on horseback. She had her own plans and she wouldn't let anyone, especially him, derail them.