• Chapter 2: A Perfect Suitor

    At first, Jack was surprised. Then, he slowly returned the kiss. I pulled away for a short breath and went in for a deeper kiss. After what seemed like forever, Jack finally pulled away and murmered in my ear, "Your father's watching."

    My eyes widened and I giggled, "He's probably dancing a jig right now. I've never seen him this happy about one of his selections."

    Jack chuckled, "No love, I requested to come. I've heard so much about you. For years I've listened to any stories about you, any news from your kingdom. And finally, I've come." He smiled at me and stroked my face tenderly with the tips of his fingers. "Now, I've finally met you in person and I realize, the stories lied. Your much more beautiful than they say. Your life is so different from what they say. Your different than what stories tell and to me, that is good."

    I gave him a small, loving smile. "I've honestly never heard anything about you but..." I paused, wondering if I should share my dreams with him.

    Jack gave me a curious look and urged, "Go on. Tell me, love. I can handle it."

    I hope you can, I thought. I stared at him with soft eyes for some time and then finally said, "I've had dreams of you. Your always there when I have these dreams. Usually on you drag-" I cut off mid-sentence. That was such a stupid thing to say. Speaking of him being a Rider in my crazy dreams. It was absolutely insane. Jack stared at me for a while and didn't say anything. He seemed to be thinking. After some time he led me to a stone bench that was in front of the fountain. I sat down without any words.


    Finally, Jack asked, "How much do you know about Riders?" He searched my face for any reactions.

    I kept my face straight and answered, "Quite a lot. You have to remember that my mother was a Rider."

    He nodded. "That much I would suspect, what about dragons?"

    "Some things. I used to be close to my mother's dragon."

    Again, Jack nodded and rubbed his chin. After what seemed like an hour he smiled and then told me, "Alright, I have a surprise for you. Meet me in the garden tonight. Right here. Around midnight would be best."

    I looked at him curiously and nodded. What was so important that he couldn't show me now?, I thought.

    We walked back into the castle with my arm in his. A few servants walked by and saw us. I couldn't help but notice the looks an their faces as they slowly came to realize that Jack was with me. Jack and I walked back to the throne room where my father was sitting in his throne, beaming as if he knew a secret. I eyed him curiously and bowed. Jack bowed also and said, "Your Highness, Kae has shown me the castle and I feel that I know my way around. What we discussed earlier about myself having a guide, I'm sure that it will be unneccessary."

    Father nodded, still smiling. "Then there will be no guide. I do hope that you will tell us if you need anything. You are our guest, it is the least we can do.

    "I will, your Highness. Thank you for your hospitality."

    Father's grin widened and he beckoned for me to come to his side. I went to him obediently and stood beside his throne. He leaned towards me and I bent down to hear him. "Well?" he asked, "What about this one?"

    "Father, I think you've made a good choice this time."

    He chuckled and asked, "So, you think he's a good man?"

    I glanced at Jack who was talking to one of the knights that was always in the room. I nodded and said, "He's a nice man. He told me things about his life and he respects me greatly." I paused and looked at my father. "He loves me immensely. And I, him also. funny how it works, I only met him today."

    Father laughed and turned back to Jack. I straightened and gazed at him also.

    Jack had finished his conversation with the knight and was standing with his hands behind his back. He dipped his head to acknowledge us and waited until my father found the words. "Jack, we'll discuss things in about a week, is that a fine date?"

    He nodded and replied, "A well date, sire. I shall wait unitl then."

    I looked to them curiously and thought, What now? I smiled at Jack. He smiled back, his eyes gleaming with a secret. An anxious feeling settled itself in my stomach as I remembered I was to meet Jack in the garden at midnight. What could he possibly show me at that time? "Father, you don't mind if I go riding do you? I'll take Ani with me."

    Father stroked his beard while he thought. "Well, I suppose. Would it be alright if Jack went with you?" he asked.

    Jack shook his head. "Don't worry about me. I'll go if Kae pleases."

    I smiled and said, "Jack, you may come if you'd like. Just make sure you don't mind riding."

    He dipped his head and held his arm out for me. I took it and together, we left the throne room. I led him to my bedroom and told him to wait outside. I needed to change into my riding outfit and he said he'd wait out there. I entered my room to find that Ani was there. She glanced at me then when she saw my expression she stared at me.

    "He found you one." she stated disbelivingly.

    I nodded and bit my lip. Then I started laughing. "Oh, he found me one. And he's perfect! Such a gentleman too. He's handsome and cares about me so much! He told me that he's searched for any news on my kingdom from his. He even requested to be here."

    Ani's eyes widened and gasped. "Well then, he's perfect for you!" she said happily. "I'm glad you finally found someone!"

    "I am too." I said, "I never thought that it would be that easy. All the others had some sort of flaw. Maybe they didn't love me right away." I shrugged and looked at Ani. "I need my riding outfit. We're going for a ride. You too."

    Ani grinned and rushed to my closet to fetch my short riding skirt and my favoirite tunic. She handed me the skirt and I pulled it on hastily after slipping the other dress off. Ani pulled the tunic over my head and laced the back. I looked in my fullbody mirror and couldn't help smiling. The skirt was a plaid green skirt that went above my knees with a few ruffles on the bottom. The tunic was the same color of green and had long, flowing sleeves. It was made of a silk that felt comfortable and looked amazing. I reached for my belt which was a wide, brown leather strap with a wide buckle. I refixed my hair into a high ponytail and admired myself in the mirror again.

    After I was done dressing I opened my door to find Jack standing with his back to my door. I cleared my throat and her turned around. I felt pride well up in my chest when I saw him slightly gawking at me. I smiled and took his hand. "Come on, let's go." He let me drag him to the stables with Ani hurrying behind. When the guards opened the stable doors I was greeted with the whinnies of several horses. I grinned and automatically went to my horse.

    Jay was munching quietly on some hay when she saw me. She nickered and came to me, butting my cheek with her head. I stroked her muzzle and murmered, "Your going for a ride, girl." She tossed her head and pranced excitedly. I smiled and opened hr stall. She trotted out and went over to where her saddle was sitting on it's stand. I tossed her saddle blanket over her and propped the saddle on my knee. "Jack you can saddle Rusty. He's the reddish gelding over there."

    Jack nodded and went to the quiet horse to ready him for ride.

    Ani was already saddleing her favorite horse, May. She was a white mare with brown stockings and muzzle. The two were close companions and I had given her to Ani.

    I got the saddle on Jay and I was tightening the girths when a messenger ran inside. "I need Sir Jack!" He laid eyes on Jack and ran to him. "Message, sir! Master said it was important!" He handed a sealed envelope to Jack, bowed to him then to me, and ran from the stables.

    Ani blinked several times and said aloud, "How strange."

    I nodded. "It is strange. What does it say?" I asked Jack.

    He had broke the wax seal and was reading the letter. A frown creased his forehead.

    "What's the matter?" I aske dhim, slipping Jay's harness on.

    "Seems like my father's already missing me." he said, folding the paper and tucking it in his boot.

    I smiled and said, "It's not that bad. My father sends me letters when I go on tour of the kingdom."

    Jack chuckled and finished tacking his horse. I did also and Ani too. I mounted Jay and led her to the doors. Jack led Rusty next to Jay and Ani went behind. I waited a few moments then kicked Jay into a slow run. Jack followed pace and caught up to me. I smiled at him and said, "Now, I'll show you the village."

    Jack grinned and said, "Lead the way."

    I smiled and took lead with Jack close beside me. I decided to take the longest road that lead to the village. Several trees bordered the cobble road and were filled with the song of birds. It reminded me when Kayo used to sing to the other dragons to speak. They would fly up in the air and sing. There were different sounds for the mood of the singing. The lower the tone, the sadder it was. The more vicious it sounded, the more angered the dragons was. I remember waking up to the vibrant humming that greived for my mother who had died the previous day. It was low and had saddened me greatly. Just recalling the memory made my heart sink.

    Jack, who was watching me, gently asked, "Are you alright, Kae?"

    I blinked and looked at him. "Don't worry, I'm fine." I told him.

    He gave me a curious look and then smiled. "I think we're nearing the village, Kae."

    I looked ahead and realized he was right. I clicked my tounge and nudged Jay gently with my heel. She nickered and started a slow gallop towards the village. As we neared the outer houses of the village we were greeted with a fanfare. I groaned and muttered, "I wish they wouldn't do that." I heard Jack chuckle and gave him an odd look. He cast an innocent grin and looked away, I smirked at that and continused to lead Jay down the streets.

    {{Stil in edit}}