Abel helped Clarissa onto Shadowspear, and the five made their way through the castle gates with Gain and Anne in the front, followed by Mia, Clarissa, and then Abel. Shadowspear was as advertised, a very compliant beast that was content to just follow the horse in front of it, so it was perfect for the first-time equestrian, Clarissa—who was still living a dream.

I can't believe I am riding a horse!

Riding a horse was one of the many things that the King did not allow Clarissa to do. It wasn't even as if he had a rule against it—she knew not to ask—and everyone pretty much took it for granted. Clarissa loved Abel, but, even for all of his support and open-mindedness, he had never even thought to suggest that she ride—and yet, Princess Mia suggested that I ride, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. And then there was Anne...The Lady Anne is going hunting with Gain—on His Majesty's horse. I can't really blame Gain for being shocked, I thought my own heart was going to explode when I saw her—but now they are walking side-by-side. I thought I was the only woman that Gain talked to—but he's about to go hunting with Lady Anne!

Just a note: having been corrected by Mia on Anne's correct title, Clarissa would do her best to refer to Anne as 'Miss Anne' while speaking. But in Clarissa's thoughts, she would always be the larger than life, Lady Anne.

*****

Having regained a bit of his composure, The First Prince of Remno took a nervous glance at Anne.

What am I doing? Hunting with a woman? A maid? I guess it's better than picking mushrooms. But, how am I supposed to split the Princess and my brother apart, if I am not near either of them? Damn, I don't even have a plan, and now I am stuck with this crazy maid! I guess I have to talk to her.

"So, you and I will head into the forest, once we are done we will catch up with Abel and the others at the glen."

That wasn't too bad, not much different than talking to Clarissa.

Unlike Gain, Anne had a plan—I just have to keep Gain so off-balanced that he can't even think of coming near Mia. It may have seemed like a silly plan, but it was off to a surprisingly good start. Gain is heading away from Mia, and he's definitely off-balanced.

As the pair headed into the woods, Gain gathered his thoughts and decided to make the most of the situation.

Well, she's an idiot and a woman, I should be able to get something out of this servant that I can use. I just need to intimidate her a little bit, then I should be able to get what I want out of her,

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"So, you know that you are riding The King's Horse?"

"Well, if I didn't know, I would have probably figured it out when you yelled, 'The fucking maid is on The King's Horse!'"

"Yeah, I guess I did say that."

"Yes, you did."

"But, you are a maid...."

"I am."

"...and you are riding Father's horse."

"That is also true."

"So, why are you riding The King's Horse?"

"It's a good horse."

"No one except for the King rides The King's Horse."

"That's not true. I am riding The King's Horse."

"Aren't you afraid of the King?"

While Gain waited for an answer, Anne pulled an arrow from her quiver, and in a single motion notched and pulled back, and then released. Before the arrow even hit the target, she answered, "No, I am not afraid of the King, are you?"

Gain turned his head forward, and saw that Anne's aim was true.

"Where did you learn..."

"A friend... And, you didn't answer the question. Are you afraid of the King?"

"If the King is doing his job right, everyone should fear him... why does a maid know how to shoot a bow?"

Anne, dismounted from the horse, "I love Her Highness, I will learn anything..."

She removed the arrow from her quarry and threw it to Gain, "...I will do anything— to protect her."

Gain looked at the dead animal in his hands. Great Lobo's Ghost, the maid is trying to intimidate me!

"So, you don't believe this show do you? You know what this place is. You know who I am. You know who the King is. You are riding his horse—he's killed men for less."

"And, I am the Right Hand and Confidant of the Great Sage of the Empire. I have fought assassins and Chaos Serpents. I stopped a war on this very land. I do not fear you or your King—and I am certainly not afraid of riding his horse!"

Of course, Anne was afraid! Anne's plan was to intimidate the Prince, she had not even considered that the King might be that much of a wack-job! He's killed people for riding his horse! No, he's killed people for less than that! Why didn't Abel tell me!

Yes, Anne's bravado was a bit of a bluff, and Anne really didn't think that much of her own accomplishments, either. But she had spoken to Mia-maniac Clarissa the night before, who turned out to be a bit of an Anne fan-girl as well. The way Clarissa described Anne's adventures sounded pretty impressive, so she just parroted them back to Prince Gain. There is no way he's going to believe I did all that!

Great Lobo's Ghost! Who is this woman? Gain was very impressed. It really makes sense. All of those things the Princess is supposed to have done. That little girl? Impossible! Ha! But, her Right Hand and Confidant— if ever there was a woman that belonged on a battlefield, it is this Miss Anne!

"So, you are that fearless?"

He believed it?

"As I said, I will do anything to protect Her Highness."

That part was no bluff—Anne was far from fearless—but, she would do anything for her friend.

"Why?"

Gain wanted to know. He needed to know. This person that did not fear the King—what gave her this power? Was it blind hubris, or something else? Yes, Gain wanted to know because he was looking for a way to defeat the Princess—but, more than that— the idea of not fearing the King—it was something that was just beyond his imagination.

"As I said, because I love her."

"Ha, ha, ha!" Gain laughed, "The Princess and my father! Two sides of the same coin! 'It doesn't matter if a leader instills love or fear, but they must make people know that he is better and stronger than they are."

"You may know your King, but you have no idea who the Princess is."

"Then tell me."

Anne smiled, as she reached for another arrow, "I could tell you..."

She let another arrow fly, "but, you are going to have to start pulling your weight first!"

Again, Anne's aim was true.