The maids tugged and pinched at Rosalindes waist, after seven days of confinement and basic meals the already thin young man had lost some more weight.

Adellei sighed.

"This wouldn't have happened-"

"-If I'd just gotten along with my brothers. I know, I know. Now will you quit it and dress me already?"

The freckled maid shook her head, but pulled did as she was told.

Today would be a lovely, light linen gown, perfect for the warming weather. She adorned her masters neck with orange gems, fitting his eyes.

The princess said little other than a timid thanks, knowing Adellei would be furious with him later.

He intended to go for a ride with Henderik, after having heard of his great achievement with Rose.

The beautiful, light yellow gown would not get away unsullied.

A bit of guilt washed over him, knowing Adellei put so much into his appearance, but what could he do?

Maias strong, steady hands dug into his broad shoulders, loosening some of the tension. Then, with a last steady slap she forced him to his feet.

"You can do it buddy."

Henderik couldn't speak, fear freezing his toung. His princess would be here any moment, and he tried to gain some composure before he arrived.

"I can do it."

He muttered quietly.

"What was that?"

Maia put a hand to her ear.

"I CAN DO IT!"

He had expected his friend to laugh, but she was quiet. He turned to look at her, and his face turned red.

There he stood, Rosalinde, with a smile creasing his face that would make the sun jealous.

Quickly Henderik motioned to greet him formally, but the princess waved dismissively.

"No one's around. There's no need."

"...Yes. You... uh."

His eyes wandered over the smaller man before him, his wrists seemed frail.

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"I know right? Adellei insisted I wear this, she will hate me later."

Rosalinde grabbed the fine linen and attempted to tie the skirts in a way imitating pants, but he couldn't quite get them to hold.

Henderik, having seen this many times, moved without thinking to help.

"Thank you. Maia, would you be a dear and get Rose ready?"

The princess barely regarded his knight, who's hands skillfully tied his clothes. His breath on his chest.

When he was done, he followed Maia inside.

Henderik was allowed to wait outside the stables.

He was grateful, not only because he wouldn't be forced to walk amongst the beasts again, but also because he hoped the heat in his face would leave until they were back.

The first to emerge was Maia, Rose in tow. She trotted behind, in her usual dewy eyed, calm manner.

Then Rosalinde came into view, the huge, evil beast behind, as docile as a lamb.

The powerful animal looked around as she stepped out from the shadows. Looking for unassuming victims to slaughter, Henderik presumed.

Daisy gently nuzzled Rosalindes shoulder, prompting him to pat the fuzzy nostrils.

Henderik shuddered.

Rosalinde however, commanded Daisy to stand, and let go of the reigns, much to the knights horror.

But Daisy obeyed, watching her master for new commands, while he took the reigns from Maia.

Now bringing Rose closer to Henderik.

"I'm really proud of you, taking her out all on your own must have been a challenge."

He nodded, not letting Daisy out of his sight.

"Now then, why don't you say hello to each other?"

Rosalinde took his hand, and waited for permission, when Henderik forced out a little "okay" he proceeded to gently place the knights hand on Roses soft snout.

She neighed softly.

"Great. You are doing so well."

There was no hint of sarcasm in his masters voice.

"Thank you..."

"What do you think? Would you like to walk with her a bit? Before we decide if you'd like to ride?"

He nodded, and took the reigns. With his princess standing so close, he found it easier to approach the animal.

Rosalinde had managed to tame Daisy, he wouldn't let this horse freak out on him.

He gave his knight an encouraging pat on the shoulder, then turned to Maia.

"Would you kindly bring out a stepstool? In case we do decide to ride. You may rest afterwards."

Maia obliged, and Rosalinde called for Daisy.

The mighty horse trotted faithfully behind his master, not needing her reigns to be held, as he and Henderik took a slow stroll.

The horses stopped to graze frequently, and Henderiks tension decreased slowly.

Rosalinde had started to practice some tricks with the milky mare. Making her raise her hoofs, turn, sit and lay down with small gestures.

Rose watched with her intelligent eyes, she seemed a little interested, despite the grass below her taking up most of her attention.

Henderik, seeing this, took a deep breath.

"My lord?"

"Yes?"

"I would like to try riding now. If that is all right with you."

Rosalindes face lit up.

"Of course! Let us get the stool!"

The courage he'd managed to gather started leaving him as they walked back, knowing what would come next.

But he was committed now.

Rosalinde commanded Daisy to stand a bit away, so that Henderik could get on his horse comfortably.

"You may steady yourself on my shoulder."

Grateful, Henderik did just that. His long legs could easily get on the horse, even wothout a stool, but he did not feel safe mounting without aid yet.

After a short struggle he sat, safely in the saddle. It was a strange feeling, sitting so high up, but Rosalindes hands adjusting his legs and checking the saddle made sure he had no time to think of how much a fall would hurt.

"Shall we walk a bit first?"

Henderik managed a stiff nod.

As Rosalinde led him on Rose, followed by Daisy, he couldn't help but feel a bit of shame.

He hadn't always been afraid of horses, in fact horseback riding was part of the requirements to become a knight.

About five years ago he used to be quite good, even having won a few races. But then he whitnessed his friend fall and get trampled to death during the spring hunt.

Henderik still heard the crunch of bones in his nightmares. Ever since he'd had trouble with horses. He'd seen real combat only during the hunt, as castle knights were mostly just for decorations. Noone dared to attack a royal, as they were the only ones who could use magic, so he had never been in a serious fight with another person.

Sure, he was great at killing monsters, but that was in a controlled environment too.

He wondered if he would be of any use to Rosalinde were things to get serious.

They'd walked quite a bit, steadily and slowly. The spring hunt would come soon, it was held at the end of every spring ball. He'd been able to stay on foot the past few years, but perhaps he could try to take Rose with him.

Maybe that would take Rosalindes mind off his engagement.

"My Lord?"

"Yes?"

"I would like to try to take the reigns myself."

The surprise on Rosalindes eyes only lasted a second, then, with a bright smile he handed Henderik the leather.

"Then I shall be right beside you."

With that he effortlessly swung onto Daisies back.