Ailith - Chapter 3 - Cedric's POV

She laughed tensely. I could see she was hiding her offence at the fact I'd accused her of not being a girl. "I'm just as much a girl as the one's you've danced with. I just was raised in a very practical house hold and I had a-" She paused as if she was about to say something else, it made me wonder what she'd been about to say... "brother... who loved to do everything with me, so we learnt to hunt together. Talking of which, would you like to go for a hunt? If you just give me a chance to change into my riding clothes and perhaps lend me a bow then we could go out right now?" Her hastened and faltering speech told me the boy was either not her brother, or not just her brother.. Perhaps she'd had a beau back home. I wouldn't be surprised.. with eyes like hers...

I then stifled that train of thought and turned to my father, knowing I had to ask him permission for almost anything and he was tired of always hearing "May I, father?". The time waiting for him to decide seemed to drag out longer than it really was. I expected him to tell me that I had to entertain some king's daughter while they arranged trade. But I was surprised with him saying "Have a servant show her to her living quarters first, then ready a selection of guards. Oh, and have a groom ready her horse. You might as well have some fun before court assembles this afternoon."

I silently celebrated. I thanked him and promised to be back before we held court this afternoon. As we followed Finnik, a servant, to where she was going to stay a thought popped into my head, "If you're such a good bows.... woman... then why didn't you bring your bow and arrow with you?" I asked, then added "Not that it's a problem for us to lend you one." just in case she thought we were stingy with our bows and arrows in this part of the kingdom.

"Oh, I just assumed I wouldn't need it. I thought you'd be more interested in the traditional ways of female entertainment." The phrase was ever so slightly poorly worded, and I wrestled with my mind – that had been heavily influenced by my brothel-using incredibly spoiled cousin over the summer – to not jump to wrong conclusions. She then blushed a little, realising where my mind could have headed and divulged what she'd really meant by female entertainment.

"I understand. Now, here are your rooms. I trust you will find them comfortable." They weren't exactly as lavish as some of the guest ones I'd seen in other kingdoms, so I felt like I should be embarrassed. In some places the lady-in-waiting for the queen's quarters are nicer than the ones I was showing her. " I know they are a little plain but I'm sure you'll manage." I apologised.

I could've sworn the girl was hardly listening to what I was saying. Her eyes were filled with the light a child's often gets when confronted with many presents or treats. Her gaze travelled slowly over all the walls, lingering on the book cases as if she'd never seen so many books in her life. "These rooms are... more than adequate." she said, stumbling a little over the words as the regained her composure. "Now, um, if I could bid you farewell for just a moment as I change?"

I blushed a little at how I'd forgotten. She didn't seem to notice the colouration of my cheeks one bit. "Oh, of course. Once you are done call for a servant to take you to the tack room, where your horse and bow shall await. Do you need someone to help you dress?"

"Oh no, I'm perfectly capable of doing it myself. I'm more comfortable that way." she replied. I felt rather stupid, of course a practical girl like her would want to dress herself. She wasn't one of those floaty, drippy, frilly girls who he often spent time with.

I then left the room. As I walked down to the tack room I pondered over how Ailith probably thought I was some snooty noble. It was just my father had taught me from an early age that the sensitive emotional ones, like I used to be, were trampled in the world of courtly politics. I'd been taught to wear a mask, one I now could only break when I was alone.

I also worried for Ailith's safety now she was basically going to constantly be in my company. I'd heard of all the assassination plots and attempts against my life my guards had only just stopped. It made me worry over each step I took. And now Ailith was also endangered by her proximity to me. Father should have warned her.

When I reached the tack room I told them that the horse the applicant for my companion had rode in on must be re-tacked in comfortable hunting gear. I was pleased to see the horse was being tacked with the best stock available.

Her horse had been brushed, had its hooves cleaned, and even had its teeth brushed. The brown horse seemed to suit Ailith: quietly beautiful, but ready for anything.

I walked outside for a moment, only to hear Ailith's voice in the distance, I caught the word's 'not right', 'side-saddle' and 'please' it was obvious Ailith had impeccable manners as even used please with the servants – something I only did when my father was not around. He saw servants as tools, bought or hired to do their function. He saw that tools should do what they're asked with no fuss and no calls for pleases and thank-yous unless they were special in some way. Treating servants as equals, according to him, was a sign of weakness.

As I entered the stable-hands were busy removing the side-saddle that had been put on Ailith's horse. After noting that the side-saddle was of finest quality I realised nothing was wrong with the saddle itself, but the style of saddle. I then noticed Ailith.

Her riding clothes clung to every inch of her slender frame, showing her pronounced curves. Her rich chestnutty auburn hair fell in loose curls on either shoulder, pinned back away from her face at the temples. The green of her outfit brought out her emerald eyes. My eyes had to widen to take in all of her beauty. I then forced myself to speak, "Um, er... You don't ride side-saddle?"

She seemed to sort of smile at my surprise. "Not when I can help it. It's far more practical this way. What are riding leggings for after all?" She explained. She then continued in a way that almost meant I wasn't supposed to hear, "You have no idea how much more comfortable riding clothes are compared to what true ladies are supposed to wear!"

I chuckled at her statement, which had made me look at her clothes again. I felt like all of the blood was leaving my head. So I uttered a stupid statement, "You're right, I do not! But maybe it'd be an interesting experience to try and then compare?!" I then laughed to turn my silliness into a joke.

I looked around, anywhere but at Ailith, "Now, I see your horse is ready. You'll find your bow attached to the saddle." I said, quickly, "Um, let's go."

I was becoming more bashful by the second, but I was sure the thrill of the hunt would shake that out of me. I positioned my hands so she could use them to help her into the saddle – as I'd often done for the girls I'd taken 'leisurely trots' with. She ignored them and mounted with superb skill.

Without a doubt, Ailith was the most amazing woman I'd ever met. I hoped to god she felt something for me.