"Ok, I'm all set," I said as I fastened my helmet together. I was going to ride on one of the "royal" horses. It was in the afternoon and I was finally going out of the palace for once. The queen knew I could take care of myself because of my history but the "king" on the other hand looked like he didn't even care.

About an hour later, we came across a lovely waterfall where the horses stopped to take a drink. That was when my sensitive ears caught the sound of footsteps more likely of another horse's. How surprised I was to see Sebastian ride in with a beautiful silver horse. If I remember correctly the name of the horse was Felix. Cassian and I got down from our horses to face the king. He strode towards us with a murderous scowl on his face. 

"Excuse us, Lord Hendrix," he snapped once he was within arm's length, glaring at poor Cassian who looked like he didn't know what he did wrong. I crossed my arms while waiting for what he had to say. Once Cassian was out of earshot, he whirled to me.

"What the hell are you doing with Cassian, and without any guards for that matter, " He began, his eyes flashing dangerously. His animal side was finally showing for the first time I got here. The first royal family of Alynthia could shapeshift. Therefore, anyone who carried their blood in their veins could do the same. I rolled my eyes.

"What!" I shouted I saw him flinch. "I can't hang out with the only person I'm friends with here?

"Not when you make eyes at him," he fired back. "Do you know how bad this would be for my reputation?"

I stuttered. How dare he. I was going to kill him. Underneath my anger, I also felt a little hurt. Just a teensy little bit. What about my reputation?

"Cassian is my friend," I said, starting to feel a little calm. "And what about my reputation?" 

"No girl in Alynthia behaves this way," He said scornfully, his voice was grim and cold. He looked away with distaste in his eyes, not answering my question.

"Some girls do act this way," I wanted to call him stupid but I might get punished or worse. I could get whipped! And it actually hurts. 

"And they didn't do it at anyone but to you!" I roared. 

He looked as if he's been slapped. Good. I actually want to slap him. His eyes softened and he stepped closer to me. I pushed his chest. He stumbled back with wide eyes. Now we were at least two meters away. I quickly ran from him and jumped on my horse.  My horse galloped away into the forest nearby. I heard him call my name but I didn't want to be near him. I was tired of the palace crap. Suddenly, I realized we were deep into the woods and my poor horse had suddenly stopped. 

I looked around me, observing my surroundings. Footsteps started running at me from all directions. I thought it was Sebastian but he didn't have this many feet. I'm glad I at least brought my staff with me. I readied myself for an attack. Five raiders jumped out of the trees. My eyes narrowed. They each had twin swords. I always wanted one. Maybe I'll steal their's when I kill them. I took out my staff, making sure it was full length. I couldn't see their faces but they could see mine. The first one went for my staff, trying to take it away. Incredibly stupid. I kicked him in the face, keeping my arms out for the rest of them who tried to interfere. Not long after, 5 bodies laid at my feet. I wipe my hands together though it was not long before the sounds of horses appeared. I looked up to see Sebastian looking at me, worry and concern in his eyes. I scoffed before trying to find my horse but during the chaos, he had ridden away. I was planning to walk back to the palace but KTB gave me a hand. I debated it for a moment. 

I took it.

I sat behind him as he took us back to the palace. "You are good at fighting," He commented. I bet he sure feels stupid for trying to force me into "learning" from Shayna who was rated the number one fighter in this kingdom.

I scoffed. "I'm not good. I'm fantastic." This was the first time I decided to admit that I was good. I didn't care how I acted when it came to him.

I could have sworn I heard him chuckle but decided against it and mistake it for the sound of horse hooves.