Snippet #1500111

Adelaide smiled brightly at him, before giving a gracious bow of the head to her father, dismissing herself from their presence. With a quick glance at Raban, she gave him a wave of the hand, though it saddened her that she could not offer him more than that. She missed the time that they spent together, but she understood that he was growing up. He needed his space to grow and thus he had seperated himself from her. However, she couldn't help but think this was how it started with Lionel. He would not directly ignore them, but he would spend less and less time with Ada and Raban. Eventually over time he gradually stopped spending any time with them and finally he became bitter and twisted about their freedom. Adelaide had always known he was jealous of their lives. In actual fact, she had been jealous of his position as crown prince. Wanting nothing more than for someone to listen to her ideas and plans, his position was everything that she wanted. But, as mean as he was, she would have never thought of taking it from him, let alone killing him to take it.

"Lionel, come play..." Adelaide touched his arm, but he snatched it from her grasp. She looked hurt and tried again, but this time he turned and glared at her, his eyes vicious and menacing.

"I can't," He growled, fury written all over his face. "You're just trying to distract me." With an angry shake of his head, he refused to meet her in the eye. She merely frowned at him, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Distract you to do what?" Adelaide asked, looking more than a little confused at his words. "I wasn't trying to..."

"Distract me to take my throne..." It was a muttered whisper. A jealous child with a paranoid mind. The younger girl looked outraged, narrowing her eyes at her brother. His words were unbelievable. He was unbelievable. Now, he had really lost his mind.

"It's called paranoia," She shot at him, turning her back and marching away. "Grow up Lionel. You'll be King one day and you know you will..."

Now, killing him was all she wanted to do with him, if only to keep Raban and herself safe. Lionel would never be King if she could help it. He would not be allowed to take the throne whilst she still stood. Because that was all he wanted. He would take part in this war if only to destroy the remaining Damians and take the throne. Adelaide would do all she could to prevent that.

Returning to her room, she was quick to change from her training clothes to a beautiful satin gown in a brilliant pink. Almost running through the gardens, she had already sent word with Mary to prepare the surprise at the fountain. Coming around a bed of roses, she spotted Kervall and her smile instantly brightened, her pink cheeks flushed slightly. With her hair falling around her shoulders, she swept it to one side, calling his name and approaching him. She could not wait to give him the surprise. It had been something she had been planning for a while. After all, he had helped her so much and now it was her turn to return the favour.

When he bent down on one knee taking her hand, she flushed even more than before, an eyebrow arched in question. "Well fair sir, if you would kindly rise, then I will bestow upon you my surprise." Grinning, she helped him to his feet, holding the hand that wasn't using the cane. She squeezed it gently, leading him slowly around the fountain. As she did, Mary came into sight, smiling herself. Bowing to the pair, she gestured to a man stood alongside her. In his hand were two sets of reins. Stood behind him were two huge horses, one a gentle stormy grey colour, her own horse Storm. He gave a snort when he saw her, tossing his head, his man flicking over to one side. A smile tugged at her lips. Beside her horse stood another, a bay who was staring at them with steady brown eyes. She blinked, holding no response to their arrival. Whereas Storm pranced, she stood completely still, keeping her eyes upon them.

"I know how you dislike horses," She said, turning him to face her with a sincere look. "I wanted to help you solve that. Horses are gentle creatures with a lovely temperament. And this one," She gestured to the bay horse who hadn't removed her eyes from them. "More so than most. I have never come across such a mild-mannered creature. Her name is Lilac and she is yours if you so wish. I simply adore riding into the surrounding forests and it is my wish to share that with you." Giving his hand one more squeeze, she released it, quickly walking to Storm and throwing her arms around his neck. He nuzzled her shoulder affectionately, blowing into her hair. Laughing, she rubbed his velvety nose. Never had she looked more alive than when she was with her horse.

When they were younger, it was the only way that she had found she could escape her duties. The sweet smell of hay welcomed her, no matter how furious she was. It was an escape. When Storm's mother had died soon after giving birth to him, she had volunteered to look after him. Although her parents were not pleased, they did not discourage the act of kindness from Adelaide, after all it did give her something to do. Ever since then she had been raising horses in the stables and almost immediately it was clear that she was a natural when it came to the creatures. But still Storm was her favourite. his calm demeanor and soft nature calmed her and always made her smile.

Looking at Kervall, she arched an eyebrow once again. "So will a Winsler take the risk and ride with Damian? We do not have to go far, only as far as your injuries will allow."