As Yuto exited the room, she glanced back over her shoulder. "A certain witch doctor is looking for a pardon," she said, her voice firm.
Without waiting for a response, she left, leaving only the faint echo of her footsteps.
Kaelith rested his chin in his hand, eyes glinting with amusement. "Feisty… I like it."
A shadow emerged from the corner of the room. "My king, I don't understand why you must send her to the city," the figure said cautiously.
Kaelith stretched out, placing his legs atop the desk, his posture relaxed but commanding. "A certain someone is going to visit me soon," he said slowly, his gaze darkening. "I don't want her near the palace. Not everyone can be fooled into believing she is a man."
The shadow fell silent, sensing the subtle danger beneath the king's calm words.
A maidservant had been entrusted to show Yuto around. They wandered through the palace for some time, the maid bubbling with cheer as she pointed out grand halls, ornate tapestries, and hidden alcoves. Yuto's mind, a vault of sharp observation, cataloged every detail carefully, storing each for later. She made a mental note that a certain wing of the palace was strictly off-limits, reserved only for the king himself.
"Do you enjoy horse riding?" the maid asked, her voice bright and curious.
"Yes, actually. I do love riding," Yuto murmured, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Great! Then let me show you to the stables," the maid replied, spinning on her heel and leading the way with a skip in her step.
They walked quite a distance until they finally arrived.
The royal stable was vast, a long hall of polished oak beams and high ceilings that allowed the scent of hay and leather to mingle with the fresh country air. Sunlight streamed through tall, arched windows, casting golden stripes along the neatly swept floors.
Each stall was crafted from fine mahogany, carved with the kingdom's crest, and lined with thick straw bedding. The horses, magnificent creatures with glossy coats and flowing manes, stood patiently, their polished hooves clicking softly against the stone floor. Golden water troughs and brass feeding dishes gleamed in the sunlight, while the walls were adorned with racks holding finely braided reins, saddles inlaid with silver, and blankets embroidered with intricate patterns.
The air was alive with movement—stable hands moving efficiently, brushing coats, whispering calming words to the animals, and the soft snort of horses stirred by the afternoon breeze. Despite the bustle, there was an order and elegance to everything, as if even the stables were a reflection of the kingdom's wealth, discipline, and care.
As they walked one horse in particular caught Yuto's eye. The horse stood like a living statue, its coat a pure, shimmering white that seemed to glow even in the soft light of the stable. Muscles rippled gracefully beneath the smooth fur, each movement precise and powerful, yet elegant. Its mane flowed like silk, catching the light in waves of silver, while its tail swished with a fluid, almost hypnotic grace.
The horse's eyes were dark and intelligent, gleaming with awareness and curiosity, as if it could read the emotions of anyone who approached. Its hooves were polished and strong, perfect for galloping across open fields or parading through royal courts.
Even the air around it seemed to hum with quiet majesty, and anyone who beheld the creature would feel a mix of awe and serenity, as though standing before something rare and untouchable.
"Who owns that beautiful horse?" Yuto asked, pointing toward the animal that had captured her attention.
"You have a keen eye, sir," the maid replied, a trace of envy in her voice. "His Majesty actually bought it for Lady Selene. Although… I think she's only ridden it once."
Yuto raised an eyebrow. "Why would she do that to such a magnificent creature?"
"Well, for starters, the lady hates riding," the maid said with a shrug. "I suppose it's sensible that way."
"So… can I borrow it for an errand in the city for a few days?" Yuto asked, her eyes still fixed on the horse.
The maid hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly. "I suppose… I think the lady may have even forgotten she owns this beauty. By the way, her name is Lunaris, one of her kind."
Yuto's lips curved into a small smile. Lunaris… fitting.
Yuto approached Lunaris with a mixture of awe and nervousness, her hand hovering before touching the horse's gleaming white coat. The moment her fingers brushed against the silky mane, a faint shimmer ran along its fur, like moonlight dancing on water.
Lunaris's dark, intelligent eyes met hers, and for a heartbeat, it felt as though the horse could peer into her very thoughts.
"Easy… it's okay," Yuto whispered. The warmth beneath her palm radiated reassurance, and she felt a peculiar energy humming through the air around them.
Carefully, she swung herself into the saddle. Lunaris shifted beneath her with effortless grace, muscles rippling like liquid marble, and then, with a gentle nudge of her powerful haunches, stepped forward.
The ground seemed to respond to each hoofbeat, softening and resonating with a subtle, rhythmic pulse, almost as if the earth itself recognized the horse's majesty.
As they moved toward the stable doors, sunlight spilled over them, catching Lunaris's mane and tail, which shimmered like spun silver with a hint of ethereal glow. The wind brushed against Yuto's face, carrying a faint scent of jasmine and fresh rain. Her heart raced, not from fear, but from a thrilling sense of connection, of riding something alive yet more than just alive.
"This… is incredible," she breathed. Each movement of Lunaris beneath her felt effortless, yet commanding. It was as though the horse could anticipate her thoughts, matching her courage step for step.
By the time they reached the stables' exit, Yuto understood one thing clearly: Lunaris was not just a horse. She was a creature of rare power and elegance, and for the first time in a long while, Yuto felt truly capable of facing the dangers ahead.
Little did Yuto know, Lady Selene had seen her. Her sharp gaze narrowed, a flash of anger and possessiveness sparking in her eyes at the sight of someone daring to touch the precious gift bestowed upon her by her beloved.
Yuto, unaware of the scrutiny, adjusted the saddle and whispered softly to Lunaris, coaxing the horse forward.
A soft rustle from the shadows made her freeze. Lady Selene's voice, cold and measured, cut through the air like a blade.
"I wouldn't touch what isn't yours if I were you," she said, stepping into the sunlight, her eyes locked on Yuto. "Especially when the consequences of disrespect can be… quite severe."
Yuto's heart skipped a beat. The air seemed to thicken, charged with warning. She had no idea what Selene might do next, but one thing was certain: she had just stepped into a dangerous game, and the next move could cost her more than she had bargained for.