Chosen

Chapter 9

"Didn't sleep well, Lady Rowan?" Norma asked as she put some powder on the dark circles under my eyes.

"Is the bed too firm? Or too soft? We can have it switched out if you like," Martha offered.

"No, no! The bed is perfect. I just... had bad dreams," I said and tried to smile reassuringly.

It was true. I feel like I was awake more than I was asleep last night. Each time I dozed off I dreamed about what in the world today was going to be like.

Every thought from, he is just playing a sick joke and going to send me home or this could be his way of trying to start over.

The maids had tried to put me in a riding dress. Which, in my mind, was a complete contradiction. So even though it made me uncomfortable, I asked to wear pants instead. Martha gave me a stern look but suggested pairing it with a red riding jacket that came down to mid-thigh. Again they tried to do my hair up all nice and elegant but I asked for a simple braid across my shoulder.

Even though I look exhausted, I felt much more like myself which was nice.

I thanked Martha and Norma and worked my way through the massive palace, at least I was kind of learning my way around. When I stepped outside and started walking down the slope that led to the barn I could feel my pulse increasing. And the intrusive thoughts of all the different ways today could go penetrated my mind again.

It was a little cold out today, with a fine mist still clinging in the air. The dew on the lawn made it slick. I was looking at my feet, concentrating on my steps so I wouldn't slip. When I heard Finneas speak, I jumped and made a little squealing noise.

"Good morning, Lady Rowan," he said so politely in his nice accent, it didn't sound like him.

I looked up and gave him a puzzled look.

"Morning," I said but couldn't keep the suspicion from my voice

"Have you ridden before?" He asked with a small smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"I have," I nodded, still looking at him through slanted eyes.

"Perfect, then let's get going," he said and offered his arm to me.

I looked at it in confusion.

"What?" He asked.

"Um... nothing I guess."

I took his arm and he led me around the side of the stable where two servants held two horses by the bridle waiting for us.

One was shorter and a light chestnut color with a white strip down its face. The other, I let out a laugh to see, was Thunderstruck himself.

"What's funny?" Finneas asked, hearing my laugh.

"Oh, nothing."

He raised an eyebrow but continued to walk. He led me to the shorter chestnut horse.

"This is Salem. She's a very sweet horse with a good temperament so I thought you would get along."

My eyes narrowed again. For some reason, I was expecting him to make a backhanded remark about my temperament but he had the mask of a gentleman, and for some reason that made me more uncomfortable.

Finneas held my hand while I stepped on the stool to get on the horse, I tried to ignore the weird feeling it put in my stomach. After we were ready to go the servants stepped back and we started at a slow walk towards the woods.

"There are some really beautiful hills this way so I thought it would be a nice ride," he said, motioning in front of us and taking the lead. "Hopefully the weather clears up."