Once upon a Princess (Atypical Series #1)||✔️

2.Bump in the road

ALEXA

I slowly descended the stairs, my eyes fixated on the tall, dark-haired boy who was conversing with my father. Having reached the last step, I made my way towards them. Graham spotted me, and I locked eyes with his chocolate brown ones. He flashed me his signature cocky grin; that I grew to hate. I returned my fakest smile and Graham winked.

When I approached them, Graham snaked his arm around my waist, hovering subtly over my butt and whispered something into my father's ear.

Father laughed at whatever it was said and stepped back to allow us to leave. Without uttering a goodbye, I allowed myself to be led out the door, leaving my father at the doorstep.

"Come on," Graham said, leading me down the stairs and towards his horse, Thunder. He was large majestic, black horse that I think I like better than Graham. Thunder whinnied a greeting at me as I patted his face.

Graham helped me mount Thunder and then mounted himself. I unwillingly placed my arms around his waist as Thunder trotted away from the castle.

~~~

"It's like they already placed the crown on her head. And called her Queen you know?" I complained to Graham.

Earning no reply, I peered over Graham's shoulder to see him focused on steering Thunder along our favorite path towards the forest while sneaking glances at his phone.

"Are you even listening?" I screeched, flicking his ear.

"What? Oh yeah sure. Look at this." he replied, angling his phone over his shoulder so I can view his phone. Lo and behold, it was a picture of him.

"Do you think my nose looks straight?" he questioned, his attention still focused on guiding Thunder.

"Ugh," I rolled my eyes in response and shoved his hand away.

I told myself to forget about Graham and focus on the familiar beautiful forest we entered. There were tall, willowing trees and flowers of any color you can imagine lining the walkway. Birds of different species chirped harmonious melodies and washed away my troubles. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the cool breeze on my face and the sounds of nature.

After what seemed like 2 hours, I started to get uncomfortable. My butt hurt, I needed to pee, I was hungry, and it was getting dark, which was making it harder to appreciate the beauty of the nature around me.

"Graham. Where are we?"

"I don't know," he murmured. I noticed he clutched Thunder's reigns a little bit tighter.

"Ha-ha, very funny Graham," I said, punching his shoulder. I was hungry, and I immediately regretted not eating enough that morning.

"I'm not kidding Alexa. I really don't know where we are," he said and this time I detected a trace of fear in his voice.

"I decided to switch things up a bit and go a different route. I kind of lost track and went too off route," He continued, sheepishly.

"What?" I screeched, trying to make sense of the trace that Thunder was guiding us along. A rustling coming nearby from the bushes.

"What was that!" I whispered, clutching Graham tighter.

He looked around frantically, probably trying to make sense of the track just as I had done.

Just then, there was this low growling sound, that made the hairs on my neck and arm stand up. Thunder halted abruptly and whinnied in the direction of the bushes, moving towards the sound. Whatever it is he saw through the bushes, he didn't appreciate, because he immediately galloped away, into such a speed that I prayed to the highest heavens that I wouldn't fly off.