Chapter Seventeen: Stables.

General Richard's heavy footsteps echoed loudly as he made his way towards the queen's chamber. His forehead creased in a deep frown, and his lips pulsed with irritation.

His frown deepened instantly upon sighting Queen Clara, who was sitting by the mirror.

Clara noticed him approaching through the mirror's reflection and stood abruptly, facing him. "Richard, I thought I've told you before not to visit me here. Do you want the king to...?"

Richard grabbed her arm tightly, his eyes blazing with anger. "It was you, wasn't it? You asked Murdoch to cancel the wedding!"

She jerked her hand away, raising her head defiantly. "Have you lost your mind? How can you barge in here and make such accusations?"

Richard's lips curled into a smirk. "Don't act as though you're not capable of such a petty thing. I know who you are, Clara."

Clara scoffed, raising her gown with both hands as she moved away from him toward the wall. "Richard, Richard, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't pretend, Clara. I know you," Richard said as he walked toward her. "Everything was settled, and then he changed his mind. Why?"

She turned her back to him, wringing her hands in frustration. "I don't know how to convince you that I had nothing to do with it."

He grabbed her hand roughly, turned her to face him, and pushed her against the wall. "Then why did he do it? Did you actually believe the silly excuse he gave about sending the crown prince to more expenditures?"

Clara sighed, raising her head to meet his hard gaze. "That's what he told me as well. I don't know anything else."

"If I find out that you had something to do with it..." he left the threat hanging, blocking her path as she tried to move away from the wall.

Her eyes rolled incredulously. "I swear I didn't do anything." She paused, her tone turning seductive. "But you need not be too disappointed. Arabella can still become queen."

Richard furrowed his brows in confusion. "How?"

Clara raised her hand and slowly traced patterns on his face seductively, her lips curving into a wry smile. "All we need to do is ensure that Jack becomes the next king."

General Richard nodded with a wide grin as he leaned in to kiss Clara passionately.

---

Back in the stable, Elizabeth was cleaning the horse stables, removing the horse waste and bringing in fresh straw.

"What about that spot?" Elizabeth pointed to a particular horse, noticing that no one seemed willing to go near it.

Alice set down her bucket, wiping perspiration from her face. "That's Prince Jack's horse, Thadeus. He's temperamental, and no one dares approach except Prince Jack."

Elizabeth nodded solemnly, getting up on her feet. "I'll go there."

"Don't," Alice's face contorted with worry. "Prince Jack will be here shortly."

"I have experience, Alice. Calm down,"

Elizabeth said as she walked toward the black stallion, Thadeus, tall, magnificent, and strong.

Elizabeth had a deep love for horses. Her brother, Arthur, had taught her how to ride and tame wild horses back in Vitalis, so this was familiar to her. She was more than happy to interact with Thadeus.

While she was still caring for Thadeus, Prince Jack slowly approached, his brows furrowed in surprise. This was unusual; who dared to go near Thadeus? He quickened his pace, wondering who had the courage to do this.

He froze instantly when his eyes landed on her—Elizabeth, the former princess of Vitalis and his brother's slave. A bright smile curved on his lips as he found her incredibly beautiful, with her golden hair glistening in the morning sunlight.

Elizabeth noticed a presence and turned to face Jack, dropping the straw on the floor. She went down on her knees and bowed to the ground in greeting.

"Rise up," he said as he stepped forward and placed a hand on his horse.

Elizabeth stood but kept her head lowered, not meeting his gaze.

"How did you do it?" Jack asked. "Thadeus doesn't let just anybody touch him."

"I learned it from my brother how to deal with horses, Your Highness."

Jack nodded. "Impressive. Please, raise your head."

Elizabeth slowly complied, noticing his bright green eyes and sharp jawline. He was indeed handsome, she thought.

"Please, join me. Let's take Thadeus for a long walk." He beckoned for Elizabeth to join him, and she acknowledged with a bow as they began to walk slowly.

Elizabeth placed her hand on Thadeus as they walked, patting him softly, and the horse seemed to enjoy her touch. Jack smiled, pleased that Thadeus already seemed to like Elizabeth.

"So, how old are you?"

Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden question before looking away. "I'm 19 years old, Your Highness."

"Great, we're the same age," Jack said with a soft smile.

"Thank you."

"For what?" he arched a brow, wondering what she was thankful for.

"Thank you for saving me back there at the palace grounds," Elizabeth said, grinning.

"Oh, that," Jack rubbed his temple. "I didn't do much."

She chuckled at his response, and his heart skipped a beat at how beautiful she looked when she smiled. As they continued walking, they noticed hurried footsteps approaching, prompting them to stop.

Elizabeth and Jack turned to see Arlene hurrying towards them. Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat; she knew it had to be Nicholas, and she wasn't ready to see him.

Arlene reached them and instantly bowed to the ground in front of Jack. After receiving permission to rise, she got straight to the point and announced that Nicholas demanded Elizabeth's immediate presence.

Elizabeth's eyes darted downwards, her fingers trembling. Jack noticed her unease and understood that her brother must have been mistreating her to warrant such a reaction.

He stepped forward, turning a hardened gaze on Arlene. "Tell him I'm busy with her."

Arlene furrowed her brows in confusion, her lips parting in surprise.

"Your Highness, I should..."

"Nonsense," Jack interrupted her. "We're not finished here." He then dismissed Arlene and told her to leave immediately.

Elizabeth's eyes showed worry as she explained to Jack, "Your Highness, I don't think I'm allowed to disobey Prince Nicholas; he's my master."

"You're not doing anything wrong; this is on me," he assured her with a smile. "I would have let you ride Thadeus, but perhaps next time. Let's return to the stable."

Elizabeth nodded with a small smile. "Thank you, Your Highness."

They started back to the stable with Thadeus, and Jack hoped that the moment wouldn't end. If he had the power, he would take her away from his brother and make her his.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, was grinning inwardly, glad that her plan was working. She had guessed right; Prince Jack did have a fondness for her, and she planned to use that to her advantage.

Elizabeth was still smiling as they arrived at the stable, but the smile quickly turned into a scared look as her eyes widened at the sight in front of her. Nicholas was standing in front of them, his eyes blazing with fury and anger as he spotted Elizabeth with Prince Jack.