CHAPTER 153: RIDE A HORSE

The large door to the prince’s study creaked open as Viktor stepped inside. The echo of his boots was swallowed by the thick rug beneath his feet as he walked slowly toward Hades’ desk. The prince lifted his head, acknowledging his presence.

"You called for me, Your Highness."

"Yes, I did. Lilith plans to visit her mother in Eryndor," Hades said, leaning back in his chair.

Viktor narrowed his eyes. "And is there a reason why? Her mother could easily come here to Valyron."

"She could," Hades replied, "but Lilith needs to go there herself. We’ve decided it’s best that we spend some time apart."

Viktor didn’t respond right away. He watched his friend wrestle with emotions he rarely allowed himself to show. "And you want me to escort her?"

"Yes. I want to be sure she’s safe. She needs someone to protect her."

Viktor gave a single nod. "Understood, Your Highness."

"She wants to leave tomorrow morning," Hades added. "You should begin preparing. Take what you’ll need, you may be gone for several days, maybe even weeks."

Viktor bowed slightly. "Very well, Your Highness. I’ll make the arrangements."

As he turned to leave, Hades called after him. "Viktor."

He stopped and looked back.

"Thank you," Hades said, a genuine smile spreading across his lips.

Viktor returned the smile. "You’re welcome, Hades."

He turned and exited the room. As he made his way down the dimly lit corridor toward his chambers, voices echoed faintly through the stone walls. He was halfway there when a familiar voice called his name.

"Viktor!"

He turned to see Charlotte at the top of the staircase, dressed in a loose brown dress that reached her ankles, her black boots just visible beneath the hem. Smiling, she hurried down the steps to meet him.

"Where are you coming from?" she asked, tilting her head slightly in curious hesitation.

"The prince’s study. He summoned me this morning needed me to take care of something important," Viktor replied.

Charlotte blinked. "What was so important?"

Viktor arched a brow. "Is there something I should know about? Why all the questions?"

She shrugged casually. "Not at all. I’m just curious, that’s all."

Viktor studied her for a moment, then relented. "If you must know, Lilith is traveling to Eryndor tomorrow. I am to escort her and ensure her safety."

Charlotte’s lips twitched, barely hiding her intrigue. "Really?" Her eyes lit up with excitement as she clasped her hands together. "That sounds like an adventure. I should come with you."

Viktor raised a brow. "No."

"No?" She narrowed her eyes at him, "Why not?"

He looked up at her, surprised. "Why would you want to come?"

"I’ve been meaning to travel to Eryndor. I’ve heard it’s a beautiful place."

"Who told you about Eryndor? Lilith?" Viktor asked, his tone skeptical.

She pressed her lips together. "Well... yes, she did."

"I highly doubt that, Lucy."

She groaned and rolled her eyes. "Fine. Lilith didn’t tell me about Eryndor. But I’m genuinely curious to see it."

Viktor remained silent.

Charlotte pouted slightly and stepped closer. "I won’t be a burden. I promise. I’ll behave. I won’t cause any trouble." Her voice softened, almost pleading. "Please, Viktor. I need a breath of fresh air, new places to explore. And what will I do here when you and Lilith are gone? I have no other friends."

Viktor sighed, rubbing his temple. "Lucy..."

"I’ll act like a proper lady while we’re there. I’ll keep to myself... and I’ll also keep Lilith entertained, think about it."

He narrowed his eyes, studying her. "You’re persistent."

She smiled brightly. "And you’re indulgent."

Viktor exhaled sharply. "Fine. But don’t stir any trouble."

"I’ll try," she said with a grin, turning gracefully on her heel.

"Where are you off to now?" he asked, watching her head for the door.

She glanced over her shoulder, a grin tugging at her lips. "To the stables. It is wonderful weather for riding. Are you coming?"

He watched her for a moment, then shook his head. "No."

"Alright."

She disappeared through the doorway, her footsteps echoing down the hall. Viktor shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he watched her leave.

He turned to resume his walk to his chambers, but something tugged at him, a strange sensation, a flicker of anticipation stirring in his gut.

He exhaled slowly.

Then turned and followed.

Jogging lightly through the hallways, Viktor caught a glimpse of Charlotte just as she was descending the steps toward the outer courtyard.

"Lucy," he called, his voice echoing lightly over the cobblestones.

She stopped, glancing over her shoulder, a smirk playing on her lips. "Changed your mind, did you?"

"Yes, I did," he said, coming to stand beside her. "I could use a ride too."

"Are you sure?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Well..I also want to make sure you don’t fall off and break your neck."

"Ahh, how charming," she said with a laugh.

"More like caring, Lucy. I’d hate to be the one explaining to Mother and Father how you fell from a horse and broke a leg or worse."

Charlotte placed a hand dramatically over her chest. "You insult me, Viktor. I ride horses excellently. I’ve won a good number of races back home."

"I believe they either let you win, or they were simply poor horsewomen," he replied, tugging at his coat.

Charlotte rolled her eyes. "You are insufferable, do you know that? I have no idea how the women you court ever put up with you."

Viktor threw his head back with a laugh. "That’s rather funny, because you put up with me just fine, too fine, if you ask me. Even though you’ll never admit it, I know you enjoy my company."

"I put up with you because I’m forced to. We practically live under the same roof, and Father refuses to let me travel without you," Charlotte groaned.

"I understand if you feel the need to defend yourself," he said, teasing, "even though your actions say quite the opposite."

Charlotte glared at him. "I don’t wish to ride anymore."

She turned to walk away, but Viktor stepped in front of her, draping an arm across her shoulders.

"Too late for that. You’ve got something to prove, remember?"

She scoffed and shoved his arm off as they made their way toward the stables.