Alexi walked across the packed earth, ice crunching underfoot as he made his way towards the stables. The sun was barely showing over the tops of the mountains looming over them but thankfully, this far north, cloud coverage was thick and dense, keeping the suns rays from his skin.

The smell of hay and horse grew stronger with each stride. He could hear the nickering of the horses within. The stable was a decent size for the castle. Nothing compared to the royal stables at Castle Silencia, but it was modest.

Birds began their morning song in the distance as they woke with the rising sun. The Princess was probably still asleep in her bed, lazing about. Alexi knew the King had told her to be ready by sunrise. They were due to leave within the hour.

He pushed open the stable doors and what he found inside shocked him to his core.

Evelyn stood in the aisle, saddling a horse he didn’t recognize, wearing clothes he was positive he’d never seen a woman wear. She was dressed from head to toe in mens fashion. Riding breeches, a tan linen shirt tucked in, a treated cloak to keep the snow off her and leather boots. Her hair was plaited down her back, hanging off her right shoulder. She also had a long sword strapped to her waist. The red gem sparkled in the morning light.

The sound of his entrance caught her attention but not enough to stop her from pulling on the girth tightly and buckling the saddle on.

“Nice of you to join. I was afraid you were one of those Prince’s that refused to saddle his own horse.”

The Princesses tone he did not appreciate one bit. But he let it slide, still completely focused on her inappropriate attire.

“What in the world are you wearing? Why are you here?” Alexi blurted out.

Now Evelyn stopped what she was doing, turning her full attention on the Prince, raising one brow up at him.

“I believe these are called pants. You should know, seeing as how you are wearing a pair yourself, my Prince. As for why I’m here, I believe you chose me among my sisters as your future bride. Now if you're asking why I’m here in the stables at this hour, the King informed me last night that we would be leaving at dawn. I am getting my horse ready to ride,” Evelyn said, pointedly attaching a leather harness to the mare’s head.

“Women wear dresses, especially women of high standing and importance. As a Princess you are expected to show a certain sense of decorum and respectability. This is not it,” Alexi led his stallion out of its stall and began to saddle him for the day's ride. “Besides, you shouldn’t be riding. Your place is in a carriage.”

“I may be a woman, but please don’t let my sex fool you. Do you want our trip to take days longer by riding in a carriage? I know the passes through the mountains are treacherous for anything wider than a thoroughbred. By riding, we’ll be able to get to Castle Silencia quicker.”

Evelyn led her mare up alongside Alexi, stopping just beside him. He had more things he wanted to say to her but found himself biting the inside of his cheek, holding back the words. She did have a point. Although, he did not like the idea of her wearing mens attire or riding a horse alongside him.

Evelyn studied his face, taking in his demeanor and sighed. “I can see you're struggling with this. I understand you're older than me. Much older and probably set in your ways, but you’ll soon find out that I am not your typical high born lady. I do not always follow the rules of engagement or etiquette, but I will never embarrass you in a formal setting. That I can promise. If you wanted a pretty, docile wife, you should have chosen Margarette. If you wanted a young, vibrant, malleable woman, then Justine would have been perfect, but instead you chose me. Probably figuring I’d be the quietest of the three and easily manipulated. I am sorry to disappoint my Prince, but I am not that kind of woman.”

Alexi stood there for the first time in his existence, speechless. Of all the scenarios for how his future wife may behave and conduct herself, he never quite imagined himself meeting his match. Evelyn just might be that.

“There you are son.”

The King’s arrival startled them both. Alexi snapped his head in his father’s direction. Evelyn jumped a bit, her eyes widened at something that almost tasted of fear, but was quickly replaced by a sweet smile and curtsy.

“King Alexander, good morning,” Evelyn said sweetly.

“And good morning to you, Princess. I see you are already saddled and ready to ride. Would you not be more comfortable in a carriage?” King Alexander asked her curiously.

“I think I might prefer the fresh open air, my King. I’d hate for a carriage to obscure the beautiful sights of the North. I’ve never been this far from my father’s kingdom and I’m eager to explore it all,” Evelyn smiled brightly.

Alexi’s jaw almost dropped to the floor but he locked it firmly in place. He couldn’t believe the way she was behaving in front of his father and what was worse was he was puddy in her hands. Beaming at her with his white, sharp teeth. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw his father smile quite so wide.

“It’s a shame you’ve never visited our country before my dear, but soon enough you will be Princess of Leon and all of the North will be yours. Come my dear, walk beside me and I will show you all of the North,” the King gestured for her to follow him out of the stable.

It was considered a high honor to ride alongside the King and Evelyn had just been given that honor. Alexi watched as she followed after his father, but not before she glanced back at him, giving him a sly wink before disappearing out of sight out of the barn.