I was ahead but Raine wasn't too far behind, of course there were obstacles in our way like small little creeks or fallen trees or rocks. We kept going until there was a pretty big tree about to come up, there was a way to stop and slowly go around it but it was faster yet risky to jump it...I had no choice but to jump it to get ahead of Raine knowing Raine and River would slowly go around. The jump was getting closer until Raven had to jump it, it was a huge tree probably around 7 feet wide. Raven and I made it over and Raine was a bit behind so I got Raven to start speeding up, I had never gone this fast with Raven before not daring to push her too far but I needed to this time and she knew it. 

She understood what we needed to do especially with Raine and River gaining on us not by much but still getting close. We kept this up until we got into the forest and lost Raine for some time and I let Raven rest. I layed next to her looking: up at the sky and the trees with the birds, it was peaceful. I didn't want to go back to the kingdom, my parents don't care about me unless I do something to jeopardize the crown or something like that. They only cared about my older sister, Anne was heir to the throne so I was just the extra. I did this a lot to let off steam and be alone and free for a bit, sometimes it worked sometimes it didn’t.

A twig against the forest floor snapped and I wiped around to see Raine and River was already by Raven, who had lifted her head unsurprised and calm. 

“Found you.” Raine said, slightly smirking. 

“For now…I'm not going to be dragged back to the kingdom.” I said standing up and wiping leaves off of me as Raven and River were in the river next to us. 

“You know our horses act more like dogs when they are together” as I said that we both watched as Raven and River splashed and jumped around in the river, we both were slightly laughing watching them. 

“They are like dogs sometimes and I'm not dragging you back to the kingdom. It's crazy there but you will have to go back at some point you know Ren.” I sighed as he said that.

“Yeah, I know Raine…” “I hate it there though, no one cares what I do unless it hurts the crown, it's annoying.” I looked at him leaning against the tree. 

“Yeah I see that, especially with Anne trying to find someone to marry on the throne so she can take over from your parents.” He was standing in front of me but not close to me. 

“I don't think my parents understand Anne and how she feels.'' He looked at me slightly confused, 

“What do you mean Ren?” 

“I don’t think my parents understand that Anne isn't going for a guy…” He had a look of realization on his face, 

“You mean Anne likes women?” 

“Yes, are you surprised Raine, you didn’t know..” I said slightly laughing. 

“Well I see it now Ren thanks, your parents don't realize their daughter isn't into guys…”He said the first part sarcastically.

“Yep and they keep trying to set her up with guys, they still haven't realized and every time Anne goes to tell them something always happens….I think she is going to tell them tonight we should get back to see this, it'll be funny come on Raine.” 

“Fine I guess so.” 

“Don't tell anyone though. Anne would kill me if she knew I told you or anyone.” I walked over to the river where Raven and River were playing and they splashed me, I was shocked for a second and Raine walked over laughing when he got splashed by the horses stunned for a second too and I started laughing and jumped in the river. Raine soon jumped in and we were all in the water splashing and the horses were messing with each other. 

It was getting late as the night sunset sky was reflecting on the water, Raine and I were splashing each other getting closer until we were many inches away but still close, we both were soaking wet and laughing. We both looked at each other silently for a few minutes. I then broke the silence clearing my throat. 

“We should get back to the kingdom before we freeze.” I looked away from him and over to our horses laying on the forest floor. 

“Oh yeah I guess you're right.” He looked the other way across the river, I walked out of the river and got on Raven. 

“I'll meet you back at the kingdom…” I was still not looking at him but down at Raven's mane, petting her. 

“See you there then..” He wasn't looking at me either as he got on River, I was already gone riding back to the kingdom. I couldn't stop thinking of what happened and what could have happened as I rode back to the kingdom quickly since there was a small ball tonight. I got to the castle, put Raven up and out into the field quickly then ran into the castle going to my room and I showered and got ready for the kingdom’s ball tonight. 

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