Rocío breathed in the brisk cool air that hit her face and filled her ears with noise. She hadn't ridden in a little over two weeks and now that she finally held the reins of her mare, she was free. Free of the expectations of her father and mother, free of the fear of the bleak future in her dreams, free of the guilt that flooded her mind. 

“Shall we race to the barn?” Santiago called out.

Rocío turned to her brother and smiled. “Yes!” She replied.

Marquis Félix furrowed his brows. “Where’s the barn?” He asked.

“About a kilometer and half east. Just a short race!” Santiago smiled. “Ready?”

After receiving confirmation from both Rocío and the Marquis, the race began. The horses galloped through the dirt path that was arched by old tall trees. They zoomed past, everything around them blurring from the speed. The clip-clopping of the horses’ hoofs on the path and the wind rushing through her ears filled her entire being. Her body rocked with every step of her mare and she revelled in the moment, fully intent on winning the race. 

Over the galloping of the horses and the wind, she could hear her brother’s laughter as the Marquis passed both of them in his steed. 

Rocío lowered slightly on her mount and did her best to pass her brother, but he’d always been a better rider than her. The few times she’d beat him racing were because he’d let her, as the kind brother he always proved himself to be. It seemed this time, he wouldn’t let her pass him, he was intent on beating the Marquis it seemed.

They rounded a bend in the road, horses easily following their commands and the Marquis had left them both in the dust, literally, as his horse kicked up the dried dirt from the trail. Santiago was now a few meters ahead of Rocío but she wasn’t giving up just yet. If she were to cut through the trees, she’d probably get there first. 

She directed her mare into the trees and off the dirt path. There was enough space between each tree in order to maneuver her horse, allowing her to weave through without slapping her face with branches, or harming her mare. The mare jumped over a set of exposed tree roots and Rocío held on tighter, nearly losing her balance. 

“We’ll get there!” She encouraged her horse, already seeing the roof of the barn in between the trees. 

With every gallop, the barn drew closer and with one last jump, her mare reached the small meadow where the barn sat and with a strong pull, the horse trotted to a stop. A smile widened on her face seeing as she’d been the first to arrive. However, as she rounded the corner, she saw the Marquis already dismounted and feeding his horse a carrot. 

Rocío frowned before she caught her breath. “How did you get here first?” She questioned.

The Marquis turned back to her and shrugged. “I was faster.”

She eyed him, he’d barely broken a sweat, his hair had somehow remained neat, but a little more voluminous, while he gently stroked his horse’s face. He was as tranquil as a dog sunbathing. 

“H-how?” Santiago finally arrived. “I swear you were behind me!” He argued.

Rocío stuck out her tongue at him.

“You cheated!” He complained, his breathing heavy. “Not fair,” he pouted as he crossed his arms.

“There wasn’t any rule against short cuts,” She shrugged.

He glared at her before jumping down from his horse. “I didn’t think I needed to set the rule…”

The Marquis looked between the siblings as Rocío let out a laugh and Santiago continued to glare at her, but somehow he held a mirth within his dark brown eyes.

“Well played, Rosie,” Santiago finally huffed. “I’ll let you gloat this time.”

Santiago helped Rocío off her horse and set her down swiftly. “Did you have fun?” He asked as he pulled a small twig from her braided hair. 

“Oh,” she frowned, “I guess it must’ve gotten snagged after all.” She took the twig from her brother’s hand and threw it on the floor. “Yes, I’m glad I’m finally out riding.” She smiled.

“So, who won?” Santiago turned towards the Marquis as he raised his eyebrow. 

The Marquis remained silent and his gaze fell on Rocío.

“No way, you beat Félix?” A laugh erupted from Santiago’s throat but Rocío’s mouth opened to claim otherwise. “My Rosie beat Félix? Wait till I tell everyone!” He interrupted her from speaking before he wrapped Rocío into a tight hug. 

Rocío stood motionless, her eyes darting to the Marquis, who kept silent and gave her a nod.

“I’ve never beaten him in anything, my sister is the best!” Santiago pulled away with a wide smile on his face. He skipped towards the Marquis and slapped him on the back. “How does it feel to finally be second place, Félix?” 

The Marquis’ lips stretched in a small, barely visible smile. “I assure you, it won’t happen a second time.”

Rocío’s eyes narrowed on the Marquis. Seeing how happy her brother was almost made her push it aside, but the suspicion lingered.

“Ha!” Santiago elbowed the Marquis. “Oh, it will, next time I’ll be the one who beats you.”

“Keep dreaming,” the Marquis teased. They laughed together for a few seconds.

“Rosie!” Santiago called to her. “Don’t you want to see the chickens?” He asked.

Rocío nodded, walking up to the men and joining them as they walked to the barn, where some chickens were kept. “Are the sheep already out?” She asked.

“Didn’t you see them on the way here?” Santiago furrowed his brows. Upon her silence, he chuckled. “Oh, that’s right, you cheated.”

Rocío rolled her eyes and pushed him playfully, causing him to stumble and earning another laugh from him.