Jinayah smiled warmly at Prince Erick’s acceptance of her offer to ride. “Excellent. I’ll be ready in about two hours. I will meet you at the stables. Just ask one of the servants to point you the way.” When Prince Gil spoke, she turned her head. Her mood dipped just a touch.

“Yes, it is a big day. I, for one, hope that you’re ready to dance your shoes thin.” There was an excitement in her voice that was entirely false. The lie was given away in her eyes. She didn’t mind socializing with the Princes in private. They were just boys, after all, and she’d spent her childhood dealing with them while she trained. No, it was the other nobles that would be in attendance. She could very well do without the conniving, backstabbing, constantly calculating courtiers. 

As Prince Vyarin made his excuses and exited, she too, stood. “Well, I’d best get ready. You enjoy your breakfast. Prince Erick, I will see you soon.”

- 

One and a half hours later, she was at the stables. She had switched out the armor for an embroidered tunic and pants, with high riding boots. While she brushed her favorite riding horse, a rose gray mare with an elegantly braided mane and tail, she hummed lightly under her breath. Blossom always liked the humming. Hopefully no one was looking, as she practiced her dancing footwork to her own music.