Chapter 67: Galloping on the sand
Anastasia followed four steps behind Prince Dante, her pace a little slower than usual because of her stung foot. She noted that Prince Aiden and Princess Emily had already mounted their horses when they reached the black mustang.
Upon seeing Anastasia not far behind Dante, Prince Aiden lit up with enthusiasm. He exclaimed,
"Anna, why don’t you come and ride with me? Mother has admonished Lily, but no one holds any expectations of me," he said, as if it was something he was proud about. He turned and patted the space behind him, inviting her to join him.
Princess Emily’s slightly pink cheeks turned brighter at her brother’s words, and she glared at him, "Do you have to remind everyone about it?"
"Agree that you were sloppy," Prince Aiden responded to her cheekily before adding, "You and Anna were lucky that it didn’t happen while Mother was at the main palace. You know she doesn’t stand for such things. She would have instantly replaced your maid with a new one of her liking."
Princess Emily turned to the other side and said under her breath, "Maybe it isn’t so bad that they are exiled to the old palace."
During the last three days of their stay in the old palace, Emily felt like there were fewer things to worry about, as the primary trouble was in the main palace. She then turned to Anastasia with a smile and said, "Anna, come ride with me," she beckoned her over by waving her hand.
"She was bitten by a Deathstalker, due to which she will be riding on horseback for the remainder of the journey," Dante remarked, his eyes shifting from one sibling of his to another, before adding, "Not because she is the favourite maid."
"Are you alright, Anna?" Princess Emily’s eyes widened, "I heard the sting of the Deathstalker hurts like a thousand needles pricking your skin at once. Brother Dante was once bitten by one and he fell ill for a week. At least, that is what I heard. Isn’t that right, Brother Dante?" Anastasia’s eyes moved to look at Dante, who didn’t meet her gaze.
Prince Aiden leaned forward to take a better look at Anastasia and asked, "Was that what the commotion was about? Maybe she needs a physician to remove the venom so the swelling doesn’t spread." With those words, the third prince began to dismount from his horse.
"It’s already taken care of, Aiden. Get back on your horse," Dante untied his horse and turned to look at Anastasia, who was back in the spotlight, attempting to hide behind his horse. He said, "She will be riding with me."