"Sounds like he's really taken with you," Sophie said.
"There's just one thing I don't like about him," I told her, "he's too nice and polite. It's sickening."
She didn't say anythig for awhile. I was used to this. Sophie chose her words carefully to give the best advice.
"There are two things that can happen. You can learn to tolerate him, or you can break off the relationship that you two have started. You don't have to choose right now, but the sooner you decide, the better."
"Is that it?" I asked, hoping that there would be a more suitable option.
"Well, you could always confront him about it. Tell him to let go of everything he's learned about manners so that you can get to know the real him."
I thought about what she said. I left the kitchen and went to the stables. I grabbed my saddle and put it on my horse, Sparkles. I led her outside and climbed on here. I spurred her into a gallop. WHile riding her, I went off into thought. I thought about Sophie's advice and what I was going to do about Jon. Suddenly, Sparkles reared and I fell off. Sparkles ran off towards home and I was left looking up at a boy about my age or so.
"Are you alright, miss?" He asked out of concern.
"Yes," I answered as he helped me get back on my feet. "Thank you,... um,... What is your name?"
"Christopher," he replied. "What;s yours?"
"Serena."
Christopher had gorgeous blue eyes and a dark blonde-kind-of-brown hair that was extremely curly. He was much taller than I was. His skin was almost the same color of tan as Jon's skin.
He must be of noble family, I thought.
His horse was a beautiful chestnut with an up-side-down, white triangle on its forehead. That shows nobility, though Cristopher was dressed almost like a servant. I guess I can't really say anything, though, can I? I dress like a commoner all the time.
"Looks like I frightened your horse off," hee said. "Would you like a ride home?"
"Please," I said.
He helped me onto his horse. The mare neigher in protest of her load getting heavier with the addition of a second person.
"It's alright, Trinity," he told her, rubbing her neck. To me he said, "Where do you live?"
"At the Wright manor. Next to the Mandino mansion."
"You're Serena Wright? Everyone says you and Prince Jonathan are courting." He informed me, surprised as though I should be careful of what I do with my life.
I admit, I was surprised. I had no idea people were thinking that. They make up rumors the day after they see someone dancing and walking through the menagerie that they are courting. And other people believe them, too! Simpletons.
"You shouldn't believe everything you hear. I have yet to become a courtier and my father would disown me if I began courting in secret. Even if it were a prince. Especially if it were a prince." I told him. Truthfully, I was surprised I was saying these words. "How old are you?" I was curious, and the words just popped out of my mouth.
"Sixteen," he replied. "You?"
"Sixteen."
We talked about his family who happened to be the LeBaron's. He was asking if he could visit me soon when we arrived at my house.
"Only until Friday," I told him, "because then I leave for finishing school. If you wnat, you could give me your address and I'll write to you. I'll send my address in the firts letter."
"That sounds nice," he agreed. "Good-bye, Serena."
"Good-bye, Christopher."
He rode off ito the evening, back to his home.
About a half-hour later, Dianis arrived home. Good thing, too, because my father and Lydia arrived about fifteen minutes after her, and we found out before we saw them, that father was in a bad mood. I wondered what would haave happened if Dianis had come home after them. Father and Lydia were arguing over her buying something that seemed completely useless. I thought that must have really been bad beacuse a walk in teh forest usually calms my father down. It must really have angered him since he wasn't in the least bit calmed.
