The Crimson General Desires no Prince! (GL)
Chapter 39 - 35: Taking A Princess Home (III).

Chapter 39: Chapter 35: Taking A Princess Home (III).

Chapter 35: Taking A Princess Home (III).

"Does this fit? It was hard keeping the pants under the dress but at least I’m now prepared for horse riding." (Princess Camille) did have some help with her maid that was inside the carriage.

"General Bonheur may I ask what is the meaning of this? Why is the princess wearing a horse riding outfit-" (Sir William) got his mind back on track after what just happened.

When it comes to these two being together it makes him more tired than usual. Is this how it feels like third wheeling, he understands Jonathan’s pain a little more better now.

"Sir William, my fiance has asked for me a favor. She wants to learn how to ride a horse, I thought it was a lovely favor." She brings in Black Beauty who stomps her hooves for a moment, presenting herself. "It won’t be dangerous as you’ve seen before- my horse will be perfectly fine for her highness to ride. I’ll be making sure that this won’t hinder our journey to my village and riding a horse on their own is a good survival skill for any person to have."

The Crimson General smiles looking excited, like a little girl who can’t wait to play.

Sir William is weak against those types of faces and since he has great respect for a person who saved their kingdom he decided to let the two of them go.

"Fine..." He turns to his men, urging them to leave the two lovebirds alone and just continue on the road. "You heard her men! Don’t worry, her highness will be fine with the crimson general herself!"

"Thank you, please go on ahead on the road, we’ll catch up." (Rowan) waves goodbye as the rest of the party heads on out first without them.

"Make sure her highness is safe, general." (Sir William) requests and proceeded to mind his own business.

The other royal guards sigh, giving the reins a light flick, urging their horses forward. Apparently they’ve been now stationed to guard the former crown princess into the crimson general’s home.

They know not to take anyone else’s order and only the princess’ but General Rowan’s natural charm and commanding aura makes it a bit hard not to go with the flow.

"They’re just doing another date activity."

"Sigh... this is the job I picked. I can’t complain."

"Well off we go, men!"

The three carriages moved, containing all of her belongings and servants.

Rosewood Village is only a day and a half far from the border thankfully. Everyone’s body will be stiff and tired by the time they get there.

[Notification: Heroine is happy being alone with the princess]!

[Happiness: +20].

Princess Camille was impressed as the royal guards moved on without the two of them.

"You actually managed to sway them on leaving the two of us alone?" She laughs, the royal guards would never listen to anyone other than a member of the royal family- but then again Rowan is now part of her family.

"Mm, and as promised I will now teach her highness how to ride a horse."

The morning air carried the scent of fresh grass and damp earth, the soft chirping of birds mingling with the distant sounds of royal guards continuing on their journey in front of the road. The rising sun bathed the open field in golden light, casting long shadows over them.

"Your highness, say hello once more to Black Beauty. I’m glad you two are getting more acquainted. You’ll be trying to ride her on your own today, once you’ve bonded with them they’ll learn how to trust you and you can do the same." The Crimson General stood with the easy confidence of someone who had spent her life on horseback.

One hand rested on the saddle, the other holding the reins with effortless control. Her dark riding jacket, lined with crimson embroidery, bore the subtle sheen of fine craftsmanship, yet she looked utterly at home in the dust and open air.

Princess stood beside Rowan giving black beauty a warm smile, "Hello darling, fancy meeting you again. Can I rely on you to take care of me just like last time?" (Princess Camille) asks Black beauty.

"Sniff."

Black beauty sniffs her and snorts, letting the princess do whatever she wants to her. She understands that her master has taken great interest in this woman, there’s a few hints here and there that a horse can easily pick up.

She’s making sure to be careful not to hurt the human girl.

"What a good girl, but I’m quite nervous of riding your own steed without you. Last time you were taking the reins."

Rowan turned her head, amusement flickering in her sharp gaze.

"I would not worry, your highness. I believe that my partner has already fallen for your charms. You know, black beauty was once a wild horse that no one could tame. She was almost put down because of it." She gave the horse an idle pat. "I didn’t give up and managed to get her for free. I told you the story of how I saved a wealthy noblewoman- they told me to pick any horse and I chose her."

"I could never imagine a good girl like her would be a rogue, quite fitting for someone like the general." She laughs, thinking of Rowan like a rogue heroine that changed her story on her own terms.

"You may now try getting into the saddle, your highness. She’s not going to throw you off the moment you get on. But she can sense hesitation. If you hesitate, she will too."

Princess Camille swallowed after hearing that. "Right."

She took in a deep breath, nodding as she stepped forward, her fingers brushing against the saddle’s edge. Rowan watched her, patient but attentive.

"I’ll instruct you first." Rowan said, stepping beside her. "First, take the reins- lightly, not too tight. You want control, but you’re not trying to choke him."

Princess Camille obeyed, feeling the weight of the leather straps in her hands, adjusting her grip carefully. The stallion flicked its ears but remained still beneath her touch.

"Now, your left foot should be in the stirrup." Rowan’s voice was calm and even, like a steady rhythm guiding Princess Camille’s movements. "Grip the saddle with your hands and push yourself up. You’ll need to swing your right leg over in one motion."

Camille placed her foot in the stirrup, heart pounding as she braced herself. She bent her knee, gripping tightly- then hesitated.

The second she did, Rowan moved.

Warm hands found her waist, firm yet careful, steadying her before she could even stumble.

"Don’t overthink," Rowan murmured, voice lower now, softer, meant only for her.

Princess Camille inhaled sharply, trying to ignore the way Rowan’s hands felt against her waist- solid, reassuring, but also something else, something she didn’t want to name. Gathering herself, she pushed off the ground, gripping the saddle tightly as she swung her leg over.

The moment she settled onto the seat, she gasped, the sudden height making her instinctively reach out for balance. Rowan didn’t move away. Her hands lingered, one at Princess Camille’s calf, the other lightly brushing against her lower back.

"There," Rowan said, looking up at her with a wide smile. "You did a good job, your highness."

Princess Camille exhaled, her fingers still gripping the reins a little too tightly. She dared to glance down at Rowan, their gazes locking for a lingering moment. She should thank her. Say something lighthearted, tease her about being so concerned. Instead, what left her lips was quieter.

More honest.

"I wouldn’t have gotten up there without you."

Rowan tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable, though something in her gaze flickered at the words. For a moment, Camille thought she might say something back. But instead, Rowan finally stepped back, her hands leaving her as she straightened.

The loss of contact was immediate, startling.

"Well, your highness." (Rowan) said, clearing her throat slightly, "Now that you’re up there, let’s see if you can actually make him move."

Princess Camille adjusted her hold on the reins, but she could still feel where Rowan’s hands had been.

The rush of blood went through her head, she had a feeling this lesson would be far more difficult than she anticipated with all the sensitive touching.

Princess Camille swallowed, adjusting her grip on the reins as she tried to steady herself.

"Mrrph."

The saddle felt too high, the horse too broad beneath her. Rowan took a step closer, her presence grounding despite the space between them.

"Relax your grip," she said, her voice softer now. "If you’re too stiff, he’ll feel it."

Princess Camille let out a slow breath, willing herself to loosen her fingers, but it was easier said than done.

A moment later, Rowan’s hand was there, resting lightly over Camille’s, her palm warm against the back of her knuckles.

"Like this," (Rowan) murmured, guiding her fingers gently.

She adjusted Princess Camille’s grip just slightly, her other hand brushing against her forearm, steadying.

"You don’t need to force him," Rowan continued. She guided Camille’s fingers ever so slightly, coaxing the reins forward.

The horse shifted, its ears twitching, and then, to Camille’s astonishment, it began to move.

"I did it!"

Rowan’s hand lingered a moment longer before she pulled away. "You did," she said, a smile in her voice.

She could still feel Rowan’s presence beside her, close enough to catch her if she faltered- but as the horse took another careful step, she realized something.

Rowan wasn’t holding on anymore.

"..."

She glanced down. The general had taken a step back, hands at her sides, watching but not interfering.

Trusting her.

Princess Camille met her gaze, something warm and unfamiliar stirring in her chest.

"Well I think I can manage on my own, are you ready to ride with me, teacher?" She offers her hand with a smile.

As if she’ll let the pretty heroine walk!