The Vampire King's Possession
Chapter 365. The Crown Prince

Chapter 365: 365. The Crown Prince

Mauve walked out the front doors of the castle. There was no reason for her to be here. However, the maid had come to get her from the field where Sir Galath was helping her with her horse riding lessons and there was no way she could have refused.

The Crown Prince, Malcolm was on his way here and almost the entirety of the castle was outside to greet him. She could not be the exception even if she wanted to.

"Mauve," The King called to her. "Stand next to your father."

Mauve nodded and moved closer, pretending not to see the glare from mother and son. The Queen stood on the other side of the King and her youngest son stood next to her.

They were guards both in front and behind them. Galath stood directly behind her. She turned around to look at him and he gave her a wink.

She chuckled and turned away looking down the path as the sounds of horses got increasingly louder. At this point, she could make out Malcolm from the incoming crowd.

He was dressed in dark-colored clothes, and there was armor on his arms. He was riding on a white horse.

There were six other riders with him, all together they were a party of seven and one was the lead, riding in front. It was safe to assume it was the crown Prince.

They all had helmets on so one couldn’t see their faces. The horses were huge, not at all like the one she was training with. She doubted her legs would be able to reach the stirrups.

The horses were approaching with a steady trot. They neighed louder as they were forced to stop once they got to the front of the castle.

The horses lifted their front hooves and a cheer erupted from the crowd. A loud trumpet scared Mauve, she had not been expecting a welcome play.

"Malcolm," her father’s thunderous voice resounded.

"Father," he jumped off the horses and took off his helmet.

He tossed it to the ground and rushed up the stairs into his father’s open arms. Malcolm tapped him on the back twice.

"Welcome," the king said.

"It’s good to be back." He was easily taller than their father and as he stepped back, the height difference between them was even more obvious.

They pretty much looked alike except Malcolm was the taller and definitely more fit version. His arm looked bigger than her head. What sort of studies did he go to do? He certainly didn’t look this big the last time she saw him.

The armor clanked as he moved and Mauve noticed the sword on his left hip. The sheath was very pretty, it looked handmade and the details were enough to cause one to stare. Mauve thought the sheath looked familiar but she couldn’t remember why. She had probably seen it before now but her brain was failing to pull out the appropriate memory.

"How was Greysia?" The King asked.

"Cold as ever," Malcolm laughed. "The King sends his greetings, amongst other things."

Malcolm gestured to the horses and Mauve noticed two of them were without riders. She wondered how long the journey took.

"Son," Queen Lale said. "Say hi to your mother too."

As he turned to look at the Queen his eyes passed across Mauve’s face and they briefly made eye contact. She held it until he turned away.

"Your majesty," Malcolm said with a mock bow. "You’re looking as beautiful as ever."

She giggled and stretched out her palm to him. He brought it to his lips and then placed it on his cheek before standing to his full height.

Still holding his mother’s hand he said, "I am home."

"Welcome my son and thanks to the gods for bringing you back in one piece."

"Let’s go in," the King said. "There is no reason why we should remain outside here. I am sure you’re tired from your journey."

Mauve watched them walk into the cast while she stood behind. It didn’t seem like anyone noticed she wasn’t with them and even if they did, they didn’t mention it. She was grateful for that.

"Aren’t you going with them?" Galath asked.

It was hard not to show any reaction at his sudden words. She had forgotten he was with her.

"There is no need for that," she responded. "If it is not too much I’d prefer to resume the lessons."

He frowned, "I’d suggest we call it a day. You have done enough today, anymore, and your back would be so badly bruised that you wouldn’t be able to get out of bed."

Mauve already felt sore, her mid thighs were hurt from gripping the horse too hard. She hadn’t even started moving on her own yet and it was already taking this much toll on her.

All they did was place her on the horse as she fought for balance. Besides, mounting the horse had been a lot harder than she had expected.

She still wasn’t good at it and required Galath’s help each time. With the way things were going, she would take too long to learn the basics.

At least she wasn’t scared and Galath had commended her on it. The worst that would happen would be falling on her face, which was more embarrassing than scary.

"A few more minutes wouldn’t hurt," she insisted.

Galath sighed, "I suppose it would be good to get you used to the horse."

She beamed at him and he squinted his eyes. "Thank you."

"Please be conscious of yourself princess, I don’t want you to end up with another injury or worse."

"Thank you for your kind concern, Galath." She said and started walking towards the stables.

The stables were located on the side of the castle. The part overlooking the fields and trees. The training ground she used wasn’t far from the stable and it was a bit small but they couldn’t use the bigger one as it was filled with knights and guards.

They had been sparing under the sun. Mauve had wanted to ask what that was about but decided against it.

They got the stables and as soon as they walked inside the horses let out loud sounds. The stables were huge. Mauve could count out about fifty stalls in this section and half of them were filled with horses.

Mauve tried to step in and Galath stopped her. "Don’t worry, I will bring the horse out to you."

Mauve flared her nostrils but she didn’t argue. "As you wish," she said and stepped back out to the entrance.

She could smell horses dung and she remembered the last time she had gotten them all over herself. Mill had not been pleased.

"What’s so funny?" A familiar voice spoke.

Mauve jerked, speaking gibberish as she turned around to see Malcolm behind her. "What are you doing here?" She asked, her eyes wide in shock.

"Isn’t it obvious? I came to find you."

She turned away from him, "I suppose. You should be resting."

He was still dressed in his riding clothes even his sword was still at his waist. He towered over her easily.

"I heard about your marriage."

Right to the chase, Malcolm has never been one to beat around the bush, he was also the only one who openly spoke to her.

"It wasn’t exactly a secret."

His eyes widened a little, "That is not the response I was expecting. Do you resen...?"

"Crown Prince?" Galath called out in shock. He started to drop to his knees.

"There is no need for that, Sir Galath. I didn’t think you’d be at the castle. It must be quite serious."

"I escorted the princess to here and figured I might as well remain here until there was any reason for me to leave."

"Is that so? Well, then you have my thanks for bringing her safely."

"You don’t have to thank me, I am glad I can be of use to the Royal family."

Malcolm smiled, "Are you learning how to ride a horse, Mauve?"

She didn’t immediately respond. She hadn’t expected to speak to him so early and it was throwing her off.

Technically, he was the closest thing to a proper family. He didn’t help her situation but he treated her better than the rest of the household.

Their relationship wasn’t exactly brother and sister but it wasn’t nonexistent either.

"Yeah," she said softly.

"Let me borrow her for a few moments, Sir Galath."

"Of course, I will wait."

"Walk with me, Mauve."

Mauve wanted to protest but figured it would be easier and less messy to do as he wanted. She wasn’t curious about what this was about but it didn’t look like she could avoid it either.

He walked at her pace and Mauve could feel his eyes on her. He didn’t say anything for the longest of time and the silence choked Mauve.

"How was it?" He asked.