Chapter 41 – Fun and a mess
+15 BONUS
Chapter 41~ Fun and a mess
ATHENA
“This is crazy. But fun.” I giggle as the handsome stranger whose name I’ve learned is Zayan pulls on the reins, and the horse moves forward.
The sun is warm against my skin as the horse moves, my heart slows down and starts to beat normally, although I’m still very excited.
I feel… free.
For the first time in weeks, I feel something other than fear and awareness.
Alex sets my soul on fire, but I’m afraid of messing up around him. It feels like I constantly have to be perfect for him, and it’s not who I am.
I’m messy, and I love being free. Even with a missing memory, I can tell my marriage is not one that was based on love.
“Not so bad, right?” Zayan whispers in my ear, pulling me back to reality.
“If we didn’t have so many eyes on us. It would have been perfect.” I taunt.
“I’ll organize a private ride with you on our next date then.” He teases, and I hold back a laugh knowing cameras are flashing.
That next date will only happen in his dreams, but I don’t tell him that, knowing Alex would kill us before he lets me go on a date.
Speaking of which,
Is Alex watching me?
Does he care that I’m with another man?
I highly doubt that. I bet he’s soaked in Leah’s scent, and nothing else matters to him.
I glance around at the other riders, all moving in a perfect line, their horses stepping gracefully as though they’ve been trained to wall to music.
Still, I can’t help but frown a little.
“Why are we moving so slow?” I whisper to Zaya, tilting my head slightly so only he can hear
- me.
He grins, glancing down at me like I’ve asked something innocent and amusing.
I shrug and give him the “I’m new” at this look.
“It’s a parade,” he says, as if that explains everything. “It’s meant to show the pride of horses
1/5
Chapter 41 – Fun and a mess
– their beauty, strength, and discipline. So, we all move in sync. A perfect rhythm.”
I look again, more closely this time.
And he’s right.
+15 BONUS
The other pairs, some women, some men, some mixed like us, are all moving at the same pace, their horses lifting their legs with slow grace, as if dancing to the soft music floating around us.
There’s something mesmerizing about it.
I find myself smiling again, feeling lighter than I’ve felt in forever. With all of us in these riding attires, we look so good.
“Still,” I say playfully, “a little speed wouldn’t hurt.”
Zayan laughs under his breath, and I like that he isn’t taking this too seriously.
“Patience,” he teases. “We’ll pick up the pace soon enough.”
As if on cue, a few horses at the far end start moving slightly faster, their hooves clacking against the ground in a rhythmic, almost hypnotic sound.
Zayan nudges our horse gently, preparing to follow suit.
I can feel the excitement building in me again.
But then-
The music cuts off.
Abruptly.
From loud music to silence.
I blink, confused, as the sound of murmurs ripples through the crowd.
People are looking around now, whispering, frowning, standing from their seats to get a better view.
“What’s happening?” I ask quietly, feeling a strange tightness in my chest.
Zayan shifts beside me, frowning too.
“I don’t know,” he mutters. “This has never happened before.”
A loud voice booms through the speakers, shattering what little calm was left.
“All riders, stop immediately and proceed to the inspection point for re–evaluation.‘
My stomach twists.
2/5
Chapter 41- Fun and a mess
+15 BONUS
The horses slow to a stop, some shifting uncomfortably as if they can sense the change in atmosphere.
Zayan smiles at me, “No worries, love. It’s just standard procedure. Come on.” He jumps on the horse while I remain there as he directs the horse to the entrance.
As we step closer, my eyes land on Arnold, and every hair on my body rises. He’s looking at me with a sick smile on his face.
The man is a creep.
“Do you know that man?” Zayan asks, and I don’t know how to answer his question.
“No. I met him once and I’d be happy if I didn’t have to meet him again.” I respond.
Zayan chuckles.
He’s about to speak when a middle–aged man says, “Please use the private gate.”
Zayan frowns but doesn’t question it as we turn to use a gate different from everyone else.
I’m about to ask why when the answer is slapped right in my face.
I see Ryan first. In his cute haircut and round reading glasses, he gave me a look of pity.
That’s all I need to know that his royal highness is within.
Standing there is Alex, looking calm as ever with green eyes so cold I’m shocked we haven’t been frozen in place.
He looks over at Zayan and then back to me. He checks out my new attire and locks his jaw.
I’m not so enthusiastic about reaching him right now. Maybe dealing with Arnold is not so bad
after all.
Right?
My heart starts to thud painfully in my chest as Zayan helps me down from the horse like a gentleman – though right now, I wish he wouldn’t. I wish we could turn around and ride far, far
away from the ice storm standing in front of the.
I do admit. This was a stupid decision.
“Thank you,” 1 murmur to Zayan as I steady myself, but my eyes never leave Alex.
He doesn’t say a word.
Doesn’t even blink.
Just stands there, hands in his pockets, looking like he owns the damn world —
and me.
3/5
Chapter 41- Fun and a mess
+15 BONUS
I square my shoulders, determined not to let him see how much he rattles me.
“How was the parade?” he asks, his voice calm, too calm – the kind of calm that makes my stomach twist because I know what’s underneath it.
I give him a sweet, innocent smile. “Lovely, actually. The fun was just about to begin when we were disturbed.”
“That’s so sad.” He responds sarcastically, but I dont give in.
Zayan glances between us, sensing the tension but clearly unsure what to make of it.
Before I can even think of what to say, Ryan clears his throat awkwardly.
“Sir, perhaps we should-”
“Not now, Ryan,” Alex snaps without taking his eyes off Zayan.
Then his gaze finally, finally, returns to me.
“Athena,” he says, my name like a warning on his lips. “Come here.”
I don’t move.
I shouldn’t have to move just because he says so.
I lift my chin, holding his gaze, pretending like my knees aren’t shaking. “Why?”
His eyes darken.
Zayan puts a hand lightly on my arm. “She’s fine where she is.”
Alex takes a slow step forward, but Zayan isn’t fazed like other guys normally would. He actually stands his ground, and honestly, it’s impressive.
“Say that one more time and see what happens.”
“Alex, please…” My voice cracks like a broken record.
People are starting to watch, and I panic.
He turns to me, and I know that look.
He hates saying things twice, and I love making ham say it twice, but right now, I messed up
Even though every part of me wants to fight him my legs betray me, and I take a hesitant step forward.
“Alex-”
He doesn’t let me finnish as he turns around and walks away
Chapter 41 – Fun and a mess
Ryan steps closer, “I think it’s best for everyone if you follow him.”
Jade Knight Author
Second one for today. Thank you for reading. Do drop me your thoughts in the comments and a gem if you like the story.
1024
