Chapter 467

[ 1,039 words ]

[Meredith].

After a tense struggle, Wanda finally managed to grab the reins—but the mare kept jerking, and it took her a good minute longer before she could mount, and even then, not gracefully.

It was more like clawing her way up.

And though she tried to hide her embarrassment, the red flush in her cheeks was unmistakable.

Dennis whispered loudly to Oscar, “Someone’s horse doesn’t like her attitude.”

“I HEARD THAT!” Wanda snapped.

Dennis grinned. “Good. I meant for you to.”

Wanda nearly strangled her reins.

Next was Vivian.

Her chosen horse—a tan gelding, whipped its tail nervously and stomped the ground the moment she approached.

Vivian’s eyes widened, and before she could even attempt to calm it by herself, Levi rushed to her side.

“I’ve got it,” he murmured, taking the reins gently.

A stablehand hurried over, holding the horse steady while Levi soothed the animal with surprising skill.

Vivian stood behind him, clutching his sleeve with both hands, her cheeks pink from nerves.

“It’s okay,” Levi assured her softly. “I will help you up.”

And he did, lifting her by the waist as the stablehand braced the saddle so she could mount. She looked adorable perched on the horse, wide-eyed and stiff.

Oscar also had difficulty.

Another stablehand had to intervene while Oscar growled, “Why are these beasts more stubborn than rogues?”

Jeffery, on the other hand, tamed his horse with only a single, quiet stare, and the horse lowered its head in defeat.

Oscar muttered, “Of course, Jeffery gets the easy one.”

“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Jeffery responded—a claim that he didn’t just magically start being able to tame horses out of the blue. He had to learn, gradually, in that matter.

Draven smirked.

When all were finally mounted, Draven guided his stallion closer to me and spoke through the mind link:

“Stay beside me. If anything feels wrong, let me know immediately.”

“I will,” I assured him.

Just then, Dennis called out loudly, “Alright! Race number one! First one around the east field and back wins!”

I tightened my grip on the reins, hearing Vivian squeak.

Draven glanced around, assessing everyone like a commander on a battlefield. Then—

“Go!” Dennis shouted.

Immediately, the horses lunged forward.

Vivian yelled. Wanda swore. Oscar chuckled excitedly, clearly enjoying himself, which was a rare sight for me. I never knew he had this side to him.

Jeffery moved like the wind—silent, swift and terrifyingly efficient, while Dennis shot forward at full speed, whooping into the air.

Draven stayed beside me the entire time, always keeping a half-step between his horse and mine, never rushing ahead even though he could have easily outridden all of them.

I appreciated it more than he knew.

I focused on the rhythm of the horse beneath me—the power, the speed, the heat. It was overwhelming, but no longer frightening. However, I still wasn’t fast. Not yet.

The others sped ahead, and by the time we made the turn back toward the stables, Dennis was already far in front.

Jeffery followed like a shadow. Oscar came next, letting out a triumphant and slightly unhinged laugh.

Wanda pushed her mare aggressively, practically whipping the reins.

She glanced back at me several times, as if needing to reassure herself that she was ahead, which she was.

Finally, I crossed the line beside Draven. And Vivian arrived last, panting, pale, and clinging to Levi like she narrowly escaped death.

Dennis pumped his fist in the air. “Yes! The champion remains undefeated!”

Oscar rolled his eyes. “You won one race.”

“It’s still something,” Dennis claimed, a smirk hanging off the corner of his lips.

Jeffery stayed quiet as always while Wanda tossed her hair too smugly, considering she didn’t even place in the top three.

I was breathing heavily when Draven leaned his horse toward mine.

“You did well,” he said softly.

“I… think I’m getting the hang of it.”

His eyes warmed instantly. “Then that settles it.”

The next minute, he straightened in his saddle and announced, “We race again.”

Vivian groaned loudly. But contrary to her despair, Wanda’s face lit with dark delight. Clearly, she was hoping to beat me again.

Dennis cracked his knuckles. Oscar grinned. Jeffery sighed as if resigned to everyone else’s chaos.

This time, I felt more confident, steadier, and more in control.

When the second race began, Draven didn’t hold back. He soared powerfully and magnificently.

Dennis yelled curses as Draven passed him. Jeffery tried to keep up, but Draven was too fast.

Oscar chuckled, happy that Dennis wouldn’t have another reason to be cocky again.

On the other hand, Wanda gritted her teeth so hard I could practically hear them gnashing. But the real battle was between she and I.

She glanced at me, full of challenge, full of spite, and full of jealousy.

I met her gaze briefly, then focused on the race. Our horses were neck and neck.

Wanda hissed under her breath, “You can’t win me.”

I ignored her.

The finish line neared. Wanda whipped her reins, and I leaned forward, urging my horse with a soft whisper.

The horses surged, and we crossed the line together in a perfect tie.

Wanda froze in her saddle, her mouth slightly parted, her cheeks flushed with frustration and disbelief.

Dennis choked on his laughter. Oscar smirked. Jeffery’s brows lifted with faint approval.

Meanwhile, Draven guided his horse closer to mine, one large hand brushing my mare’s neck before his warm and unbearably tender eyes returned to me.

“My Queen,” he said softly, “you were beautiful.”

Wanda nearly fell off her horse.

And just then, Draven swung down from his horse in one smooth, fluid motion. Before I could steady myself, he stepped to my side and extended his arms.

“Come here,” he murmured.

I placed my hands on his shoulders. His palms settled firmly around my waist, and he lifted me off the horse as if I weighed nothing.

He lowered me gently until my boots touched the ground. But he didn’t release me immediately. His hands lingered a few seconds longer, holding me close.

Behind him, Dennis groaned dramatically. “Oh, great. You two can’t just stay apart. Please, my poor single heart can’t take this.”

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