CHIARA
The next day, we had breakfast together, and as we spoke, some barrier lifted between us since we were all talking casually. After breakfast, he told me that he had a surprise for me and that I should follow him. We walked through the green grass, and a few steps away, I could hear horses neighing. Agitation filled my heart as it pounded inside my chest.
The stable came into view. It stood majestically with its brown brick walls, radiating a sense of everlasting artistry. The wooden-framed windows gleamed under the blazing sun. The white gates were left open, giving me glimpses of horses pacing by. Their high-pitched whinnies echoed through the air. I grounded my legs at the entrance, and my hands started to get clammy. My breathing was heavy as my mind screamed for me to turn back, bolt away, or something.
"Come on in. Welcome to our manor stable, where there are wild stories." Said Carmelo with amusement, walking into the stable. It's okay. We're okay, Chiara. I gripped my pants and walked in, each step heavy like I carried a mountain. The dry and grassy smell of hay and straw reached me, and then the faint chemical smell of disinfectants.
I took in the place, breathing out at how neat it was kept, exuding richness and care. My feet moved slowly as my eyes captured the climate-controlled stalls, each housing a different breed of horses. Caretakers were moving around, attending to their needs as though we didn't exist.
My eyes began to sting. "This way," came his drifting voice. I didn't even realize that he was not with me anymore. I walked into the room. There were customized cabinets with tack equipment, riding gear, horse care supplies, and miscellaneous items of different kinds and designs.
But my eyes zeroed in on particular items; the custom saddlery. I moved closer, my eyes blurring as my hand grazed a brown saddle. My lips trembled. I blinked, letting the tears flow, and then quickly wiped my cheeks, not letting out a sound. I was glad I wasn't facing the man. I seemed to cry a lot since I came to the Conti estate, and I didn't like it one bit. I was never this emotional. It's like something was shifting inside me, or a switch has been flipped.
"This place is amazing," I uttered. "My family takes extra care of horses. Back in the days when my grandpa was still alive, we were riding horses every Saturday. But growing up, we all became busy with other things, thus the custom isn't followed anymore." He explained as we walked out together. "Thank you for bringing me here," I said in all honesty.
This place might've reminded me of the most painful moment of my life, but also introduced a new profound happiness. It has healed something inside me. I couldn't remember the last time I stepped into the stables or rode a horse since Prince's death. I couldn't do it. Not when the images of his dismembered body on a pool of blood, flushed every time I thought of him, or closed my eyes to sleep.
"Oh, we're not there yet. Come here," he said, walking ahead of me and pausing at the last stall. Where a white sturdy horse kicked and made weird noises to see him. Its voluminous tail dancing in the air. Carmelo moved closer to it and rubbed its lush mane, cascading in waves. Maybe I was being delusional, but you could almost see its happiness through its eyes as it relaxed under his touch. Same, horse, same. I knew the magical feeling of his gentle touch very well.
"What do you think of her?" he asked, glancing at me. "She is… majestic," I said, smiling when she glanced at me as if saying, 'Girl, of course I am!'
"Exactly. Her name is Queen." He explained. I inched closer, rubbing her coat, it was soft. "She is yours." He added. My hand dropped to my sides, "Wh—what?" I blurted. "She is a Regina, you are a Regina, it is only right that you, your highnesses should be together. Is it not?" He said, grinning. "You can't be serious," I said in a low tone, not able to hold in my tears anymore. I crushed into his arms and wrapped my hands around his torso.
He patted my hair with one hand while the other rested on my back. "I thought of you the moment I saw it. And then I couldn't stop myself from buying it. Do you like her?" he asked. I lifted my head, while he looked down at me, his eyes glowing with affection, making my heart somersault. I was happy even though I couldn't see myself riding her, ever. I'm afraid I wasn't going to ride anymore; the trauma ran deep within me.
"I love her, thank you." I smiled up at him. "Thank God, you do." He placed a soft kiss on my forehead, a grin plastered on his face. Queen neighed, and we both turned to look at it, still hugging. Could a horse get jealous?
"Sir, we have to go." A firm voice caused us both to turn at the entrance. Storm stood there with her stone face. I swear to God, she was a drop dead gorgeous brown skinned woman. She was the kind of beauty that you could only achieve with mixed parents. A beautiful shade of brown. God took her time with her. It was the ice-cold interior that ruined her image. I knew it was mainly influenced by her work. Bodyguard and all. But the woman could use a serious course in embracing her feminine side.
We parted from the hug. "See you later?" he said. "Later," I replied. He nodded and only took a few steps before he suddenly made a turn and came back with long strides. I held in my breath as he leaned closer to my face and kissed my cheek. "Call me when you need anything, tesoro. And even when you don't," he uttered and left, smiling. I froze watching them exit the stable.
Queen neighed, bringing me back to life. I let out a shaky breath, pressing my drumming chest. "Queen, that man is going to kill me someday." She neighed in response and I smiled. I spent some time with Queen, before heading back to the mansion.