Four horses thundered through the forest, hooves kicking up leaves and sunlight streaming between the trees. Laughter rang out like birdsong as the Pendragon siblings galloped side by side, wind in their hair, the world momentarily stripped of crowns and courts.
They vaulted over a fallen log in near-perfect sync, years of riding etched into every graceful movement.
Arthur leaned sideways on his saddle and tapped Artizea's arm with a grin.
"Tag—you're it!"
Artizea let out a delighted laugh and surged ahead, her cloak billowing crimson behind her as she reached out and smacked Eugene's shoulder.
"Your turn, scholar."
Eugene rolled his eyes playfully, pushing his horse faster until he caught up to Elaine.
With a well-timed nudge of his mount and an elegant flick of his wrist, he tapped her arm.
Elaine's eyes gleamed with fire. Challenge accepted.
She lowered herself to the neck of her horse, weaving through the trees like the wind itself,
Then she saw it.
The spot where she would wait, and A flash of a memory.
"Same time next month?'
She shook her head back to reality and, with a wide arc, doubled back toward Arthur—her eyes locked on him like a hawk diving for its prey.
He tried to swerve. Too late.
"Got you," she breathed triumphantly, tapping him just before they reached the clearing.
They all skidded to a stop by the riverbank, laughter still lingering in the air.
The horses snorted and shook their manes as they trotted toward the stream to drink. The siblings dismounted, breathless and glowing from the ride.
"Just like old times," Arthur said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Except now we have a hundred more problems and back pain," Eugene added dryly, though his smile didn't fade.
Before anyone could reply, a flash of iridescent blue swooped from the trees.
"Princess!" chirped a too-familiar voice.
Fin circled once before landing on a low branch beside them.
"Lord Rhysand specifically told you to take it easy," Fin scolded, wings tucked neatly against his sides. "His words exactly were:
Artizea rolled her eyes with a sigh.
Arthur stepped toward her, concern creasing his brow. "You alright, z?"
Her gaze dropped briefly. "I fainted the other day. During the council."
That got everyone's attention.
"But I'm fine," she added quickly. "It was likely just stress. Nothing serious."
Eugene, who had been quiet, reached into his pocket and pulled out a small crystal vial.
"Must be the babe, here," he said, handing it to her. "I've been working on this. Helps regulate blood pressure. No side effects—tested it myself. You'll like the taste."
She accepted it with a grateful nod, uncorked it, and took a sip. Her shoulders relaxed almost instantly.
"You always come prepared," she murmured.
"That's my job," he replied, adjusting the cuff of his coat.
Elaine leaned against a tree, arms folded but eyes soft with worry.
"Just take it easy, Sister. You always act like you have to carry the whole realm on your own."
Artizea smiled faintly, the sun catching in her eyes. "Because one day I'll have to."
They all fell silent for a moment, the forest humming around them.
This ride—it wasn't just for fun. It was a brief reclaiming of who they'd been, before duty stole them away.
The sun dipped low as the four horses trotted through the palace gates, their riders glowing from the afternoon escape.
The scent of pine and saddle still clung to their cloaks as the grand courtyard opened before them.
Waiting at the center was Rhysand—regal even in repose, arms folded, his gaze locked on Artizea the moment she came into view.
Two small blurs darted past the guards.
"Mama!" Callisto and Seraphina cried out in unison, rushing forward.
Artizea barely had time to dismount before both children flung themselves into her arms. She laughed, gathering them close, kissing the tops of their heads.
"I missed you both so much," she whispered into their hair, holding them just a moment longer than necessary.
Nearby, Elizabeth broke free from her nursemaid and ran with wild delight toward Arthur.
"Papa!" she shouted.
Arthur caught her mid-leap, spinning her around before settling her against his hip.
"Did you miss me, flower?" he asked.
"You promised we'd ride to the cottage!" she said, gripping his collar.
Arthur smiled. "And I never break my promises."
A flutter of wings broke the warm moment. Fin, ever the vigilant observer, landed on the nearest post and cleared his throat.
"May I remind everyone," he chirped in a tone too official for his size, "that your father—the King—expects full attendance at tonight's dinner. On time."
Everyone groaned in unison.
"He's been so persistent lately," Arthur muttered.
Eugene slid off his horse and handed the reins to a stablehand.
"Well, I'm off. I've touched enough grass."
He turned and gave a wave before vanishing into the palace.
Elaine, unusually quiet, led her horse personally toward the stables without a word.
Rhysand walked toward Artizea as she handed off the children to their attendants. His golden eyes softened as he looked at her—looked at her.
"I told you to be careful—" he murmured once they were alone, "— you're still more human than you think."
Artizea rolled her eyes, though affection pulled at her lips.
"Rhys…"
"You're pregnant," he said gently. "You know what the masters have said."
She groaned, placing a hand on her hip. "I know, Rhys. I just… sometimes I feel like I'm cooped up in that stuffy castle, popping out heirs."
His face faltered for a moment. Then he stepped forward, lifting his hand to her cheek, his thumb brushing beneath her eye.
"I'm sorry, you feel that way," he said softly. "I know you always dreamed of a big family. And I love our children—gods, I do—but… maybe this one is the last. What do you say?"
Artizea's eyes met his, something unreadable flickering behind her lashes.
"I've noticed," Rhys continued, "you've been weaker during this pregnancy than with Callisto. It worries me."
She tried to smile. "I'm fine."
"Tizea," he said firmly, stepping closer. "I mean it. I'm not risking you. Not for anything. —Promise me you'll be more careful."
Silence fell for a moment, broken only by the rustle of wind through the garden trees.
Finally, she nodded.
"Okay."
His expression softened. "I love you," he whispered. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her lips, lingering for a breath before kneeling. His hand rested on her rounded belly, reverent."And I love you too," he said quietly, to the child growing inside.