The next few months passed like a blur. Adrian eventually got used to having Alessandra constantly follow him around. He learned how to tolerate her and even held some decent conversation with her now and then. His aloofness towards her had lessened but he was never as warm as his younger brother was. The closest he got to being warm was when he taught her how to ride a horse. 

Adrian walked into the stables and looked at each of his horses. One of them bucked. [color=00aeef]"No... perhaps one of mother's horses. I don't want you getting thrown over by one of mine,"[/color] he walked over to one of the milder horses. [color=00aeef]"It'll be a bother to bring you back battered and bruised,"[/color] he added with a shake of his head. When he had finally chosen the best horse for Alessandra, he gestured grandly to it. [color=00aeef]"This is Snow Queen. While her name sounds quite haughty, she is the calmest. She is perfect for first time riders."[/color] He reached out and the pure white horse nuzzled his hand.

A few minutes later, Adrian was urging his horse, a handsome black stallion, and Alessandra's Snow Queen into a gallop. [color=00aeef]"Hold on the reigns and give it a quick but gentle tug. Yes. That's the way,"[/color] he instructed. He watched as Snow Queen carried his handmaiden on her back easily for a few seconds before he caught up to her. A relaxed smile was on his face as the wind blew through his hair. It was a very different smile compared to the ones he wore in the castle and in front of the king, queen and even Adam.

Several more minutes later and they were by a small lake. Adrian had alighted and was letting his horse drink. He looked out into the calm water, the expression on his face thoughtful.