Rose sat atop a brown horse. The mane was long and the horse looked well taken care of. She couldn't help but run her finger across its coat. The horse grunted in satisfaction and moved forward and backwards as she adjusted on the saddle.
Lady Deana looked up at Rose with a worried expression as she watched her climb onto the horse. Lady Deana grabbed the sides of her dress nervously, and Rose worried that she might really stop her.
"Are you sure about this, Rose? I can send you in a carriage—you don't have to ride to the market. And you can also take a servant or two with you. I don't feel very comfortable sending you off alone."
"The market isn't so far off, and I remember the path, my lady. You have nothing to worry about. Riding would be faster, and I'll be back before you know it," Rose said with the best smile she could muster, trying to assure Lady Deana.
