Solenne sighed heavily, glancing at Callista with a pitiful look. But Callista maintained her strict front and shook her head.
"Your Highness, your safety is the main priority on this journey," Callista repeated for what felt like the hundredth time. "I do not think this is the moment for you to learn to ride a horse."
Solenne's thin lips curved downward even more, making Callista sigh in defeat.
"However," Callista conceded softly, "once we've reached the La Lucretia stronghold, I will surely teach you, Your Highness."
Solenne's brows shot up, her deep frown lifting. "Is that a promise, Callista?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Alright then!" Solenne's mouth stretched wide, and she bit her lip as she nodded to herself.
Callista couldn't help but smile in relief. Seeing the princess happy always put her heart at ease. The princess, after all, was Callista's life. She didn't only live to protect her highness but also to be there so the princess would never be alone.
I suppose leaving the palace has reignited her adventurous nature, Callista thought, watching Solenne turn toward the window. Back in the palace, since she's favored by the king, she always had to conduct herself according to the palace rules and set an example not just to their people but also to high society.
So, seeing her loosen up more somehow made Callista relieved. This was better than watching the princess cry throughout this long journey.
Meanwhile, Solenne smiled faintly as she gazed outside. But unlike what Callista guessed, her reasons ran deeper. Riding horses or learning other skills she had never been taught in her pampered kingdom life weren't just things she wanted to do—she needed to learn them.
Otherwise… it would happen again.
That nightmare of a wedding night would happen again. And if Solenne didn't change now, she would keep reliving that nightmare until her body couldn't take it anymore.
****
Callista had agreed to teach Solenne to ride once they reached the north. Even so, Solenne tried to haggle and push her luck just a little bit further, but Callista was firm. In the end, the princess let it go.
Hours later, Ronin came to the carriage to inform them about the possibility of setting up camp for the night. The next town was too far, and even if they pushed hard, they wouldn't reach it until dawn. At their current pace, they had wasted time; a town they could have reached by night was now impossible.
It worried Callista. The princess had never slept outside the palace before. Even the small inn they had stayed at earlier was concerning enough, so she was reluctant. But Solenne answered before Callista could offer an alternative.
That was how the two of them ended up walking to the river while everyone else set up camp. With thick clothing — for the princess — draped over Callista's arm, she turned to Solenne beside her.
"Your Highness, are you certain you'd like to take a dip in the river?" Callista's eyes swirled with worry. "It is night, and I didn't have time to set up a partition. Don't forget that the werewolves have keen senses, including their sight."
"Callista, are you implying they would peek at me from a distance?"
"That's not…" Callista trailed off, biting her tongue. "I am simply stating the possibility along with the chance we might encounter someone or a group."
"Haha. Callista, you said it yourself, the group we're traveling with has keen senses," Solenne replied with a playful smile. "If someone approached me or harassed me while I bathe, they would know and surely come. After all, I am betrothed to their grand duke and his brothers. They won't let anything happen to me."
Her smile broadened. "And for that very reason, they will not peek. They wouldn't even dare think about it. Not at their Alpha's Luna."
In this timeline, Callista had yet to learn such details about the beast-men of the north. But after living in the north through three lifetimes, Solenne had learned quite a few in each timeline. For instance, werewolves were bound by extreme loyalty.
Although she hadn't yet explored it fully, she knew they wouldn't cross their alphas. Even when her husbands had despised her—or worse, neglected her—their men never dared touch her. Neglect was one thing, but betrayal of loyalty was another.
Soon, both women reached the riverbank and gazed at the softly flowing stream. Solenne crouched down, dipping her hand into the water.
"It's so cold." She whispered with a mild giggle. "But with this low humidity, it's perfect."
Callista scanned the surroundings, ensuring no one was near. Once she was certain, she turned back.
"Your Highness, allow me to help with your clothes."
"Thank you, Callista."
Standing behind her, Callista began loosening the straps around the princess's body. One by one, thin layers of fabric fell away until Solenne was left in a sheer white silk dress.
"Your Highness, be careful," Callista reminded as Solenne eagerly hopped toward the river's edge.
"I know," Solenne clicked her tongue faintly. "Don't worry, Callista. Dying here is not in my plans."
Callista let out a shallow breath and nodded, hugging the bundle of clothes. "I'll leave your robe here, Your Highness. I'll be nearby. If you need me, call."
"Mhm."
With that, Callista stepped back to give Solenne privacy, though she wouldn't stray far. She would wait just beyond the treeline, ready at a moment's notice.
Solenne smiled at the river, dipping one foot in only to jerk it back at the icy touch. She tried again, this time slower, until both feet were submerged.
Little did Solenne know, though it was true the werewolves would not dare peek, there was one who could—and would: their Alpha.
Seated on a tree branch deep in the woods, Damien's gaze slid to the corner, toward where Solenne splashed in the water. His head turned fully, eyes locking on the thin white dress clinging wetly to her skin. Through the sheer fabric, the faint outline of her pink nipples teased him before he turned away with a sharp exhale.
Damien tugged down the collar of his cloak and shook his head. His eyes dropped, heat rising through his body, and the growing arousal in his groin made his trousers uncomfortably tight.
She's… making me a pervert.