The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 243

Chapter 243

Lylah’s POV

Finished

The stables weren’t far from the penthouses-a relief, because it meant I could visit Mina more often.

And they were far larger than I’d imagined.

Rows of polished stalls stretched beneath high wooden beams, the air rich with hay, leather, and the warm breath of living things. Dozens of horses moved within their enclosures, powerful bodies shifting, hooves striking softly against the ground.

“Back in Ironcrest, Nyx had many companions as well,” I said before I could stop myself, my voice softening with memory. “Grandma always said horses should never be alone. They’re herd creatures by

nature.”

Ezra glanced at me, something thoughtful flickering in his eyes. “Then we chose the right place for Nyx’s daughter.”

A man who I assumed was the caretaker approached, bowing his head slightly before leading us deeper into the stables.

“Luna, she’s here.”

I caught sight of a few familiar figures lingering near the far stalls-Moonclaw guards I had seen before.

And then it clicked.

This place wasn’t just any stable-it belonged to Ezra’s Pack.

I turned to him, realization settling in. “Is this stable owned by the Moonclaw Pack?”

“Yes, Luna,” the caretaker answered, “you’re welcome to visit at any time. If you’d like, I ‘can show you the other horses as well. Most of them are Moonclaw-bred. Powerful, intimidating at a glance-but well- trained and very loyal.”

Then I saw Mina.

She nibbled on carrots, soft huffs escaping with each bite. The moment she sensed me, she lifted her head, ears flicking forward. And then she leaned in, nudging me affectionately, her nose brushing through my

hair.

“Hey…” I laughed, warmth spilling into my chest as I stroked her mane. “You seem upset. What happened?”

“It’s the carrots,” the caretaker said. “She prefers green apples.”

I blinked. “Then why are you feeding her that?”

“Because I told him to.”

I turned sharply toward Ezra, brows knitting.

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“This troublesome little thing caused quite a scene at the arena, didn’t she?” he said calmly. “She troubled you. Consider this her little punishment.”

For a moment, I just stared at him.

Then laughter burst out of me-bright and uncontrollable, until my sides ached.

Tears gathered in my eyes as I tried to catch my breath.

“Ezra, you’re ridiculous,” I managed between breaths. “Will that even work?”

“Perhaps. But she’ll remember,” he replied simply. “And she’ll learn.”

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. If he ever owned horses, I could only imagine how strict he’d be-far too severe, like an Alpha disciplining his own unruly offspring.

“Ezra,” I said, glancing at him with lingering amusement, “have you ever had horses before? Do you like riding?”

“No,” he said. “I’ve never been particularly gifted when it comes to bonding with animals. They’ve always seemed wary of me.”

Something in me softened at that.

Without thinking, I reached for Mina’s reins, taking them from the caretaker. The moment I did, she perked up, her tail flicking happily, hooves shifting with eager energy.

“That’s a shame,” I said lightly. “But don’t worry-I’ll teach you.”

Mina gave a pleased little whinny, as if agreeing.

“She won’t mind carrying both of us for a short ride. Especially now that she’s been fed.”

Ezra’s gaze sharpened slightly. “You want to take me riding?”

“Yes.”

It didn’t take long for the caretaker to prepare the saddle.

I mounted first, my body moving with practiced ease, years of familiarity guiding me without thought. Then I turned, offering him a hand-but he didn’t even need it.

Ezra moved with surprising fluidity, strength coiling effortlessly through him as he mounted behind me in

one smooth motion.

Too smooth for someone who claimed no experience.

His hand lifted instinctively toward the reins-then paused. As if catching himself.

Instead, it settled at my waist-firm, possessive.

“You’re right, she won’t mind,” he murmured, his breath brushing against my ear, low and intimate. “And since I have no experience at all, you’ll have to teach me.”

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I stilled for a fraction of a second.

Because that movement-that instinct-

It hadn’t felt like inexperience.

But I let it go.

“Alright,” I said simply.

That evening, we rode out across the open stretch of grass beyond the stables, Mina’s hooves beating a steady, rhythmic song against the earth. The wind swept past in cool, silken waves, tangling through my hair. Laughter broke free from my chest.

It had been so long.

So long since I’d felt this… light.

“Are you happy?” Ezra asked softly behind me, his voice brushing just as close as his breath.

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation, the truth ringing clear. “So much.”

His arms tightened slightly around my waist.

“We can do this every day,” he said. “Try new things. Find more reasons for you to laugh like this.”

Something deeper lay beneath his words-something almost raw.

“I want to see you happy,” he continued quietly. “Free.”

A pause.

Then, softer,

“Don’t leave me, Lylah. Promise me.”

Leave?

A small, almost incredulous thought crossed my mind.

Since the moment I met him, I’d wanted nothing more than to stay.

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