The Palace Stables

The stables of the Palace, where the horses of the Royal family, the Palace residents, and extras for guests are kept in the capable hands of the stable master and the various stablehands.

Rhiannon had walked with Elise from the Privy Gardens to the Stables.

"Do you ride, your Majesty? I believe I saw you on Duke Oduan's horse at the Royal Picnic... but perhaps the stable master will have a gentle horse more your size, so we can go riding. Would you like that?" she asked, a smile on her face. Rhi remembered the girl's joy at the bird in her hand in the garden, and hoped to give the Queen many more happy memories in their time together.

Rhi nodded and smiled. "Then we shall take a ride."

The stable master approached them, bowing to the Queen. "How can I serve you, Your Majesty, Your Ladyship?"

Rhiannon smiled at the man. "The Queen wishes to ride, we will need a horse and a pony of suitable disposition, with ladies' saddles."

The man nodded, bowing again before he called to his assistants to ready the necessary horses. Soon enough, they brought out a beautiful grey pony for Elise, and a black mare for Rhiannon. Nearby the guards that always accompanied them also mounted horses, so they could follow the Queen and her lady-in-waiting.

Rhiannon waited for Elise to get in the saddle before she got on her own horse. When they were all ready, she smiled at Elise.

"Where would you like to go on our ride?"

"I think there's a section of the Royal park that would be good for a ride, let's go then."

She looked to make sure Elise was all settled into her saddle as were the guards, then they rode out toward the Royal Park.