The gap to the Princess had shrunk to four lengths, and still closing. Shade was enjoying the chase, and seemed to relish being behind and forced to play catch-up. A wall loomed ahead, one that would require a jump, but Orion knew both animals were capable of completing the maneuver over the solid hurdle.<br/><br/>Until, that is, Cassiopeia’s horse had other ideas, stopping dead in its tracks which resulted in hurling her to the ground. Good thing she wasn’t wearing that dress, Orion thought, just prior to Shade clearing the wall. With her momentum approaching the stone barricade, he wasn’t about to try and rein her in. He’d probably be on the ground, too, had he tried.<br/><br/>On the other side of the wall, Orion quickly spun Shade around to see to the Princess. As his black beauty casually dispensed of the minor obstacle, the Prince fluidly dismounted. Before seeing to her welfare, however, a scene unfolded before him that was very surprising, if not downright disturbing at the same time.<br/><br/>Cassiopeia was berating her horse, which was understandable. What was shocking to him was her chosen language. Never one to be prudish, he was still astonished to hear such profanity, and from a Princess no less! A few of her words he had never heard before. Orion found himself feeling sorry for the horse. Now smirking, he stood where he was, patiently waiting for her to end her diatribe.