An eye roll from the Princess was obvious to anyone looking her way. And Orion sat right across from her! He had no choice but to notice, as he believed she meant for him to see it. Evidently, she did not believe in the hunted animal’s life being spared, if he was correct in the meaning of her eye roll. So hunting was something else they had in common, he thought, though their end results differed dramatically.<br/><br/>He was rather impressed at her list of activities she enjoyed. Falconry had always fascinated him, though he never took the time to learn its nuances. The birds were such magnificent creatures, demanding a respect of their own. The Prince filed that away for possible future use, perhaps asking her one day for a display of her skills with a bird of prey.<br/><br/>Cassiopeia’s mention of performing in various equine events had also piqued his interest. He had no doubt whatsoever that she was much more accomplished on horseback than he would ever be. Orion, after all, had never “performed” on the back of a horse, nor would he ever. To him, horses were good, basic transport who would shuttle him from point A to point B. They were also faithful, almost like a dog, as he fondly thought of his own ink-black steed, Shade. She could always tell when he was hiding sugar cubes or juicy apples somewhere on his person. It was a game both enjoyed playing. Shade for obviously the treats, and himself to see if he could ever successfully hide those tasty morsels.<br/><br/>“As a matter of fact, I do enjoy a ride on horseback,” he responded. “Though I must admit, I am nowhere near as skilled as you, as I do not perform in such events.” Something else for him to possibly do one day down the road: watch her compete. This Princess had spunk, a trait he rarely saw in female royalty, of the princess variety anyway. Orion did, however, wonder what the elbow to her side was all about.<br/><br/>Smiling graciously at her, he held his tongue of any further comment, wishing to concentrate instead on the next served course for lunch. He was positive everyone seated at the table was famished, though it was obvious how both sets of parents remained quiet, allowing their offspring to ramble on.