Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 116 Princess Irene felt immense satisfaction with her prosperous hand her two wonderful children. She nodded in agreement. "Okay." Everything was ready for their summer vacation.

The next day, Violeta and Niall packed their bags and made their way to the airport to join Hayden, who was already en route to the Yurtlandia Grasslands.

At the stime, Irene and Anton caught a flight to Verdancia.

Upon their arrival in East Yurtlandia, a warm reception awaited them, and a private car whisked them off to their accommodation.

They reached the inn by noon, where they were greeted by the friendly staff with bright smiles.

Niall helped Violeta with her luggage, taking it up to the inn's second floor.

Meanwhile, Hayden was engaged in a phone call.

Zoren and his friends headed to the kitchen to place their orders while Violeta ventured into the backyard.

There, she encountered several horses and a young man who was busy feeding them.

Among the horses, a white one with glossy fur and a neatly groomed appearance caught her eye.

Violeta approached and asked, "May I pet it?" The young man turned towards her, his expression cautious, and as he saw her, his ears flushed red, betraying his embarrassment. He averted his gaze shyly, holding the grass, and advised, "You shouldn't. Princess might kick you. It's best to keep your distance." Disappointed, Violeta replied, "Alright." Curious, she inquired, "What are they eating?" "Grass," the young man answered simply.

"Do you offer horseback riding services here?" The horses, typically available for hire by the hour, seemed like an ideal way to explore the expansive grasslands.

It would indeed be a shnot to go horseback riding at a place like this.

Violeta had sexperience with horse riding from her past life, having worked as a stunt double where she not only rode horses but also performed complex stunts on them.

"Yes," the young man nodded, then hesitated before adding, "If you're thinking about riding Princess, though, you might want to reconsider. She doesn't like being ridden." Violeta raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? So she's spirited." Beautiful and spirited. What a fine horse.

While they were chatting, a sharp voice suddenly cfrom behind, "Julian, the kitchen is overwhelmed because of the crowd; Mom is asking for your help ... " Sara, running swiftly, failed to stop in tand collided with Violeta's back.

Violeta, caught off balance, was about to stumble forward when a long arm swiftly reached out, pulling her aside just in tto prevent her from falling. Looking up, she realised it was Hayden. Hayden had been near the stables on a phone call, overhearing Violeta's conversation with Julian.

Hayden had just wrapped up his call when he noticed Violeta nearly stumbling and quickly reached out to stabilize her.

Their reflections shimmered in his eyes, clear as if washed by water, capturing the moment Violeta steadied herself after a slight delay.

Julian, concerned, asked, "Are you alright?" Seeing Violeta and Hayden, Sara could not help but exclaim, "You two are so beautiful!" Since they were visitors, their skin tones were markedly different from the locals.

Violeta's complexion was fair with refined features, while Hayden's face was strongly chiselled, making it obvious that they were not born on the grasslands.

Sara, with a bright smile, greeted, "You're the guests at the inn today, right?" Julian frowned and cautioned her, "Sara, try to be less impulsive." He then apologised to Violeta, "I'm sorry for my sister's bluntness." Violeta dismissed the concern with a wave. "No worries. Are you guys siblings?" "Yes," Julian confirmed.

"I'm Julian Qualls, and this is Sara Qualls." The inn's owner was surnamed Qualls, so they must be the owner's children.

Julian set down the horse grass he was holding. "I'm off to help in the kitchen; feel free to look around." He then grabbed Sara's hand and headed towards the stable exit.

Overhearing Violeta's interest in the white horse, Hayden asked, "Do you like that horse?" "Yes." "Since you're interested, you should ride it later today." Violeta smiled. "But that guy mentioned earlier that this horse isn't too keen on being ridden." "It's just not trained yet." "Oh? Do you think I could train it?" Hayden fixed Violeta with a deep look and said slowly, "Yes, I do." Violeta, sensing his lack of conviction, smiled and replied, "You don't really believe that, do you?"

Hayden's eyes narrowed with a small smile. "If you really want it, there are ly wave plenty of ways to make it yours.

wh my Whether it's trained or not doesn't really matter." "Very bold of you."

Violeta gazed at the horse, her hands clasped behind her. "There are things just that you can'tining ke tham Without proper training, it will never truly be yours. Fruit that's picked too soon is never sweet." "Sweet or not, I'll be the judge of that." His words seemed to hint at more than just the horse, carrying an undertone of challenge.

Hayden extended his hand towards her, but Violeta stepped back.

"What?" "Just removing something from your hair."

Violeta felt embarrassed and she quickly ran her hand through her hair.

"I'm not in the mood to talk right now!" She turned and walked briskly towards the main hall, with Hayden following at a more leisurely pace.

"Why the hurry? Have you ever seen a little potato move that fast?" he called out playfully.