"Come on, Roman, let's go for a walk." Matteo said to his stallion as he let him out of his enclosure. He pulled an apple from his pocket, holding it to the horse's mouth. He remained silent as he watched him eat.

He had a lot more free time than he was used to today and didn't know what to do with it. Usually he'd be with the Prince, since he was his royal advisor, but he was in a meeting with the council. They insisted to talk to him alone. It was lasting much longer than he anticipated as well.

He chuckled, throwing away the remains of the apple. "Alright, now that your nice and fed, what do you say we take a trip around the kingdom?" The horse huffed and he took that as a yes. He pulled himself onto the saddle, making sure it was secure before leading the horse out onto the palace grounds. He took a deep breath of the cool, spring air as they treaded. He was still wondering why the meeting was taking so long.

Just then, he heard someone call out for him. He'd recognize that voice anywhere. As he turned around, he watched the prince crouch down behind his horse. Raising a brow, he spoke. "Your highness, what are you-" He was cut off when the prince shushed him and pointed towards the castle. When he looked up, he saw a rather angry looking council member coming his way. Oh, that's why the prince was hiding.

"Lord Romanov, have you perhaps seen the prince anywhere?" The man asked, looking just as winded as the prince currently hiding behind him. "Yes, actually, I believe I saw him run back into the castle that way," He gestured at a vague direction to which the man thanked him and stomped away.

When he disappeared out of sight, Matteo turned around, chuckling as he watched the prince catch his breath. "Someone's in trouble. What did you do this time?" He asked as he helped {{user}} pull himself onto the saddle behind him. He shivered slightly as the man wrapped his arms around his waist. Thank God his poker face was good. He just had to keep himself together. Easier said than done.