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"I...don't know." He admitted. "I'm thinking likely lock her up for a week or so, take away her royal privleges like living in the castle having a personal cook, those things. She can live like anyone else." Caelan said, looking at Adele to see if she approved this plan. "With your permission, of course."
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Adele smiled when he concluded and said, "I'll always approve of you're decisions. But yes, I think that's a wise choice. Though..." She paused, thinking. "Won't doing anything to her just make her ha-- I mean, dislike-- you more?"
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"I'm not worried if she can't do anything to me. If I need to, I'll do anything but put her to death. She's a horrible woman, and I realize that, but I'm also worried I'm like her...Now that she said that..." He muttered. He sighed and ran a hand down his face. "Not only being King is stressful but also having my mother out to hurt everything I love. Like you. She even nearly killed Betty when I was younger..."
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Adele's face softened as she listened to him speak. "Caelan, you are not like her at all. Don't even say such a thing." Adele took his hand reassuringly. "She is an awful person, made worse by the fact that she doesn't even seem to love you, her son! If you had any children would you act like she does to you? Definitely not. You're not her, and never will be."
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"Of course I wouldn't. I'd cherish them and love them with all my heart." He stated simply
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Adele nodded in agreement. "As would I. Now, I'd like to find Calvin before sunset, so let's get looking." She picked up the pace and scanned the woods, looking for any sign of a rampaging horse. Then, remembering that Calvin would respond to her whistle, she did so, then fell silent, listening for his neigh.
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Caelan waited and waited until there was a very distant neigh. His head snapped into the direction of the sound and he looked at Adele. "He's this way"
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Adele heard the neigh too, a split second after Caelan. She raced after him and Aurora, hoping that the racket they were causing wouldn't terrify Calvin into running off again. He was usually a non-spookable horse, but after being nearly attacked by a guard, Adele didn't blame him if he was a lot more skittish. They stumbled into a clearing, and Adele saw Calvin looking their way, ears pricked in friendliness. He still had his tack on, though Adele's clothing bundle was on the ground a few feet away. When he recognized her, he trotted over and pushed his nose into her hand. She giggled and said, "Well hello to you, too. I missed you, buddy." She touched her forehead to his, then began untacking the poor gelding.
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Caelan cmiled with relief, walking over to the gelding and currying out his sweat with a brush. Aurora nickered a hello, playfully nipping at Calvin's nose
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Adele smiled at Caelan as she pulled off her horse's saddle. She was glad he had come with her. And more glad that they had found Calvin. She didn't know what she would do if she lost him. Her best friend for as long as she could remember, they shared so many memories. Brushing off the thoughts of the past, she set the saddle and pad on the ground, then went to help Caelan brush him off.
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