"Good morning," Alina smiled as she entered the stables. "Preparing my horse for me? I am honored, your highness." It was said teasingly, though. Nikolai may have deigned to help others but the rest of his family certainly wouldn't.
"Where shall we ride to? I have all day, though I'm guessing you're not so lucky." He likely had events to attend. Whatever his mother deemed necessary for her favorite child.