Page 17 of The Ostler's Boy

I wandered alone for a few minutes, angry but mostly lost, before Ser Elías spotted me. I could feel him seething from the end of the corridor. He signaled my direction with a sharp gesture and waited for me to make it to his post. When I did, he immediately abandoned it to Ser Willoughby, who had clearly been briefed on what was going on, to the point that the idiot practically hid from me as I approached. He dipped his gaze toward one of the more detailed crucifixes and made a comment on its length.

Elías doubled our pace away from him, scouring me with an invasive inspection of every nook of my face. He basically growled an eerily polite, “Where does the Prince find himself this morning?”

“Eli,” I said. “Stop it. That’s not funny.”

“Humor is the last of my intentions,” he said. “Where is he?”

“I don’t know. I left him in one of these halls; I couldn’t tell you which,” I said. “They all look the same.”

“The man has disrespected you on such a level that?—”

“How did you even hear of this so quickly?” I asked. “Does Ser Willoughby know?”

“Ser Willoughby knows,” Elías said. “He was the one who told me.”

“Fantastic,” I said. “Grand. So everybody is aware, I’m sure.” I shook my head. “I’m so embarrassed. I might be sick.”

“Svana,” he said. He led me by the elbow to the side and whispered. “For now, only the three of us know. Willoughby caught the end of your conversation with the Prince. He sought my counsel right after. He’s not told anyone else.”

“Are you sure?” I checked. “What if someone else heard us? I didn’t even see Ser Willoughby.”

“Where did you say Sameer was?” he asked.

“It doesn’t matter ,” I told him.

“He disrespected you,” he said.

“Yes.” I shrugged. “Yes. He most certainly did, but as long as that fact stays between the three of us, I…I don’t care.”

“You don’t care?” he asked.

“I… I don’t know what you want me to say, Elías! I was sent here; I was traded for peace. My sole purpose is to solidify that for decades of feuding parties. I intend to complete my mission. It’s not as though I have a choice.”

My knight nodded, but I did not think for a minute that he believed the words I spewed.

“We will contain it,” he said. “Ser Willoughby won’t talk of this matter, I promise.”

“Good. Thank you.”

We both waved brightly at one of the passing maids before ushering ourselves outside.

“Did he tell you, or did you discover it?” he asked.

I looked at him. “…I caught them in his study,” I said. “He was pressed against her and…And his pants were undone.”

“Oh, Svana. I’m sorry,” he said. “Why didn’t you come to me?”

“I don’t know. Fear of your reaction? Horror of mine? It doesn’t matter, for I shall not expect to see too much of the Prince this summer anyway. That, I am sure.”

“How do you intend to avoid him?” he asked. “You have a ball nearly every other week.”

“Every other week?” I cried. “Damn the luck! How can they afford this?”

“If you wish for me to speak to him, I will educate the man on priorities,” he said.

“I do not wish that ,” I said. “That will help nothing. No. No, I wish to go on about my day, my week, this season , and eventually, unfortunately, my marriage. It’s fine. I’ll make it work.”

“An oddly rational approach. Your mother would be proud.”

“God help me; I despise him already,” I said. “And what do you mean, oddly rational? I’m insulted, I think.”

“What were you saying? About not seeing him,” he asked. “Did he instruct you not to?”

Elías narrowed his eyes at someone else, spooking them from any thoughts to eavesdropping, and I tentatively dragged my hand along the other.

“No. He simply employed someone from his inner circle to be my ‘riding companion,’” I quoted. “He was not interested in spending time with me, but he wants to know where I am, so he’s disguised this idea as a courtesy, but it’s nothing of the sort. Don’t worry; I know better, and I informed him of such.”

“Riding companion?” he asked.

“Yes. The idea on paper works, I’ll admit. A friend of his will ride with me every day– except Wednesday, he’ll remind you, and all because, I think, he wants to keep an eye on me, which is ridiculous considering the facts. I am not the one having the affair.”

“He’s employed a friend, you say? What friend?” he asked. “Why was I not approached? I will accompany you on any ride.”

“It began because I requested that Sam ride with me one time, and now, he’s entangled another party into this whole mess.”

“What party?” Elías asked.

“That mangy swordsman. You know, the one with the hair. And that’s sweet, Eli, really, but you don’t even like riding if it’s not into battle,” I said. I forced a laugh. “Though I do appreciate your unwavering devotion, Ser. I probably would’ve liked the idea had I known nothing about Miss Agatha.”

“Svana,” he stressed. “Which friend did he employ?”

“I said, didn’t I?” I shrugged. “The mangy swordsman. Cyrus is his name. Though, I suppose he’s not so mangy. He’s actually quite posh.”

“Cyrus,” Elías asked. “ As in Cyrus Evergreen?”

For whatever reason, Elías’s reaction, the way he’d said his name, how awful it sounded, how mad he was—I felt an intense rush for it.

“Is there something wrong with him?” I asked quickly, waiting, hoping, dreading, aching, bending with the thrill.

I thought about how Evergreen had teased me with his reputation— the way he circled me like I was his defenseless prey. My pulse quickened, and I hung in the air, wanting for my knight to confirm everything I thought I knew about the man, but he didn’t answer, at least not right away. We stared at each other for a moment longer before he said anything, and when he did, he denied my excitement altogether.

“No,” Elías said. “There’s nothing wrong with him. I’ve heard nothing of the sort.”

My tongue met the back of my teeth as I struggled not to reveal the details of our clandestine encounter. I wanted to ask what he had heard, and I wanted to confess that I found the idea of being alone with Mr. Evergreen a second time, in any capacity, equal parts exhilarating as it was infuriating! That I had already spent an evening with the man and that he hadn’t spoken of it, and that because of it and because he had been so kind, that I—I hesitated. And for good reason.

Elías was protective. Derangedly so. He would destroy the poor Sword, and he would bear no regret for the fact.

Elías worshiped chivalry. I didn’t want to break decorum or disappoint him, and secret, reckless rides into the night’s mist would most earnestly earn Mr. Evergreen a private lesson from my knight on propriety.

“Nothing?” I checked. “Are you sure?”

Elías frowned.

“Not—Not that I have heard anything; I…” I smoothed my skirt. “It’s neither here nor there. It doesn’t matter. I told the Prince no to his idea.”

“I see,” he said. He bobbed his head, relaxing.

Willoughby arrived at the end of the hall and made some gesture toward the Lord Commander. Elías nodded in return and waved to him. He looked me over.

“I have somewhere I must be,” he said.

“Go,” I agreed. “Don’t let me hold you back from wherever that is.”

“I’ll speak with you soon.” He turned to leave but paused. “Will you be alright?”

“Yes,” I said. “I’m going to head back to my chamber and take a nap, and when I arise, perhaps I’ll find a way to town to shop again?”

“I’d prefer to be with you,” he said.

“Alright, then, I shall find a neat corner to stare into until nothingness swallows me, or you find yourself free to escort me.”

“Enjoy,” he said.

I rolled my eyes, reminding him to be safe, and I headed off.

I was in my room for exactly five minutes before I got bored and decided to wander the halls in search of entertainment. The door swung far quieter than the one back home, but I opened it just in time to lose my mind at the sight of a figure beyond it. I jumped, sucking in a ghastly amount of wind and striking wildly at the shape with the heel of my hands before I’d realized its identity.

“Mr. Evergreen!” I called.

He was surprised by the attack and held his arm up to block my hits.

“Your Highness, please!” he said.

“Oh, my God!” I cried. I wound up and tried to slap him, but he stepped out of my arc, and I connected with the doorframe. “Ow!” I cradled the hand to my chest, nearly falling as I stumbled back.

“Are you al–”

“What are you doing in my chamber?” I asked.

He looked confused, then down at his feet, and then took a very large step out of the room.

“Well?” I asked. “If I scream very loudly, you will be–”

“Scream?” he asked. “Why would you scream? I did not intend to enter your room. I was checking if you were hurt.”

I flashed my eyes at him. “Why ?”

“I—” He stopped. “I just watched you punch a wall.”

“I was trying to punch you!”

“Here,” he said, presenting his palm. “Don’t blame me; come here and give me your hand.”

“Why?” I asked. “So you may finish the job?”

“So that I may see if it is broken, Your Highness,” he said. He groaned. “Look…I’m sorry. I didn't mean to scare you,” he said.

“You only wish you scared me,” I replied.

His eyes softened. “Again, Princess. I am sorry for startling you. As hilariously defensive as you are about it all, it really wasn’t my goal.”

“I–” I frowned. “What was your goal then?”

Cyrus cocked a brow. “Are you— You’re serious?” he asked.

“Yes, of course, I’m serious!”

“I’m here for our ride,” he said.

“What ride?” I asked.

He half spun to check around us. “Are you serious?”

“Yes!”

“Surely you’re putting me on? We just discussed it,” he said. “You’re to ride with me starting as soon as now.”

“I agreed to no such thing,” I said. “I would argue I informed both you and Sameer that I would not be attending these rides because of their purpose, and further, I do not appreciate you arriving to collect me for one as if I have no say in the matter!”

He blinked, then reached for my hand, pulling it to his space and me off my mark. I nearly fell into him like I had the night before, but I was able to catch myself with the other side along the threshold. Cyrus’s throat rolled as he swallowed. He traced a small mark that the back of my hand had been anointed with.

“Does it hurt?” he asked.

“It’s…” My mouth was dry. “It’s tingly.”

“I don’t think it’s broken,” he said. “Just stunned a bit. Can you move it?”

I wiggled my fingers per his request.

“Good,” he said. “And can you grip with it?”

I made a fist, latching my fingers around the first two of his.

“Even better. Then you can ride.”

“Sir,” I said. “I don’t think—” My skin felt prickly as he squeezed back. I pulled away.

He sleeved his hand into his pocket.

“I don’t think that would be a good decision,” I said.

His brow furrowed for it. “And why not?” he asked. Before I could answer, he said, “Have I offended you?”

“Well, no,” I said. “Yes, sort of. Not you, Sam, really.”

“Did I tell him of your private feelings then?” he asked.

“No,” I said.

“Have I been inappropriate? Did I take advantage of you last night?” he asked.

I scoffed impulsively; Cyrus shrugged.

“Could you lower your voice, sir?” I demanded.

He bristled at the command, but he did.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “But have I wronged you?”

“I don’t think so,” I said.

“I haven’t,” he replied. “I haven’t told Sam anything of what you said or where you were when you said it.”

I crossed my arms.

“Pray, dare to tell me why are you so against my company?” he asked. “I thought we had fun last night?”

“Why are you so insistent that I ride with you?” I said back. “You may not have told the Prince of what I said, but–What is so funny that you’re grinning like that?”

He didn’t budge.

“What?” I asked.

“I don’t know, Princess.” His tone dragged the comment out. “I think I might think it’s funny when you’re mad.”

I groaned. “Yes, it feels hilarious.”

“Perhaps I’m bored?” he said.

“Bored?”

“Aye. You asked why I am so insistent to ride with you; maybe I’m bored? It's been a while since I rode with anyone competent. You gave me quite the run for my copper, I’d say. Maybe I’m looking for a rematch? Maybe I think Sam’s right, and we might actually get along. Maybe I thought he’s been under a lot of stress, and this is something that I can do for him. Maybe– Well, it doesn’t matter. Do you want to go or not?”

“I’ve established not,” I said.

“No,” he said. “You’ve established that you did not think it was a good idea. You’ve established that you believed the purpose of such rides was to allow me to be your sassy nanny— still waiting for an apology for that one, by the way. And, you’ve established that you?—”

“I’m not apologizing for calling you what you are,” I argued.

“Nannies tattle on the children they watch,” he argued. “They punish them. Once again, I am reminding you that your secrets are safe with me, and I like it when you misbehave.”

“I don’t have secrets, I– You’re painting me a villain here.”

He chuckled. “Are you a child then?”

“I beg your pardon!” I cried.

“Only children need nannies. So, child, no? Awful liar? Yes.”

“How dare?—”

“You said you were busy, yet here you are, doing absolutely nothing.” Cyrus panned his hand toward the room. “My, what occupying things there are in this empty space.”

“It’s been ten minutes, sir!” I said. “I was just headed out.”

“Uh-huh, where are you going then?” he asked.

“I don’t have to say!” I cried.

“Be honest,” he said. He craned forward, bracing himself against the doorway and making a decisive, sharp click with his tongue. “You want to go riding; I know you do. I saw that look in your eye when you were stealing my horse.”

“I was not stealing your horse,” I said. “I–”

“I think you want me to beg you,” he said. I swallowed. “But unfortunately for you, I’m a lot of things, but a beggar? I’m not that kind of man.”

“I—” I was stunned and shook my head. “No! Of course, I do not want you to beg me; I’m just upset that Sam won’t go with me.”

Cyrus’s eyes were on my lips. I felt strange for it.

“Mr. Evergreen,” I tried. “He loves her, doesn’t he?” I asked.

The question broke the spell, and his expression grew serious. “Come ride with me,” he said. “Let me take your mind off Sameer. I’m good at these things.”

“But I–”

“It will make the Prince happy, and it will give me someone to talk to. I promise I’ll behave; I’m hardly a scoundrel these days.”

“...I don’t know if you’re joking,” I said. “Are you a scoundrel?”

“Most of what I say is a joke, ma’am,” he said. He stood and barely bowed. “Alright. I concede. I’m in the stables until noon today if you change your mind. I wish you a fair afternoon in whatever it is you’ll do.”

Cyrus turned to walk away, and for some cause, I called, “Wait!” after him.

He did. He turned on his shoe slowly.

“Yes?” he asked.

“Will you really, um, will you let me break Isaac with you?” I asked.

“Today?” he said. “No. But in time? Yes.”

“I’ve never broken a horse,” I said.

“I know.”

“Does one not need experience with these pursuits?”

“Not really. Not with a proper teacher. She’s wild, though. She needs exposure to warm to you and all. The rides are a perfect way to start.”

“But you will allow me to be a part of her taming?” I asked. “If I agree to this? This…This riding companionship arrangement? Sam said you would let me help you break her.”

He gave it some thought.

“I was promised you would!” I said. “I’m not going if you say no!”

Cyrus stared intently at me. I didn’t know where to look, so I looked at my hand. The mark had faded.

“Yes,” he said calmly. “I said yes already; you need to clean your ears.”

“I just want to hear it,” I said. “I am nervous. This is not an…an opportunity I would face back home. I…Will you not say it again for me, please?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I will make you a part of Ice’s breaking…if you agree to ride with me.”

I looked up.

Mr. Evergreen’s eyes were a devilish shade. His lashes were long, and his mouth was captivating in its impish arc. I could feel my heart pounding within its cage.

“And do you promise?” I asked. “Do you give me your word as a man?”

“Yes, I promise,” he said.

“And you give me your word?” I asked.

“You’re quite thorough, aren’t you?” he asked.

“You said my secrets were safe with you; they appear to be thus far. Only time will truly tell, but if you can utter the vow, I will take it at face value, and I will trust that you want to ride with me because you are…bored…or whatever, but if you cannot, then I–”

“I give you my word as a man, Princess,” he said. “Not sure it’s worth what you suspect, but you have it.”

After a moment, I agreed, nodding curtly. “Alright… Alright. Fine then,” I said.

“Aye?” he checked.

“Aye, yes,” I said. “...I suppose I do enjoy a good race, though I am not in the mood to compete, so don’t bother.”

“Another time,” he said.

We smiled at one another, and as soon as I became aware of how dumb that was, I shut it off.

He frowned back. “Now what?” he asked.

“I’m not dressed for riding,” I explained. “This skirt has a lot of tulle beneath it.”

He searched my figure for confirmation, eyeing the fabric. “You could ride side saddled.”

“I don’t want to risk it snagging,” I said. “I just purchased this.”

He nodded. “I will ready the horses while you get changed?”

“That would, um.” I sighed, then started to urge him out of the way to close to the room. “That would be fine, sir, yes.”

“Good. I’ll be at the barn,” he said.

“Good,” I said back.

Cyrus turned, and when the door shut, my chest became a sledgehammer. I had no idea what to wear, but I knew I wanted to look pretty; I just didn’t understand why.