He pauses, his lips pursed as if looking for any excuse to deny me. “It is important that you spend as much time as possible with Gesine and Ianca—”
“All she does is sleep.” I drop my voice to add, “I keep wanting to check her pulse.”
He sighs. “Yes, that concern has crossed my mind.”
“I need a break from the wagon, and if the night of the attack taught us anything, I have a lot to learn about everything. Including how to ride a horse.”
“I agree.” Jarek strolls up to us, leading his white stallion by its reins. “I will ensure she remains in her saddle, Your Highness.”
Zander’s eyes narrow as if doubting Jarek’s intentions. As am I. But I see the moment his doubt shifts to acceptance. “Very well. Both you and Elisaf will ride at her flanks the entire journey. Should we fall under attack, your priority is getting her to the caster’s side.”
“Aye, Your Highness.” Jarek offers a curt bow.
With one last glance at me, Zander strolls away.
I watch his back a moment before spinning to face off against the warrior. “What are you up to?”
“I’m greeting the horse.” Jarek smooths a gentle hand over its snout. “You should do the same. It’s only polite before you climb onto his back.”
“No, I mean, why are you offering to protect me? You’ve always taken issue with it.”
“I cannot blame you for wanting to avoid that seer. She makes everyone uncomfortable.”
“Don’t try to make me believe you care about my comfort.” This is a guy who keeps throwing around his second-in-command status. Someone like that does not babysit.
“You are right. I don’t particularly care about that.” He seems to consider his answer. “Both the king and the commander believe you are vital to our success. The mortal Eden cannot stop singing your praises, and I’m certain Elisaf would eviscerate himself on his sword if you asked it of him.”
My face scrunches at the image that sparks.
“Either they’re all fools, or perhaps I am.”
And I would be the fool if I didn’t think he was trying to win my confidence for his gain. But sure, I’ll play along. “Is that a rhetorical question, or should I answer? Please, can I answer?”
My stomach growls noisily, ruining my clever moment.
With a smirk, Jarek pulls two apples from his saddle, tossing them to me.
“Seriously, how many more of those do you have?”
“One’s for you. One’s for Eros.”
“Who?”
“The horse you’re determined to ride. It’s best you make friends. Maybe he won’t throw you off.”
“Oh. Right.” I tuck my apple into a pocket in my cloak and venture over to offer the fruit to the beast, holding it in my open palm. He leans in to sniff first before collecting it with a snuffle, his lips feathering across my skin, stirring my giggle. “I’d never ridden a horse before I came here.”
Jarek’s frown makes me realize my mistake.
“That I remember,” I add, cursing myself for my mistake. We’re back to this game. I’m so sick of it.
If Jarek thinks there is more to that, he doesn’t let on.
“He’s beautiful.” I hadn’t considered this horse much beyond knowing he was one of Freywich’s, and he’s been riderless since those two mortals left. Now, I study his slender head and near-black eyes as he chews.
“He’s a rare breed from Kier. Fast and strong, with exceptional stamina. Even the concave shape of his neck is unique.” Jarek strokes his mane. “Very few can be found in Islor.”
“How did a lowly nobleman from Islor’s west side end up with him, then?”