The dry toast catches in my throat, and I swallow hard. “When is this?” It’s difficult to know how to behave toward him. If what he revealed yesterday was intended to alter my attitude toward him, his strategy is working. However, I haven’t forgotten that he was there overseeing the “questioning” of Mr. Levine.
His brow lifts as if he’s surprised that I haven’t shot down his invitation. “This afternoon. At the training grounds.” He smiles, and his eyes squint. “Will you be able to attend?”
As slyly as possible, I peek over at Devlan. He nods slightly, and I look Sebastian in the eyes. “I’ll be there.”
“Wonderful.” He pulls my hand from my lap. While bringing it before him, he removes the gauze. “I see Devlan fixed you up nicely. We should be able to continue riding lessons soon.”
I inhale a deep breath. “I’d like that.”
He releases my hand and picks up his fork. “I’ve sent one of the servants into town to get you a woman’s saddle. You’ll be able to ride alongside me with your own horse soon.”
My smile is authentic. “Thank you, Sebastian.”
Through the rest of breakfast, the two crimson-clad knights of the Force remain positioned on either side of Sebastian. I wonder what “matters” he’s tending to. I want to trust that he’ll stand by his convictions. That he’ll change the rule of Karm when his father is no longer here to influence him—to intimidate him. In time, he very well could be a good king. The Force’s presence, however, affirms my fear that we may never see that day.
Until I see proof of this change, I’ll continue to learn all that I can. I have a feeling I’m going to need to be at my best to survive Karm—whether I’m outside the walls of the castle or inside them.
When Sebastian leaves early for the training grounds, I exhale heavily and slump in my chair. “I’m ready.”
Devlan pushes off the glass window. “Then why are you still seated, princess?”
I scowl at him, shove my chair back, and head for the door.
* * *
“Why can’t we take Hawken?” I pout as I look over Devlan’s black horse. She’s beautiful, but I already feel comfortable with Hawken, and Devlan’s horse intimidates me. Especially if she’s anything like Devlan.
He adjusts the saddle, placing a pillion at the back. “Because,” he says, his voice deep and strained, “she is the prince’s horse. I’m not taking his horse when I have my own.”
I wonder if Sebastian would truly mind, or whether Devlan just doesn’t want to ride his former friend’s horse. Regardless, I decide it’s smart to learn to ride different horses. I might not have a choice in which one I take. Best that I master riding in general.
“Jericho will take Hawken to the field shortly anyway,” Devlan continues. “For the prince’s jousting practice.” He walks over to me and stretches out a strip of gauze. “Here. Let me at least wrap your palms.” I extend my hands, and he circles them each once with fresh bandage, leaving my fingers exposed. “That way, you can still handle the reins. I don’t want you losing hold of them.”
“You truly have no faith in me.” A smile quirks up the side of my face.
He huffs. “Princess, you are far too assured of your abilities. I praise your courageousness.” He secures the gauze, checks it doesn’t slip. “But I fault you that
you can be too rash and stubborn. Not letting your hands heal before you continue on will limit how much you can do with them.”
Taken aback by his criticism, I square my shoulders. “I’ll have you know, I think long and hard before doing anything. I don’t make rash decisions.” Or else I’d have tried to escape by now.
He crosses his arms, cranes an eyebrow. “You being here right now states otherwise.”
My lips part to argue, but I can’t. There’s no way to convince him why I must learn quickly without revealing my goal. Though it burns my insides to let him win this debate, I focus my attention on the horse instead.
I run my gauze-wrapped hand along the horse’s black coat. “What’s her name?”
Devlan steps into the stirrup and mounts his horse. “Fireblood.”
My brow shoots up. “That’s a fierce name. What does it mean?”
He looks down and extends his hand to me. “Exactly what it implies; she has fire in her blood. She’s clever and fearless, burns with determination.” A crooked smile tugs at his lips. “And she’s stubborn as hell.”
I hold his eyes for a moment, taking in their blue, penetrating gaze, then I latch onto his arm. He pulls me up, and I settle easily on the pillion, not slipping or sliding.
“I could’ve used this pillion yesterday,” I say, smoothing my dress over my dangling legs.
Devlan squeezes his legs and clicks his tongue against his teeth. Fireblood trots at his command. “Yes, well. I assume the prince liked the idea of having you as close as possible.”