His features fall, and I’m sure he’s going to deny my request. But then he smiles and says, “Done.”
“Really?”
“Of course. As a matter of fact, Devlan mentioned this morning you were interested in learning to ride.” He glances at his first knight for affirmation, and Devlan nods once. “I was considering it,” he pauses to laugh, “just not today, since my head feels like it’s been used as a practice target for the joust.” His gaze works over my face. “But I want you happy. If riding will do so, I feel I have no choice but to suffer through the pain.”
I smile, preparing to speak my next words nonchalantly. “Devlan mentioned a stable hand. Jericho, I believe. I’m fine learning from him today if you’re too unwell.”
He eyes me curiously. “I endeavor to make this up to you. And there’s no better rider than me, Zara. You will be well acquainted with riding before the day’s end.”
I nod. Though I’d rather not spend an entire day with him, I believe he’s undoubtedly a good rider. Also, I want to learn quickly. Once I have horseback riding conquered, I can move on to archery, and then to learning important skills I suspect Madity has, and lastly, studying how the knights train. That one will be easily enough obtained while I attend the practice tourneys for the tournament.
“Your aching head shall be your punishment, then,” I say. “Let it be a reminder for the next time you consider drinking yourself into oblivion.”
He laughs and brings my hand to his lips, kissing it softly. “It couldn’t have been all that bad.” His voice drops to a whisper. “Surely, the thought of my lips on yours is not the worst thing you can imagine.”
My stomach sinks, and the memory of his lips trailing over my skin causes my face to heat. “Sebastian.” I say his name as a warning.
He releases my hand. “Right.” He clears his throat. “Call on your maid. You’ll need to change your gown.”
I scrunch my brow. “Into what?”
All I have are dresses. The tunics I brought from the farm have disappeared. It’s not as if I can wear hose or trousers like a man, though I’d gladly trade my embroidered gowns for them any day.
“You’ll need a simple dress. Something you don’t mind being ruined if you should fall.”
“Fall?” The thought hadn’t occurred to me. “Are you so poor a teacher that I’m in danger of falling?”
His eyes darken. I shrink back, regretting my outburst, but his bothered expression is quickly replaced by a bright smile. “I promise, no harm will come to you.” He rises from his seat and looks down at me. “But,” he says, a devious smile creeping onto his face, “plan on getting a bit dirty, my love. I ride hard.”
* * *
Madity changes me into a plain brown, full-length tunic. It’s more comfortable than my gowns and reminds me of what I used to wear every day back at my father’s farm. I sigh, thinking that even though I’ve only spent a few days stuck behind these walls, it feels like a lifetime.
I hike up the hem of my dress and hurry toward the stable, determination marching my feet forward. Learning to ride is one step closer to freedom. I still have nearly two months before the wedding in which to learn, but I want to be free from here as soon as possible. Even if that means living in the outskirts of Karm.
The only thing that hinders my plan is the damned wall surrounding Court. There has to be a way past it. It’s not as if I can simply walk through the electrified gate. The rare moments when it’s powered down and open, guards are posted in the gatehouse towers. I’d consider climbing the wall, but it’s as high as a small mountain. Even if I found a useful device to get me over, I’d be spotted. Tunneling under it seems logical. But how long would that take me? I’d be caught surely.
There has to be a way.
But once I make it out, then what? I wish I had a place prepared, but there’s not enough time to gain Sebastian’s trust in order to leave Court and arrange one. Even if I did have more time, where would I go? The best I can hope for is finding an abandoned cottage tucked away in the forest. My father took me to the woods often, and I felt safe playing in them as a girl. It will be like I’m close to him again.
Devlan walks behind me as usual. He’s not said much since breakfast, but I’m getting used to him tagging along. It still irks me that he follows behind like a damned servant, but battling formalities is the least of my worries today.
With each step toward the stable, I’m getting closer to breaking free.
Sebastian is already atop his gorgeous white horse, and he canters her around the fenced-in area surrounding the stable. His blond hair shimmers in the bright noon sun, and his back is set straight, looking like he has ridden every day of his life.
I climb the bottom post and rest my stomach against the top rail, then lean over and stretch my hand out to greet Hawken as she’s strutted over. “Hey there, girl.” I pet the velvety hair between her nostrils, then turn my palm up so she can scent me.
Sebastian dismounts and hops easily over the fence. “Ready?” Without waiting for my reply, he grasps my waist and hoists me up and over the top of the fence, seating me on the rail.
I teeter, gripping the wood for balance, while he climbs over to the other side. “Here.” He takes me by the waist again and slowly lowers me to the ground. His hands linger, keeping me close, and I push against his chest to back him away.
Whatever his mind is entertaining, I won’t allow him to use teaching me to ride for his games. I’ll remind him with every movement that I do not belong to him.
While Sebastian adjusts the saddle, my eyes inadvertently seek Devlan. He leans leisurely against the fence, his forearms draped over the wood beam, and stares at the ground. He doesn’t speak much most of the time, but when Sebastian is near, he’s even quieter. I wonder if that’s what’s expected of his station. Today, he’s downright mute. Maybe he was reprimanded for coming to my aid last night after all.
“Zara,” Sebastian calls, gaining my attention. “Let’s begin your lesson, shall we?”