I felt the muscles in his arms relax. “It’s been a while since I’ve had the time. I think it was about the history of leather-working in northern Cynthus.”
Snorting, I leaned off him.
“What?” Eleos demanded. “They have a unique technique there. Clearly, you’ve never had the pleasure of buying one of their cloaks.”
Giggling, I unfolded myself and stood. “Nothing. You’re just cute.”
Frowning, he rose and planted a hand on his hip. “Fine. What do you do for fun?”
“I pick flowers,” I said, shrugging. “Not very exciting, I know. But it’s all I have time for.” Taking a deep breath, I brushed off my dress. “We should get back to the others.”
When I looked back at Eleos, his eyes had drifted away. Distracted, he strode a few paces down the hill and knelt before returning to my side. A little red poppy, freshly plucked, was tucked between his fingers.
“Flowers suit you,” he said, brushing aside my curls to tuck the flower into my hair. He parted my strands gently, folding the stem into a little braid to keep the blossom steady.
My hand trembled as I reached up to touch it. A swell of emotions washed over me, and tears burned in my eyes, though I had no reason to cry. Swallowing, I glanced away, hiding my face.
I knew how to read people. Attraction, most of all. Whether it was lust or a more innocent interest, I could see it in men’s eyes. But even when off the job, such gazes had been shallow, intended only to lure me into their bed. What did a man look like when he yearned for something more?
No, I was reading too far into things. Feelings followed lust. Never the other way around. And I’d never seen Eleos look at me with a hint of desire.
“Are you alright, Lady Aethra?” He asked gently.
“Mhm,” I nodded, wiping my eyes. He stared at me in concern, brows lowered. He didn’t understand.
I didn’t either.
Whisper’s tail thumped against my leg. The dog stood at attention, tail flying furiously, gaze fixed at the lone rider galloping toward us.
Mounted atop a gorgeous blonde mare with a flowing white mane, Seth guided the stolen horse to me and gestured with playful theatrics.
“Well, princess?” He asked. “Will this steed do?”
Wiping the moisture from my eyes, I laughed. “She’s perfect.”
15
Chapter 15
Riding a horse by myself felt like a greater hurdle than all the trials preceding it. Worse still, Seraphim had decided Seth would start training me to fight tonight.
Pressing my thighs against the saddle, I sat rigidly, grasping the reins for dear life. The blonde mare with beautiful white locks had a gentle personality, at least, and heeded commands with little fuss. Eleos had thoroughly tested her before allowing me to ride her alone.
Trying to relax, I admired the scenery. Ainwir had taken me to Therapne when I was twelve. It felt like a lifetime ago. I had no memories of this road, nor of the city where the seat of the clergy was built.
Red-leafed trees dotted the mountains like fire burning in high pyres. Steep ridges collapsed into deep gorges, and waterfalls trailed from the highest peaks into the lowest valleys.
What lovely scenery—a pleasant backdrop for the beating I’d receive tonight.
Someone snickered, and I looked over to see Seth laughing at me.
“What?” I demanded.
He effortlessly pivoted in his saddle. “I thought the destitute of Ikaria were all farmers. How have you never ridden a horse?”
“I stayed in the city. There was no reason to leave.”
“Just balance, princess, it’s not that hard.”
