CHAPTER SIX
Eva waited impatientlyfor Caden to finish his impromptu inspection. Where it hadn’t bothered her for Shea and Ollie to make sure she was adequately prepared for the trip, it galled when the commander did the same.
Jason stood beside her as Caden sifted through her things. "You're not really trusted despite appearances, are you?"
Eva didn't outwardly react to the comment, instead keeping her eyes on Caden. His head turned slightly as he caught Jason's words, his shoulders stiffening. Caden straightened and stepped toward Caia's head, running his hand down her neck admiringly.
If he had been anyone else, she might have struck up a conversation. Someone who could appreciate Caia, was worth talking to. But this was Caden, and it would take more than that small glimpse of appreciation for Eva to brave his cold disdain.
She waited for Caia to take a chunk out of him for the presumption. The mare, obstinate and difficult as always, shifted to allow Caden better access so he could rub her cheek and nose, even going so far as to nudge him for more when he stepped back.
Eva's eyes narrowed on the traitor. Contrary horse. She didn't like Ollie, who was nice to Eva, but she had no trouble sidling up to the arrogant commander. A man who sometimes left Eva feeling about as smart and independent as a turnip.
He pushed Caia away. "Where is your second mount?"
Eva pushed her chin at a string of horses where her other mount waited with the rest of the secondaries. It was customary for the Trateri to travel with two or more horses. When the first tired, they would switch to the second so the first could rest. It was one of the reasons the Trateri were seen as such a threat in the Lowlands where a rich man might own one horse, but rarely two. It allowed them to cross the long distances necessary to crush those who opposed them in less time.
Caden's expression didn't thaw. If anything, impatience filtered into it. Eva fought the urge to roll her eyes, making her way over to the string and pointing out her mount. You would think she wasn't a herd mistress with the way he was acting.
Her second mount was another mare. Unlike Caia, this one wasn't built for speed and wasn't particularly beautiful either, but she was sweet and easygoing.
Eva was more than happy with that. One arrogant and vain pain in the ass was about all she could handle.
Blossom was shorter than many of the others—more a pony than a horse—with thick legs and a thick coat. She was staid and almost seemed placid unless carrots or sugar cubes were involved. Eva had a feeling she'd been a Lowland pony at some point before someone had either offered her in tithe or the Trateri had simply taken her.
Either way, she was Eva's now.
"Good choice," Caden grunted grudgingly.
"Thank you," was her short response.
She didn't need the praise. If there was one thing she knew, it was horseflesh. Blossom might not be much to look at, but Eva was willing to bet she'd outwalk any of these pretty Trateri horses up a mountain pass. She came from sturdy stock. What she lacked in speed and grace she made up for in determination and stamina.
Eva waited expectantly for Caden's apology. None came.
Instead, he looked expectantly at Jason who'd shadowed the two across the pasture.
Jason startled. "I've already been inspected."
Caden raised an eyebrow. "And now you'll be inspected again."
Jason's gaze moved between Eva and Caden before scowling. Eva was just as confused. The Anateri commander had to have better things to do than make sure the two of them were adequately prepared for the journey.
Caden’s expression was implacable as he calmly stared Jason down.
