“Have I been inappropriate? Did I take advantage of you last night?” he asked.
I scoffed impulsively; Cyrus shrugged.
“Could youloweryour voice, sir?” I demanded.
He bristled at the command, but he did.
“I’m sorry,”he whispered. “ButhaveI wronged you?”
“I don’t think so,” I said.
“I haven’t,” he replied. “I haven’t told Sam anything of what you said or where you were when you said it.”
I crossed my arms.
“Pray, dare to tell me why are you so against my company?” he asked. “I thought we had fun last night?”
“Why are you soinsistentthat I ride with you?” I said back. “You may not have told the Prince of what I said, but–What is so funny that you’re grinning like that?”
He didn’t budge.
“What?” I asked.
“I don’t know, Princess.” His tone dragged the comment out. “I think I might think it’s funny when you’re mad.”
I groaned. “Yes, itfeelshilarious.”
“Perhaps I’m bored?” he said.
“Bored?”
“Aye. You asked why I am so insistent to ride with you; maybe I’m bored? It's been a while since I rode with anyonecompetent. You gave me quite the run for my copper, I’d say. Maybe I’m looking for a rematch? Maybe I think Sam’s right, and we might actually get along. Maybe I thought he’s been under a lot of stress, and this is something that I can do for him. Maybe– Well, it doesn’t matter. Do you want to go or not?”
“I’ve established not,” I said.
“No,” he said. “You’ve established that you did not think it was a good idea. You’ve established that you believed the purpose of such rides was to allow me to be yoursassy nanny—still waiting for an apology for that one, by the way. And, you’ve established that you?—”
“I’m not apologizing for calling you what you are,” I argued.
“Nannies tattle on the children they watch,” he argued. “They punish them. Once again, I am reminding you that your secrets are safe with me, and I like it when you misbehave.”
“I don’t have secrets, I– You’re painting me a villain here.”
He chuckled. “Are you a child then?”
“I beg your pardon!” I cried.
“Only children need nannies. So, child, no? Awful liar? Yes.”
“How dare?—”
“You said you were busy, yet here you are, doing absolutely nothing.” Cyrus panned his hand toward the room. “My, what occupying things there are in this empty space.”
“It’s been ten minutes, sir!” I said. “I was just headed out.”
“Uh-huh, where are you going then?” he asked.
“I don’t have to say!” I cried.
