“I am well; thank you, sir. It’s… You heard I was short? Never mind. It’s lovely to meet you.” I curtsied, which only baffled him.
“Is she lame?”he asked the other.
“What?”I asked.
Cyrus waved the ostler off. “She justdoesthat.”
Henry sighed, then gave me another once-over, turning to whisper to his companion.
“Yes,” Cyrus replied. “I noticed.”
I felt flustered suddenly.
“So what is it, girl?” Henry asked. “You don’t have ostlers back in yer palace? Who manages yer horses?” I opened my mouth but had no time to contribute, as he added, “I’d be willin’ to bet we workin’ hands are much the same anywhere you go. Oreia. Laurel. Chalke. No need to stare.”
“I’m not staring,” I said. “I just hadn’t expected you to be so…”
“Old?” he asked.
“Short, honestly,” I said.
Cyrus choked on a laugh. He stifled it as Henry caught him for it.
“I’m not short,” Henry muttered. “I’m old. Things shrink; your body bends with age. You’ll see.”
“I meant no offense,” I said. I shook my head. “It’s just that you mentioned my height, and I’ve spent all day next to Mr. Evergreen.”
He peered at the swordsman. “It ain’t my fault you lot are giant.”
I looked at Evergreen.
Cyrus slid the blanket from my shoulders and folded it to hand it to his partner. “Her Highness and I had a pleasant afternoon until the rain. That said, I’m sure she’s eager to find herself in warmer clothes. I thought to escort her back.”
Henry stroked Tails in his stall. “Go, go. You won’t be missed,” he said.
Cyrus softly ushered his palm to the small of my back and us to the door.
“Have fun, you two,” Henry said.
“Fun?” I asked. “Walking?”
“Yes, is that wh–”
“Aye. Indeed,” Cyrus nodded, hurrying to speak over whatever comment the ostler tried to offer. “Ma’am, if you’ll allow me the honor?We can discuss the details of tomorrow’s ride.”
“Tomorrow’sride?” I asked.
“I assumed that worked for you. I’m free most days. I can do the day after as an option. I’ll trust you if you say you have prior arrangements, too.”
“How long does it take to break a horse, sir?” I asked.
“Ah! You’re breaking Isaac, are ya?” Henry chimed. “My wife, God rest her soul, and I broke our first horse together the same. There’s nothing like it to bri–”
Cyrus excused us into the yard. “Ignore him. He’s crazy.”
“Ignore him?” I asked. “What did he say?”
Henry was still talking, but Evergreen closed the door despite my effort to peer in.
