“Nomad; hardly what I described,” Sam said.
Cyrus shook his head. “It’s not like I don’t have my own means. Henry is just old, and sometimes I?—”
“Whois Henry?” I asked.
“The ostler,” Sam replied.
“The ostler?” I asked. “But I-?”
Sam continued, interrupting me again. “So. It’s settled then.” I brought my glass to my mouth, but when he said, “You’re free to take advantage of Cyrus here,” the juice wentrightback out and all over the table between us.
He paused, touching the cloth to his face.
“Good lord, Svana,” he said.“Areyou well?”
“You said to take advantage of him,” I said.
“Yes, and I mean it, starting as soon as, well, as right here, right now, I suppose.”
“Surely you don’t?—”
“I do,” he insisted. “Nay, I encourage it. Cyrus, you’re free, yes?”
“Of course I am,” the swordsman said.
“Then come show Svana how it’s done,” Sam replied.
Cyrus rolled his shoulder smugly. “Aye, I could show you a thing or two. If you wanted, Your Highness.”
“I–” My face flamed. I tried to find the words, but I felt rotten for how inappropriate my thoughts were. I vowed never to read another book again. “I must apologize; I think I’ve got something in my throat.” I touched it accordingly and turned my face.
“And Svana,” Sam added. “Don’t be afraid to really make use of this man’s experience,” he said, handing me my cup.
I waved him off, clearing my throat. “Um. Ahem. Sorry. That won’t, that won’t be necessary, sir. Sorry. I’m…I think I’m actually booked this afternoon. No time for sudden rides.”
“Your maid told me you were free,” Sam said. “In fact, I have your entire social ledger here for the week, and it’s…quiteopen. Did you not make friends at the party?”
He pulled a notebook from a pocket from inside his jacket. Cyrus peered over his shoulder and inspected the page cooly.
He said, “Ah, I know what the problem is, Sam.”
“Problem?” I asked. “What problem?”
“Tell me.”
“She’sscared,”Cyrus told him. “I thought you said she was anenthusiast, Sam? But she’s not. You’ve given me a scaredy cat.”
“A scardey cat?”I cried. “Pray, what am I so scared of? Of spending time with you?”
“No. Of thehorse,”Cyrus said. He shook his head. “I could care less if you were scared of spending time with me, but if you’re scared of horses, I’d probably laugh.”
“I amnot–”
He chuckled, muttering, “The Horse Princess, scared of horses.”
“How dare you!” I cried. “What deranged fantasy gave you the idea that I could be scared of the most majestic creature to ever live? Are you mad or simply trying to insult my character?”
“Hey–” Sam tried.
