I smirked. “My father…” I swallowed, clearing my throat. “When my father is angry, he stonewalls me.”
“He what?”
“Stonewalls. Like when you try to speak to a stone wall. There is no emotion. No reaction. You only know he’s mad because he tells you he is. Sometimes.”
She nodded.
“I don’t want to make Mr. Evergreen feel that uncertainty. I’m afraid that by not addressing my feelings, my natural way of things will default to my father’s.”
“Ah.” Josie paused. “I stand by my assessment of his character. I think you should ask him about the lie, whatever it is. Tell him he is safe to disclose his reasons.”
I exhaled. “I don’t want to do that either.”
“Whatdoyou want?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” I said.
“Are we still to ride tomorrow?” she asked.
I nodded. “I’ve not heard that we won’t.”
“Then I will do my best to distract Ser Willoughby again. Perhaps you can speak to your Cyrus and determine what you want with privacy?”
“Thank you for being so thoughtful,” I said.
“You’ve invited me to spend all day alone with the man of my wildest dreams. It’s really more self-serving than it is thoughtfulness, but I shall carry this burden for you.”
Chapter 15
Despite Miss Jocelyn’s advice, and my own caution of my temper, by morning, I was very annoyed, and plagued by a dream that I had in which Cyrus told me nothing but lies. Isaac seemed to feel it, too, but she continued confidently, at my instruction—at least the parts she wanted to.
“Don’t get on too far ahead!” Cyrus called.
He and his mare trotted up next to us, closer than usual, apparentlycompletelyuninterested in decorum or what our friends thought. He took the lower portion of Isaac’s reins and pulled them back to slow her down.
I pursed my lips. “Beg your pardon! This ismyhorse.”
“You’re getting ahead again,” he said. He looked around at the forest that lined our solemn path.
“You’re the one who chose to ride Edith. Don’t be angry that I have the faster horse,” I said.
“Is that what you think this is?” He frowned. “I’m doing my best to keep you safe. The only reason we’re out here today is because I promised His Highness I would do just that. Keep you safe. He wanted you at the castle. If you want to keep riding, you’ll do well to behave.”
“Behave? They were just pickpockets,” I said. “I can’t imagine their schemes involve hiding in thetrees.”
“Princess,” Willoughby said. “Surely you can forgive the man for being careful with your safety?” he asked. “There’s no harm in being cautious.”
“Harm or not,” I mumbled, yanking the strap free, “I can instruct myownhorse.”
“Fine,” Cyrus said. He sat up. “When she bucks you, don’t cry to me.”
“I won’t cry at all; I’m not a child!” I said.
“Then don’t act like one!” he said.
He struck Edith’s back, guiding her ahead, anddirectlyin front of Ice. When I tried to parry her around them, he gestured to Ice, and sheslowed downat his command.
“Stop it!” I spat.
