Baker wrinkles his nose. “Are you scared?”
“A little,” I admit.
“I promise, most of the horses are well trained. They’re like big dogs. They love being showered with attention and receiving treats.” He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “But we can stand extra far back if it puts you more at ease.”
Trooper Baker leads me to an area near the far wall. We’re about ten feet from the horses and out of everyone’s way.
“Most?”
“There’s a couple in the regiment that are spirited and enjoy nipping at anyone who gets too close.” He blinks slowly. “But as far as I’m aware, the ones out on duty today are softies.” He points to the horse with four white socks and a small white star. “Take Orpheus, for instance. He tends to nap while he’s standing out front.”
My eyes widen. “They can do that?”
“Uh-huh. They’re experts at it. Orpheus is older, about fifteen. When you’ve been around as long as he has, you’ve seen it all. Nothing surprises him.”
“Who’s the other one?”
“That’s Titan.”
This horse is a different shape than Orpheus. He’s pure muscle. Titan is also black, with three white socks and a blaze running down the center of his forehead.
“He definitely looks like a Titan.”
“That boy is eighteen hands three. He’s the largest horse we have in the Blues and Royals.”
I make a note to look up what the Blues and Royals means later.
Soldiers in camo line the pair of horses up by the door. They clip the horse’s halter to a post and review all the tack, checking the saddle, girth strap, halter, reins, and all the other bits and bobs.
“Are they part of your regiment too?”
“Yup.” Baker nods. “We all rotate between working as stable hands and being out in front of the public.”
The questions continue to come. “Do you rotate between who sits on the horses and who stands as a foot guard too?”
“In a way.” We watch two of his friends in navy-blue coats ascend a set of mounting blocks and settle themselves on top of the horses. “It’s all about who has the best presentation and turnout. We’re inspected before we leave the barracks at Hyde Park by an officer. They give us a score out of twenty. The troopers with the highest scores get to pick where they’re positioned for the watch.”
“Oh wow. I’ll have to look for you on horseback the next time I’m passing through.”
“I’ll never be on horseback, unless a miracle happens.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Why?”
“Because I don’t fancy staying up all hours of the night to make my kit immaculate. I’ll settle for it being up to the standard required. I’d rather sleep, especially when our watches here are twenty-four hours long.”
The horses are taken to the slatted doors. Corporal Lee says a few words to them, then leads them out front. My time with Trooper Baker is running short. I’m disappointed in myself for not using the time more wisely. I know next to knowing about him!
“Trooper Baker, do you have a first name?”
“It’s Sam, but if you want to call me Baker, that’s fine too.” He grows quiet. “What about you? Do you have a surname?”
“Hana.” I dry swallow. “I go by Min, Minnie, or Minerva.”
“For now, I like Minerva.” Our gazes meet and we hold one another’s attention for several heartbeats. Maybe it’s a trick of the lighting, but his eyes have changed shades. Now they appear more like a rich, warm caramel.
“Sam,” I test on my lips. “Are you going to be here again tomorrow?”
“Until eleven. After that, my squadron returns to Knightsbridge.”
