“On a scale of one to ten pain wise, where are you at right now?”
“Four?”
“Do you think you can make it back? If not, we can call your groom to come out here.”
“I can manage,” I insist.
Art passes me Poseidon’s lead, then walks over to Sefton’s saddlebags and pulls out a small black pouch filled with medical supplies. Rummaging around, he locates a bottle of paracetamol. “Take two of these. Do you have a water bottle with you?”
“No.”
From Sefton’s other bag, he removes a metallic water bottle.
“You’re always prepared. The riding kit in the car, now the medical kit. Were you a Scout as a child?”
“I was.”
“I knew it.”
“But that’s not why I have all these supplies.”
“Oh?” I pop the lid and take the two pills as directed before returning the bottle to its rightful owner. “Thank you.”
“Not to be grim, but we’re warned when we’re doing our training to always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If we’re traveling outside the palace and will be gone for the day, I always have my riding kit, an emergency kit, clothing, and a few other items on hand that come with us just in case.”
Reading between the lines, I think he probably means weapons and communication equipment. Papa’s and Eddie’s teams have an entire van that goes with them. This doesn’t surprise me too much.
“Does Angela keep a bag too?”
“Yeah, she does. She manages to fit everything in a small backpack. I don’t know how she does it.” He glances at his watch. “Those meds will likely take about ten to fifteen minutes to take effect. Would you rather wait, or can you ride? I don’t want you to be in pain.”
“I’d rather crack on and see to the horses.”
“You’re sure?” His hazel eyes bore into me, as if he’s attempting to read my mind.
“Uh-huh. All I need is a boost up to the saddle.”
Art walks over to my left side. “I have a fun fact for you,” I tell him. “Do you know why riders always mount from the left?”
He pauses and shakes his head. “I don’t. Why?”
“I learned from my brother that nobody mounts from the right because back in the cavalry days, soldiers used to keep their swords on their left hip. Mounting on the left ensured the sword wouldn’t get in the way.”
“Huh, interesting. I never knew that.”
“Now you do.” I take a moment to compose myself. “I’m ready now.” I allow the horses’ reins to drop from my hands for a moment.
“I’ll lift you on the count of three. One. Two. Three.” Practically one-handed, Art smoothly lifts me to his shoulder level. He doesn’t buckle under my weight or even make a grunt. He just does it as if lifting people is something he does every day.
“Thanks.” I swing my legs over the side and stabilize myself.
“You’re welcome.” Jumping off the ground, Art settles himself in Poseidon’s saddle. He pats the inside of the horse’s neck. “We’ll ride at a leisurely walk. If you need to take any breaks, I expect you to tell me.” He shoots me a knowing look. “I don’t want you suffering in silence.”
I mock salute him. “Yes, sir.”
He snorts. “There’s a heating pad you can sit on when we get to the car.”
“Thanks, but I may not need it.”
