I immediately fetched it out and wrapped it around myself.
“How do I look now?” I asked, and he smiled, satisfied.
“Perfect, and your name is Eklavya, and you cannot speak,” he said.
“Why?”
He smiled,“Because you have a sweet voice that can’t be changed.” His words made sense, and I nodded.
He held my hand, and we both walked toward the door. Opening it, he stepped out first, checking to see if everything was okay.
“Come out,” he intoned, and I felt my stomach somersaulting already. I didn’t know why, but the thought of anyone finding us made me feel queasy suddenly.
I stepped outside, trying to calm my racing heart, looking around to see if someone was watching.
While watching my back as he walked forward, he bumped his head into a pole, and a soft groan escaped his mouth.
My eyes widened in shock before bursting into laughter.
He stared at me, rubbing his head, and smiled.
“I did that on purpose to make you smile,” he said, and I couldn’t help but laugh even more.
“Sometimes, you don’t even behave like a prince,” I teased.
He led me silently through the corridors, avoiding detection, replying,“Everyone is a normal human before they’re a king, prince, maid, or of any title. Life is a thousand times more beautiful when you stick to that.”
His words made me feel good, and I looked at him as he took me to the horse stable.
“Won’t the soldiers at the entrance notice us?” I asked, anxious yet thrilled, and he looked at me with a smile while untying his horse and rubbing its neck.
“I don't care,” he said, kissing the jet-black horse and stroking its forehead.
“That’s my wife,” he said to the horse, and I gulped nervously, seeing it looking at me.
It lifted its front legs, neighing lightly.
“That’s okay; she doesn’t weigh much,” he muttered in its ear.“Give me your hand,” he said, turning to me, and I moved my hand closer to him.
“Doesn’t he recognise me? I mean, you saved me,” I said, as I softly patted its forehead.
“He does, but I’m making you two friends,” I smiled and took a step closer, rubbing its forehead lovingly.
“Hey,” I muttered.“What’s his name?” I asked.
“Ashwait,” he replied.
“What a charming name, Ashwait,” I said, watching it calm at my caresses.
“Is he feeling good?” I asked, looking at him, and he nodded.
“Yes, better.”
When he pulled my hand to the side, I said,“I want to climb on my own,” glancing at the footrest hanging from the horse’s back.“How do I do it?” I asked, and he smiled as he explained.
“Hold the hair here,” he said, stroking the long hair on the horse’s upper neck.
“Okay, then?” I muttered, gripping its hair. It was not soft but firm, and its skin had a lustrous shine. I could bet that he had a good diet.
