There’s a rock in my hoof, you idiot!
“There’s a rock in his hoof, you idiot,” I said coolly.
“Whatdid you just call me?”
Are all humans like this or is it just him?Midnight huffed.
I sighed, wondering why I was bothering with this.Show him, I thought to the horse.
Midnight whinnied and raised one of his front hooves.
“What are you—” Maddox’s words cut off when he caught sight of the offending rock.
“You’re welcome,” I said, turning on my heel. I pretended not to hear him cursing me under his breath.
4
It was funny how ina place I used to thrive, all I wanted to do now was hide.
The royal ballroom was as grand as ever, but it was always something special during the winter solstice. Dangling crystals threw iridescent shards of light against the marble walls. Tapestries depicting snow-capped mountains hung between pillars. The dance floor was aglow with thousands of flickering candles speckling the ballroom. Some sat in blown glass orbs, meant to be carried by the dancers as they performed the candle waltz—a dance that only came around during the solstice.
A courtier’s daughter once whispered to me that the candle symbolized hope and new beginnings, a fiery promise that spring will come bearing all things good. The last person you dance with is said to be your true love. I thought it rather romantic as a child, but romance was one of the many things Mother spurned.
I glanced over at Father, whose eyes were nearly as bright as the chandeliers.
“Would you look at that. I haven’t attended a ball in years,” he said as the four of us emerged from a crowd of guests. I wedged myself behind him as more people entered through the archway. King Maximus and the princes still had to be announced, meaning the night had yet to commence.
“It was kind of General Turner to take your place tonight,” Lady Vanessa said, her diamond earrings glittering. “I thought I would have to attend without you.”
“Killian is a generous man. He knew I needed a break from the Royal Guard,” Father said with a chuckle. “And what better time than now? Maddox, stand straight, my boy. You have an impression to make tonight.”
Maddox grunted at my left. At first glance, he looked the part of a perfect gentleman. At my proximity, however, his pout was about as obvious as his bright blue necktie.
He shot me a venomous glare when he caught me looking at him. I rolled my eyes in response.
“Listen to your father, Maddox,” Lady Vanessa said. She reached over to straighten his lapel, but Maddox jerked away.
