He nodded and returned his attention ahead. I pinched my arm, hard.
It was all those months talking out loud to Misty. I seriously had to stop.
Is this your first time in a parade, Cozbi?I asked, this time through my thoughts.
First time with fancy folk like you, Cozbi said.My last owner was a farmer. I pulled his cart...but he didn’t have much use for me anymore when he had a witch enchant his wagons to be weightless.
I pursed my lips. Witches again, this time putting horses out of work.
Alright, I thought to her.I’m going to need you to show off a little.
Show...off?
I smoothed the stray hairs in her dark mane. The stablehands had done a decent job grooming her, though compared to the crown prince’s snowy white gelding, Cozbi looked rather mediocre. Still, she had the potential to be stunning if she carried herself in the right way.
You’re a lovely horse, I said.It would be a shame if you letthatone take the spotlight.
Cozbi swiveled her head to Crown Prince Bennett’s gelding and snorted.
We horses were never meant to be that perfect, she said loftily.
No,I agreed.Better rustic than extravagant.
Cozbi nickered.Very well. Have that pear ready for me.
I allowed myself a satisfied smile as the entrance to the market grew closer. Soon enough, we passed beneath the archway and into a wide cobblestoned street.
The witch market met us in a shock of jewel tones and spices. I expected outlandish aesthetics, but the buildings were recognizably Olderean and the wares on display appeared to be common objects—scented candles, glinting brass jewelry, and bottles of medicine and makeup. I couldn’t pick apart which items had magical properties and which didn’t.
I found myself straining for a closer look, but Ulysses blew his horn, the high timbre cutting through the bustling of the streets. “His Highness Crown Prince Bennett and his future princess, Lady Narcissa Greenwood!” he announced.
The vendors and hagglers quieted at once, parting for us to pass. A few children ran up to the sides, jewel-colored eyes wide and curious. The adults stayed back. Their expressions, though not hostile, were unreadable.
Crown Prince Bennett held up his hand, gracing the silent crowd with a stiff, close-lipped smile. Describing the situation as uncomfortable would be an understatement.
I will handle itindeed!
I straightened my shoulders and began to pull my lips into a proper smile until Cozbi reared her front legs.
Ulysses yelped. “Lady Narcissa!”
My backside nearly slipped from the saddle as the mare leaped forward. I grabbed the reins just in time. The children squealed, darting out of the way before they got trampled by her clattering hooves.
“Cozbi!” I exclaimed, clinging on for dear life. “What are youdoing?”
Showing off!she replied with a loud nicker. She pranced in a circle, throwing back her glossy mane.
I gave an incredulous laugh as a few strands smacked my cheek. The witch children giggled as Cozbi continued her ridiculous dance. I could only imagine how we looked cavorting in the middle of the street like a circus act.
The pear bounced in my pocket. I grabbed it and held it over her head in hopes she would calm.
Cozbi snatched the fruit, her hairy lips encasing my fingers.Yum! I love the yellow ones.
“Where’d you get a creature like that, princess?” an elderly witch hollered from the crowd.
“She’s so cute,” a witch girl cooed.
I smiled sheepishly as I took Cozbi’s reins and turned her around. A young boy with a head of inky curls stepped out into the street and pulled out another pear from his satchel.
