He gladly took the opportunity to study her face in return, noting the way her eyebrows furrowed and her soft lips pinched in on the sides, as though she could not decide whether to smile or frown. The brilliant blue of her eyes contrasted with the dark shadows below them. Was it the low light of the surrounding torches, or was she exhausted?
“Is it acceptable to say no to a prince?” she finally voiced.
“Do you have any further work to accomplish tonight?” he replied.
“No...” Her answer was slow, and she watched him in confusion.
“Are you secretly a member of the royal family?”
Her lips curled into a small smile at that. “No.”
“Am I a seven-foot giant or a powerful Majis that will devour you in the shadows if you dare to close your eyes?”
Her smile grew. “No, I should hope not.”
“See how easy it is to say ‘no’ to a prince? You really are quite good at it.”
“You know what I mean, my Lord.” Her voice was quiet, but her face was less apprehensive.
Onric had no idea how to make her see that she held all the power here. “Please allow me to take you home. It is acceptable to make any decision that you wish to make, be it a yes or a no. I will abide by it. But I would like to offer you this small service.” He turned to his horse to lighten the mood. “As would Blossom.”
As if on cue, Blossom stepped forward, shouldering him out of the way. The horse dropped its head to the shorter girl, noting her scent with loud snorts before closing his eyes and presenting his forehead to be scratched.
That brought a smile to her face. Uncrossing her arms, she acquiesced with Blossom’s unspoken request. The horse neighed a happy sigh.
Onric hoped he would remember to give the beast an extra apple for playing his part well tonight.
“Your steed’s name is Blossom?” The girl peered around the large horse to catch his eye.
Onric stepped forward so he could see her again, rubbing Blossom’s shoulder as he went. “Aye, he may look powerful, but on the inside he’s more like a puppy. In all seriousness, m’lady, you must feel free to make your own decisions around me. I promise I’ll respect that.”
He looked at her again, his eyes pleading in a way he belatedly realized was also very puppylike.
She stared at him again, her hands still idly rubbing the soft spot on Blossom’s dipped head. He could not tell if she did not believe him or was just considering his request.
“Is there something else that is bothering you?” he inquired.
“I merely wonder at your intentions, my Lord.” Her eyes flicked up to him, as if to gauge his reaction.
“Then let me put your mind at ease.” He tugged on Blossom’s lead, forcing the horse to step out of the way and ignoring the protesting whinny that followed. Onric stepped closer to the woman in front of him and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “Lift your arms until they are straight out.”
She had tilted her head back to look up at him, and he smiled at her confusion as she followed his directions. “Alright.”
When her arms were horizontal with the ground, he removed his hands from her shoulders. “Now, spin in a circle.”
She laughed a little, but then slowly started to turn her back towards him. As her hand brushed his arm, he stepped backwards so she could complete the motion unhindered.
When she was once again facing him, she dropped her arms, hugging herself lightly in the cold. But a small smile was still on her face as she waited for him to explain himself.
“If you ask me never to step inside the circle you just drew with your fingertips, prince or no, I swear to you that I will respect that.”
Her smile was gone, but it had been replaced by an open thoughtfulness. “Thank you,” she whispered, then shivered.
He resisted the urge to step forward and wrap her in a warm hug after the words he had just uttered about keeping his distance. “Now, if you will allow it, Blossom and I would like to see you safely home.”
She nodded. “Please.”
Without waiting for further encouragement, he stepped forward and dropped his hands to her waist, easily lifting her onto the waiting Blossom. When she was comfortable, he swung himself up behind her.
