“Good morning,” Elaina whispered.
The horse snorted quietly, as though returning the greeting. Elaina smiled and reached through the stall to stroke the mare’s neck, as her hand moved slowly along the warm, solid muscle. The steady rhythm of the horse’s breathing grounded her in a way few things ever had.
It had always been that way. Back home, before everything had changed, the stables had been the one place where she could escape the constant watchfulness of the household. Horses did not ask questions. They did not judge. They simply existed. And in their quiet presence, she had always found peace.
“I suppose it is true what they say, lass,” she murmured, resting her forehead briefly against the mare’s warm neck, “old habits dae die very hard.”
“So it would seem.”
Elaina tensed, not having expected to hear anyone’s vice. She turned quickly, only to find Duncan standing just inside the doorway. The faint dawn light was outlining his broad frame.His cloak hung loosely over one shoulder and his dark hair was still slightly disordered from sleep, as though he had risen only moments before. Still, he looked entirely too awake for such an early hour.
Elaina blinked.
“I didnae hear ye come in.”
Duncan stepped further into the stable.
“That’s because ye were busy talking tae me horse.”
Elaina glanced at the grey mare.
“She listens better than most people.”
Duncan’s mouth curved faintly. “Aye. That’s probably true.”
He stopped a few paces away, his gaze drifting briefly around the stable before settling back on her.
“Most people choose the chapel if they’re looking fer peace before sunrise.”
“I prefer this.” Elaina smiled softly.
Duncan tilted his head slightly. “The stables?”
“Aye.”
She ran her hand once more along the mare’s neck before stepping back from the stall. The horse shifted beneath her touch, and her breath was puffing softly into the cool air of the stable. Elaina lingered there for a moment, savoring the quiet. Behind her, Duncan moved closer.
“Ye ken, I was planning tae ride intae the woods,” he answered without being asked.
Elaina turned slightly. “Och?”
“Aye.” His gaze flicked toward the open stable door where the pale dawn was beginning to stretch across the courtyard. “There are a few patrol paths I prefer tae check meself now and then.”
He paused. “Seeing ye’re already here, ye could come with me.”
The suggestion caught her off guard. “With ye?”
“If ye’d like, of course.”
Elaina considered it, glancing briefly toward the distant line of trees beyond the castle walls. A thoughtful smile touched her lips.
“There are certain herbs that grow there,” she admitted. “Plants that prefer shade and damp soil. I have nae yet had the chance tae look fer them.”
Duncan’s brow lifted slightly.
“Well then,” he said, gesturing toward the row of horses, “it seems we both have business in the same direction.”
Elaina hesitated only a moment longer before nodding.
