“Why did Papa refuse your offer?”
He cleared his throat, pondering what to say. “You should ask him that next time you see him.”
“I will.”
They walked in silence among the noises from the other horses in the stables and the chatter of the stable hands.
She touched Zeus’s belly again. “Much better.”
He checked him as well. The muscles weren’t tight anymore, and Zeus’s eyes were less wide.
“We should take him home. Where’s your stable?” she asked.
“Close to my house at the end of the street.”
“Don’t mount Zeus. It would be better if you walked him. I’ll be right back.” She handed him the reins and entered the stable.
Tristan scratched the spot in Zeus’s neck the horse loved, making him sigh. He kissed Zeus’s muzzle, scolding himself again for letting his temper neglect his stallion.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“He’s better, isn’t he? He should be all right now.” Lady Effie ran a hand along Zeus’s neck. “Such a gorgeous stallion.”
“He’s my favourite.”
“That’s for you.” She handed him a pot with a tight lid. “Asafoetida for Zeus to drink. Pick a measure of powder as big as an egg and dilute it in lukewarm water. It does wonders.”
He took the pot. “Will do.”
“Don’t make him run until tomorrow. He needs rest.”
“Of course.”
“Well, I’ll see you soon, then. If something happens, send for me.”
He loitered another moment, wondering why leaving right then didn’t seem right. “Lady Effie, thank you for your help. I mean it. You’ve been wonderful.”
“You’re welcome.” Her smile could melt a glacier. “Have that cut disinfected.” She pointed at his hand. “Who knows where Kettle sank his nails into?”
“I don’t want to know.” He bowed his head.
Zeus nudged Lady Effie with his muzzle before pressing his muzzle against his master.
“Goodbye.” She waved at them.
He waved back. “I’ll try again to meet your father. Perhaps tomorrow.”
“Excellent.”
He walked away with Zeus. That wasn’t how he’d supposed his day would have gone.
