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His voice was nervous. I wasn’t sure what to make of that.
“They said, yes. Ingrid thinks you are rather handsome.”
Rick snickered. “Tell her I appreciate the confidence boost. She’s the littlest one? She was playing in the stream?”
I nodded. “Yes. She rarely can be tied down.”
“She has few manners. Is part dog,” Celeste snarled.
Rick defended Ingrid. “She's just a child. The girls were nice and full of questions. I can tell you have four bright granddaughters, Your Majesty.”
“Bright is relative. Ask anyone about Alexandra’s maths scores.”
I flushed bright red.
“Oh, I’m so bad at math. I am sure she could smoke me.”
Celeste glared. I shot an encouraging look Rick’s way.
“Alexandra, I was wondering. Do you ride horses at all?”
“I do,” I beamed.
There was nothing I loved more.
“She doesn’t ride anymore,” Celeste said.
“Oh? Why not?”
“It’s not necessary. Risky. There are more suitable sports.”
“Do you miss it?” Rick asked, ignoring Celeste.
“Very much,” I replied. “I love riding. Grand-Mama says it is a bad idea for me given that I am… well, I’m the queen and I shouldn’t ride.”
“Kings rode into battle. I think you could manage a lazy stroll,” Rick chuckled. “I do not mean to overstep but I, myself, ride.”
“What do you do?” I asked.
“Polo.”
“Predictable,” I snickered.
“Guilty as charged. Is it possible we could go out? For a hack?”
I looked at Celeste. She scowled.
“It would be a good way to get to know one another,” I pointed out.
“Yes, if you take protection officers with you.” Her tone was less-than-enthusiastic.
“I will remain on my best behaviour and not encourage her to do anything silly,” Rick said. “Promise.”
“Well, that’s good. Your father would not like to hear otherwise,” Celeste muttered.
I was overjoyed and excited. Rick was trying.
Throughout dinner, I sat quietly and played with my food. I had little interest in talking about anything and eating like I was hungry would provoke anger. Rick held the conversation almost on his own. I knew anything I said would upset Celeste at this point. I didn’t want to make matters worse. I had made my point. I had won my argument. That is all there was.
