Page 58 of Katherine the Vixen

He led her to the stables where two horses were already saddled. His stallion, Arian, which he had once told her meant silver, and Aur, the mare she had used during their ride from Castell Y Ddraig. Evidently, he had thought that she would be more comfortable on a horse she’d already ridden.

“You knew I would come, then?” she asked, heart thumping.

“I hoped you would. That is not quite the same.” He smiled as he turned to her. “After all, the chances of the old bat agreeing to take me fishing were non-existent.”

Katherine could not repress a chuckle. “No. I cannot imagine her fishing. Although… is that really where we are going?” She couldn’t see any equipment anywhere.

This time Siaspar laughed outright. “Can I be honest? I’ve never gone fishing in my life, and wouldn’t know which end of the rod to attach the rope to.”

“The rope?” Katherine laughed in turn. Was he teasing her? Perhaps. “Say no more, I see that you are no fisherman.”

“No. I confess I have always preferred to hunt, fox that I am.”

Katherine felt her cheeks start to burn when his eyes twinkled. How could this man have such an effect on her without touching her? They were having a conversation, nothing more. Why was she so affected?

“So, we are merely going riding?” It suited her fine.

“Yes. I cannot remain another moment in my brother-in-law’s company, enduring his endless chatter. It is clear that self-importance and rudeness run in the family.” Siaspar’s sigh revealed his exasperation. “There is little to recommend the man, save from the fact that the forest in his domain is teeming with game.”

Something leaped inside Katherine. If he felt so strongly about Lady Malpas’ brother, then all was not lost. Maybe he would never warm to his wife, after all. She had started to fear he would allow himself to be swayed.

“You just told Lady Helen that your brother-in-law’s welcome had been exemplary,” she reminded him.

“And you believed me? Come, Catrin, I never took you for a fool.”

A heady sensation spread through Katherine’s veins. The look in Siaspar’s eyes had gone warm with approval and he had used his special name for her.

“I thank you. I do not like to think myself a fool.”

He snorted. “Hardly surprising since you’re not. But no, I needed a reason to take you with me. I have resorted to lying a lot in the last few days. First the gambeson, now the fishing… I wonder what I will have to come up with next. That I want to learn how to cook the birds I catch or need help to braid my horse’s mane?”

Katherine’s heart started to beat faster. Was he already planning on ensuring he found more time alone with her?

“I could help you with both these endeavors, I suppose,” she said in a breath.

“Oh, I will not actually want you to show me anything. It would be only an excuse to whisk you away from gloomy old Allerby. But are you in the mood for riding today?” he checked, looking suddenly unsure.

The question surprised her. Was this man used to having people do his bidding saying that he would abandon the scheme if she expressed any reluctance? But he need not fear, there was nothing she wanted more than to be alone with him. Going on a ride would be wonderful, but she would gladly have spent the morning sieving the dust in the courtyard if she could do it in his company.

“I will make my peace with riding with you, my lord, considering that the alternative is embroidery,” she said, feeling confident enough tease him. From the smile she got in return, she knew it had been the right decision.

“Thank you, I have never felt more worthy.” He nodded to Aur, who was nuzzling at Arian’s neck. “Look, she’s ready for you.”

Katherine hid a smile. If he’d had the horse prepared for her, it meant that he had taken her agreement for granted. She led the mare to the mounting block and hoisted herself into the saddle while Siaspar, in flamboyant fashion, vaulted onto Arian’s back.

She snorted, knowing she would never manage something like this even if she practiced for a hundred years.

As soon as they had passed the gate Siaspar launched his mount into a light canter. Katherine followed, relishing the feel of the wind in her face. A country girl, she had never felt at ease with being cooped indoors for too long. This was just perfect.

After a while, Siaspar brought the stallion back down to a trot and came to her side.

“You will have to lead the way, as I don’t know where I am going.”

“Neither do I,” she pointed out. “All I know is that we are not going to the lake to fish. Other than that, the possibilities are endless.”

“Very true. Then let me enlighten you. I want you to take me to see your family.”

“My…” So surprised was Katherine that she pulled on the reins. Though she had not meant to ask her to stop, the mare obediently came to a standstill.