Page 23 of Queen’s Gambit

“It’s the new me. We all have to grow up sometime.” I flicked my hair over my shoulder as if dismissing it as easily as I was him. It was all for show. Every second of every day, waiting for this moment, had been excruciating.

He smirked and looked toward the windows. “I think this is the warmest weather I’ve experienced while visiting,” Eddie said.

“Would you like a tour of the grounds? My father has a proud new stallion in the barn. I’m sure his rider wouldn’t object to showing him off.”

“I’d like that if you’re agreeable, Mr. Mikhailov,” Eddie said.

“Yes, of course. We’ve expanded our breeding operation, so be sure to look at the new foals. You might see one you like,” Father said.

“I’m sure that I will. I like them high-spirited,” Eddie said, smiling.

My father chuckled.

Eddie looked at me, and I bit the inside of my cheek. The world outside could crumble to dust, and it wouldn’t matter as long as we were together.

His grey eyes promised to sweep me away as I deliberately looked at his father.

“Mr. Genovese, would you like a tour as well,” I offered.

“No, thank you. Vadin and I have a few things to discuss.”

“If that is the case, I don’t need a tour. Do you want me to stay,” Eddie asked, looking so sincere that I couldn’t tell if he really wanted to remain in the house.

“No, son. Tomorrow is for meetings. Let the old men be old men for a little while,” Mr. Genovese said with a twinkle in his eye.

“Watch who you’re calling old,” Father said.

I glanced up at Eddie, and his gaze locked with mine. Even though his expression remained cool and indifferent, the heat in his eyes told me he was holding it together about as well as I was.

Frida cleared her throat, and I jumped, forgetting she was right behind me.

“Shall we go for that walk, miss? Then I can help you prepare for tonight’s meal.”

I turned and nodded at my best friend.

“Yes, that would be wonderful, thank you.”

My father glanced at Frida. Seemingly satisfied that I wouldn’t be alone with Eddie, he left with Mr. Genovese.

Frida watched the two men walk away and then smiled.

“Miss, would you like me to venture off in another direction, perhaps toward the gardens by the pond?” Her voice was a whisper as the corner of her mouth pulled up in a devious grin.

The pond was on the opposite side of the property from the stables, but the guards would think we were with her…if we were cunning about it.

“You have the best ideas,” I said.

“Very well, follow me,” Frida said.

As soon as we were out of sight, inside the servant’s corridors, Eddie grabbed my hand. We clung to one another as we made our way through the house, but it wasn’t enough. I’d been starved for his touch and needed more.

We stepped outside, and Frida pointed.

“Follow that path to the barn. The stable hands are done until night feed and the guards never patrol that area at this time of day. I’ll go the other way.” She looked between us. “Be careful.”

“We will. Thank you.” I gave her a quick hug.

As casually as possible, we went our separate ways. I kept my eyes open for any guard or worker who happened to be off their routine, but just as Frida said, no one was lingering. We slipped inside the cool shade of the barn. The scent of hay and the soft whinnies of the horses made me smile. Dragging Eddie past the stalls reminded me of when we were kids, and he would follow me on all my wild adventures.