Page 77 of A Legacy of the Light

“How cliche.”

“What do you mean?”

“The big bad Seelie prince rides a massive black stallion.”

Tavish looks at me in confusion.

“You’ll see what I mean after reading one or two of the books I recommend you.”

I offer the back of my hand to Mabel, stroking my hand down her neck when she bumps my knuckles with her nose.

“You’re remarkably sassy today,” he comments.

“Amazing what a good night’s sleep can do, isn’t it,” I retort, checking Mabel’s saddle. “Does your magnificent beast have a name?”

“Atlas.”

“Huh.”

“What now?” Tavish asks in mock exasperation, running a strong hand down Atlas’s flank.

“That’s a decidedly un-Scottish name.”

“Ha, you’ve got a point there.” Tavish turns and grabs a wooden stepping stool.

“Is that for you?” I ask, holding back laughter. “I know your horse is big, Tavish, but I thought you’d at least be able to mount it?”

“No, sass, it’s for you.” He places the stepping stool down next to me, in between Mabel and Atlas.

I take the reins from the Seelie holding them with a thank you. With the same hand, I grip the pommel of the saddle and put my left foot into the stirrup.

With a confidence that surprises even me, I haul myself up and swing my leg over Mabel, settling quickly into the saddle.

I look down at Tavish, a satisfied smirk on my face. “You were saying?”

Tavish laughs and mounts Atlas. “Fair enough. Round one to you.”

“You shouldn’t underestimate me, Prince.”

I nudge Mabel into motion. She obeys me instantly and I already know she’s going to be a joy to ride.

Atlas’s hooves clop on the stone floor behind me. The stable hands bow to Tavish as we leave and he moves Atlas so we’re side by side.

“This way,” he gestures with his head to the right and to a set of double wooden doors carved into the stone wall. They stand open for us and there’s a path that leads down to the lake. Tavish pulls ahead as we file through one by one. The path is steep and cuts down the mossy bank in a zig-zag.

Tavish and I navigate the horses carefully down. I keep Mabel a few lengths behind so the path is clear to both me and her, and to make sure that no rocks have come loose as Atlas’s massive body has maneuvered the narrow incline.

“Doing okay back there?” Tavish calls as we’re about halfway down.

“We’re fine!” I call back over the wind. Tavish reaches the bottom first and patiently waits for me and Mabel to join him, her strong legs handling the incline with no problem.

Once we reach the bottom, I run a hand down her neck as we join Tavish. Pausing to look up at the palace, my neck cranes far back to see it peeking over the stone wall built right out of the mountain itself. It is a sight to behold.

When I turn to Tavish, he’s watching me closely with a soft expression.

“What?” I ask him.

“I forget sometimes, what it means to live here. Your reaction to everything reminds me how lucky I am to call it home.”