Page 48

Lock rounds the desk and grabs my hand. He presses a gentle kiss to the top of it. As delicate as a butterfly’s wings. His brown eyes are kind, even a little excited, as he looks at me, and right then I realize that he truly was busy.

He doesn’t know that I betrayed him. That I’m a terrible, lying person.

And it likely makes me even worse, because when he says, “I thought we might go horseback riding today. Would you be up for that?” I don’t confess my sins to him.

“Yes,” I say on an exhale of relief. The smile I give him is genuine. “I’d love to.”

We make our way outside, and a small cart is waiting to drive us over to the stables. They’re located on the same plot of land as Lock’s residence, Lottage Keep. It’s a short ride away from the palace but through enough thickets of trees and foliage that it feels like a completely separate entity.

Multiple horses roam around a fenced-in field, grazing and swishing their tails. I want to crawl over Lock’s lap to get a better view, but I restrain myself. The smell of them, the dirt, the hay, the outdoors, it reminds me so much of my grandparent’s farm growing up.

“Have you ridden before?” Lock asks as the cart comes to a stop.

I nod eagerly. “But not for years. I did as a child, when my grandparents still had their farm and horses. But it’s probably been almost ten years or so since the last time.”

He stands and holds his arm out expectantly. I wrap my hand around it and allow him to escort me over to two horses currently being saddled up. “Well then, you shouldn’t need much instruction.” He strides right up to the dark bay horse, already dressed and ready to go. He lets the horse sniff his hand for a moment, before he strokes it down its long nose. “This,” Lock says with a newfound tenderness, “is Maximus. I’ve had him since I was a boy.” He shoots me an embarrassed look. “Hence, the name.”

I take in the strong, muscled lines of the beautiful stallion. His hair is shiny and so dark, it seems to absorb the sunlight. “Is he named after something?” Maximus doesn’t strike me as particularly odd.

Lock clears his throat, turning a little red. “I was obsessed with the movie Gladiator. Right about the time this boy was born.” He pats the horse’s neck affectionately. “But I think it suits him.”

I let Maximus sniff my hand too, before trying to pet him. “I haven’t seen that one.”

“No?” Lock’s brows jump. “Well, we will change that one day.”

“I’m not one for action movies, really, but I’ll give them a shot for you. You know, since it was worthy enough to name this handsome man after.” Maximus sways, enjoying the attention.

“Not a fan of action? Then maybe you’ll appreciate this name more.” He walks over to the other horse saddled up, this one a rich chestnut color. “This is Alice.”

“As in Alice in Wonderland?”

“That’s the one. My mother’s horse,” he says. “As if you couldn’t tell by the pink gemstones on the saddle.”

“She’s beautiful,” I whisper, following the same routine as before and waiting until she gives me the okay to touch her. She has kind eyes and stands so patiently. I stroke her neck and she seems to lean into the touch. “Are you sure your mother won’t mind that I ride her?”

“Not at all. She’s the one who suggested it, actually.” Lock then turns to one of the stable hands. “Please show Briar where she can change, and bring her a full outfit.”

The stable hand bows deeply. “Yes, Sir. Follow me, Miss Briar.”

I quickly change into ride-appropriate clothing. Lock was right; his mother’s things fit nearly perfectly. The boots are a hair too big, but they’ll do for the day.

Lock sits proudly atop Maximus, helmet on and ready to go, when I step back out of the stables. He appraises me with a keen eye, and I hesitate, waiting for his approval. He nods once. “I knew they’d fit.”

I’ll take it. I can’t be picky with compliments. Don’t deserve to be after the things I’ve done.

As I’m helped onto Alice’s back, I make a vow to myself that I’m going to forget about that right now and pour myself into this time with Lock. It doesn’t happen often, and it’d be even more unfair to him if I spend our afternoon together worrying about his brother.

He’s making an effort today, carving out time in his schedule. And it’s time I put all things Beau aside and do the same.

Once I’m settled, reins in hand and feet securely in the stirrups, Lock asks, “Ready?”

“Yes.” I beam, so happy to be riding again. Lock and Maximus start first, and with a gentle kick, Alice sidles right alongside them. My body ebbs and flows with the movement of hers. It’s effortless to fall back into the rhythm. “Thank you for taking the time to bring me out here today. I know you’re very busy.”

Lock gives me an apologetic look. “I was remiss to cancel our date the other day, but as you may have already picked up, my schedule is ever changing, and I could say that will be the last time that happens, but…”

He doesn’t need to finish that sentence. There will always be the chance that he’ll get pulled to something more important than a date with me. It chafes, but I try to be understanding.

“Is there anything in particular that you’ve been working on lately that you enjoy?” I ask in an attempt to get to know a little bit about his days.