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“Well then,” she said, sliding her arms around his waist, pulling him flush with her body. “Keep me close.”
Their lips met softly and he groaned. “If I kiss you like I want to right now, we’ll never get to the stables.”
Mina laughed and let him go, stepping out of his reach. “Whoops.”
He shook his head, and she turned away retrieving the bag of clothes she’d packed for herself. Erik moved back to the doors to his closet, and once she was sure he’d disappeared inside to find himself some clothes, she pulled her nightgown over her head, stripping at the foot of his bed. She unrolled her clothes and started changing. She’d picked her softest riding pants, a loose white shirt, and her favorite corset for the occasion. She wanted to be able to move and feel the cool night air.
Her fingers were halfway through her braid when Erik’s fingers carefully took the hair from her and finished twisting it into a perfect plait.
“Where did you learn to braid?” Mina asked as she enjoyed the feel of his fingers running through her long dark hair.
“Believe it or not, Lucy taught me.” He chuckled.
Mina laughed. “Somehow I’m not surprised.”
“We were out in the market not long after she’d arrived in the city, and a little girl came running up to me, asking me to fix her braid. She couldn’t have been more than five years old. Her mother was mortified, and I couldn’t exactly say no, so I tried, and according to Lucy I failed miserably.”
“That poor girl.”
“Oh, she had no idea. Once Lucy saw my horrendous attempt, she used a little magic and fixed it all before anyone could notice beyond me and the girl’s mother.”
“I bet that little girl fell in love with you for that,” Mina said, smiling. “I know I would’ve swooned had I witnessed such an act.”
He laughed. “As if I could have that kind of power over you.”
Mina snorted. “You have more power than you think.”
She caught the flash of his smile as he stepped around her. “Come. I’m sure Stormwind will be overjoyed at the chance to run.”
Mina smiled, and the two of them set out through the palace, winding the halls, and descending the stairs. The castle had never been so quiet.
He took her hand, and then after only a few minutes she found herself standing outside the stable she’d seen the night they’d arrived. Except this time, Erik led her in through the open doorway, and down a line of stalls. A few faces popped out, sniffing the air as they approached, but Erik paid them no mind until he reached the largest stall at the back of the room.
Stormwind poked his head and stomped his feet in greeting. Erik laughed. “I’ll get to you in a moment. Calm down.”
“He is a beautiful creature,” Mina observed, running her hand down his nose.
“This one here is yours,” Erik called, drawing her attention away from the black stallion.
“What?” Turning around, she found him standing at the stall door opposite feeding an apple to a beautiful gray mare with a silver sheen to her coat.
“This is Rain Dancer,” he said. “We found her on our way to Distova. She was abandoned in a rundown stable along the road.”
“She is gorgeous,” Mina said, her eyes wide.
“I’m glad you like her,” he said, watching as she brushed her finger over Rain Dancer’s neck. “She’s all yours. After we met, I knew she had to be a gift from Lumaria. A blessing from the goddess meant just for you.”
Mina’s heart leapt into her throat. “She’s for me?”
“Every princess deserves her own horse.” He shrugged.
Mina turned to look up at him. He was closer than she’d realized, and the moment their eyes met, her cheeks burned. “Thank you.”
“Of course,” he said, smiling softly. “I want you to be happy here, and I’m not above buying your affections with gifts.”
She laughed. “I’m not opposed to gifts, but you don’t have to buy anything. You have it.”
His smile fell and his eyes grew soft as his hand cupped the side of her neck. “I hope that’s true.”
