“They may not be fertile,” said the prince. “Sidhe horses do not reproduce for centuries. We need the fertility of mortal steeds.”
“Have you any ideas, Diarcey?”
Darcy suspected Eversleigh knew perfectly well that horse breeding was not one of his skills. “If I understand, you are looking for a tall horse, one with strong bones and powerful muscles.”
“Exactly,” said the prince eagerly.
“I am not an expert, but I wonder if a Bakewell Black might serve. They are strong boned and tall. My cousin swears by Bakewell Blacks. He says they make the best cavalry horses because of their strength and stamina. They have not the speed of a thoroughbred, but they are still graceful and attractive.” Richard would laugh to hear Darcy parroting his words. His cousin could talk for long, boring hours about the virtues of Bakewell Blacks. “He says they can take a sword blow to the leg and keepgoing.”
The prince straightened. “That sounds ideal.”
Eversleigh dusted off his hands. “An excellent thought, Diarcey. Could you obtain a few mares for Aelfric?”
“If I cannot, my cousin certainly can. He knows the breeders.”
“Evlan took me to Tattersall’s last time.” Aelfric pronounced the strange name carefully. “Would they have them there?”
“No, Tattersall’s caters only to the racehorse market,” said Eversleigh. “Diarcey, do you suppose Aelfric could meet the Bakewell Blacks breeder?”
Why was Eversleigh so determined to have Darcy help the Prince? “I cannot see why not, though they are in Derbyshire, which is several days journey from London.”
Eversleigh and Aelfric looked at each other and laughed. “As long as there are faerie groves in Derbyshire, it is only minutes away. It may take you some time to accustom yourself to how we travel, now that you have the freedom of Faerie.”
“Does that have some particular meaning? I thought it meant that I was welcome here.”
“It does mean that, but also that you can use the rings to travel by yourself.”
Could it possibly be true? “That is a very generous gift.”
Eversleigh shrugged. “You are doing a great service in protecting the groves, and the king rewarded you for it.”
“But how do I use the rings? Is there a spell?”
Eversleigh shook his head. “Fay spells are much simpler than what you are accustomed to. Simply step into a ring, visualize where you want to go, and you will be there.”
“That is all?” It sounded impossible.
“That is all.” Eversleigh snapped his fingers. “I know! Fitzwilliam is at Rosings, too. We should go and speak to your cousin about theBakewell Blacks.” He hesitated. “That is, if you are willing to talk to another mortal, Aelfric.”
The Sidhe flushed. “If you say he is not despicable, I will believe you.”
Eversleigh winked at Darcy. “All mortals are despicable until proven otherwise, according to Aelfric.”
RICHARD FITZWILLIAMjumped to his feet when Darcy, Eversleigh, and a disguised Prince Aelfric entered the drawing room. “Did you find them? Are they well? Where are they?”
“As I expected, they are not only perfectly well, but ensconced in the Faerie queen’s bower,” Eversleigh said. “They are free to leave any time they please.”
“But why did they not – Good God!” Richard went pale.
Aelfric had dropped the glamour that made him appear human.
“We have a guest who came here particularly to meet you. Aelfric, may I present Colonel Fitzwilliam of His Majesty’s Army? He is Marigold Meadowsweet’s brother. Fitzwilliam, this is my half-brother Aelfric.”
Richard’s eyes darted back and forth between them. “Marigold Meadow – what?”
Eversleigh grinned. “Lady Frederica has taken to Faerie like the proverbial fish to water. She is now known as Marigold Meadowsweet, dresses in fay silks, and sits by the queen’s knee. She and Miss Elizabeth plan to remain there for a few days.”
“My father is going to kill me,” breathed Richard, his eyes on Aelfric. “He would die for this opportunity. “
