Suddenly, she slowed her horse and her back straightened. She looked ahead. I followed her gaze. Augusta was looking at a blond man who entered the arena leading another horse.
I watched the man engage in conversation with Lady Augusta. It was obvious that both of them knew each other quite well. Augusta’s face was glowing. A happy, unguarded smile transformed her features. She leaned forward in a saddle, her long hair covered her shoulders.
“Now I know your secret,” I whispered.
“Milady?” May’s voice sounded beside me.
After the ride was over, I made sure to follow the chestnut colored stallion and finally spotted Augusta in the stables. She was tending to her horse when I stepped into the stall.
She turned her head and I caught an expression that was intended for someone else. A smile played on her lips, her eyes bright. When she saw me, her entire face changed. Every feature hardened, lips pressed tightly together. She even squared her shoulders.
“Lady Augusta,” I greeted her.
“Your Majesty,” she said through closed teeth.
That was the first time she used my official title. Not once before had she acknowledged my place in her clan.
“I thought that we weren’t given enough time to get to know each other.” I tried to keep my tone light.
She swallowed, trying to get back to her senses.
“Of course. Let me wash up and I will be more fit to be in your company,” she answered.
“There’s no need. I used to take care of horses back home.” I folded my hands in front of me.
Augusta brushed the side of the beautiful animal, looking agitated.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” she asked.
“No, thank you. As I said, I want to get to know you better.”
“Did your husband send you?” She lifted her eyes back on me.
“He doesn’t know I’m here.”
Augusta looked somewhere above my shoulder and I followed her gaze. The man she had been talking to earlier stood in the doorway, a worried expression shadowed his features. From up close, he appeared young, handsome, with a pleasing, open face.
I remained silent, curious if she would be bold enough to introduce us, but she chose not to do it.
“Later, Paul.”
“Yes, milady.” He gave me a long look, clearly showing that he did not want to leave. “Milady.” He inclined his head to me before leaving the stall.
I stepped closer, tracing the outline of the stallion while Augusta kept scrutinizing me.
“What do you want to talk about?” She lowered her voice.
“I wonder...” I took a long pause, brushing the silky coat of Augusta’s stallion. “I wonder if your father will ever be in a good state to meet with us,” I said slowly.
“That is not for me to decide.”
“What if... it was up to you?” I met her eyes.
“I don’t follow.”
“I think you understand me perfectly.” I held her gaze.
Something strange happened to her face. She stilled, her cheeks turned as white as snow. But in her eyes, I could see that what I was saying affected her greatly. I just needed to quickly determine if I did well, or failed all together.
