As I climbed up on the saddle, I caught sight ofLioran holding his breath as he climbed onto Veylar. “See…I’m fine,” he said as he finally exhaled.
He wasn’t fine.
Gaia shifted beneath me as I settled in place. “I don’t mind taking her out on my own.”
She snorted as if she agreed with me.
“You already have her concerned about me, too.” He chuckled.
“It seems she’s a very sensible horse, but I’m guessing neither of us will talk you out of this.”
“You have tried and failed.” He smirked.
My brow furrowed.
“The way you look at me sometimes…” He smoothed his tunic as he let out another laugh. “You don’t look at others like that.”
I tried to relax the muscles in my face. “You haven’t seen me around Fyn then,” I retorted.
If anyone else enjoyed prodding at me, it was Fyn. There were so many faces I made at him too.
His smile faded, and without so much as a nod he took off. Gaia followed obediently without my command.
Even and rhythmic, her hooves struck the land beneath me. The wind blew against my cheeks—I was free. She raced alongside Veylar, their strides falling into a perfect rhythm.
Veylar came to a stop a while later and Gaia did, too. Sweat beaded at his brow as he climbed down from Veylar. His breathing was uneven as he placed his hand out for me. He winced as I took it.
“You’re in pain. I shouldn’t have?—”
“You must think so little of me that you think I can’t help a lady off her horse.” He quickly unclenched the muscles in his face as if nothing happened.
“I am fully capable of climbing out of a saddle on my own.” I was, but it wouldn’t be graceful. I almost always had help.
I looked away the moment I noticed I had been staring for too long. So many words were left unspoken after I sensed him at the willow. I hadn’t wanted to say anything about it at all.
“Lioran…”
“Yes?” He patted Veylar as he leaned against the tree. “You can let her go,” he nodded toward Gaia, “she will stay close by.” I ran my hand through her mane, before she walked off with Veylar.
“Thank you. Truly.” My voice was soft. “It felt so freeing. To ride by myself again.”
“She’s yours. You may take her out when you like. I would be happy to ride with you.”
I wanted that, but I was too afraid to say it.
“Or Fyn if you would prefer his company. You two are together often.”
My laughter echoed across the meadow.
He only tilted his head.
“You’re different around him.” His words slowed.
“There are few bold enough to joke with me.”
He folded his arms across his chest. “Where you come from…others don’t joke with you?”
“No, but most are more reserved around me.” Like he was. I felt his unease, watched the way he slowly tilted his head again as if he was carefully listening to each word I spoke.
