perfect gift.
Lifting my hands up in the air, it felt as if I were flying, it was an amazing sensation. Eira slowed her speed down as we
turned down a beaten old, stoned path and towards the shore. I needed to feel the sand between my feet and Eira seemed to
have a love for splashing in the waves.
The sun gave off a beautiful orange glow as it danced against the horizon. The waves splashed beautifully against the rocks
and sand. The smell of salt and fresh air filled my lungs, calming me instantly.
Since I couldn’t escape to the woods, this was where I’d now run to when I needed some space. I’d always been drawn to
water from a young age, perhaps I was a siren in another life.
Once we settled into a slow pace, Eira splashed her hooves in the receding tide. I felt a wave of tranquillity roll over me,
easing my nerves and quieting my mind.
Coming across Nicholas was the last thing I thought I’d do today but there he was, sitting on a rock as he faced outwards
towards the sea. His black mare grazed nearby, the one I’d seen with him before. I didn’t know if I should leave or go and
speak with him. He seemed to be enjoying his peace as much as I craved it.
That pull was still there when I looked at him. The invisible line tugged at me, begging me to go and sit with him, wrap
myself around him and claim him as I’d done before. Shaking my head of such thoughts, I steered Eira away and headed the
opposite direction. If he wanted to speak to me he could find me later.
Right now, this was my space. My time.
“You know, I can see you.”
Rolling my eyes at the sound of his condescending voice, I carried on turning Eira away but slowed her pace as much as
she would allow. She kicked up the sand with her front hoof in anger. Eira wanted to splash and run. To her, I was being unfair.
“I do not wish to disturb you, I will go.”
I replied back hoping that would give me leave and for a while my mind was quiet. Until I heard the sound of running
hooves behind me and Nicholas appeared beside me on his own horse.
“Avoiding me again, are we, wife?”
My heart pinched at his tone and use of the word wife. He’d not called me wife since our wedding night. I’d become used
to him naming me Annwyl, so when he did not use it, it hurt.
“Not avoiding. You seemed to be in thought, and I did not wish to disturb you.”
“Hmmm, my sisters told me we are to dine alone tonight.”
“That is for you to decide. If you wish them to dine with us, they will do as the king commands.”
Goose pimples ran up my exposed arms as nerves set in. He put me on edge, and I hated it. I hated how this very being
