Page 6 of Witch’s Ruin

“Oh, that.” Kam waved a hand. “Got trampled by a crazed horse some ten years back. Doesn’t much pain me like it used to. Now, boy, you going to introduce me to your lady, or did you lose all your manners the moment you left the palace?”

Rixon snorted. Gods, he’d forgotten how much he liked this stubborn male. “Kam, this is my lady witch, Mina. Mina, this is Kam.”

Kam no longer saw her, though. His eyes had fallen on Jarrow and widened. “That’s…that’s an Akeron—that is. Finest I ever seen. He’ll give the king’s horses a run, I wager.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kam,” Mina said, chuckling as she stepped forward. She extended a hand, her markings visible. Kam ripped his gaze from Jarrow and took it, kissing her knuckles, eyes twinkling. Then he pinned Rixon with a knowing stare. “Wondered what could keep you away for so long. Should have known it’d be a beautiful female.”

Mina cleared her throat, glancing between them. “I take it there’s history here? ” Her eager expression was all too obvious. A smile stretched across her lips.

Rixon shifted as his guilt got the better of him. During their journey here, she asked for stories of his childhood. He’d refused, despite knowing how eager she was for knowledge of his past.

Here she stood, face bright, fishing. An ache formed in the back of his throat. He’d been such an asshole. The last thing he wanted was a repeat of history, for his past to come between them.

He needed to do better.

“Didn’t bother to mention me, eh, Aleksander?” Kam’s attempt to scold fell flat. “Well then…”

“Nothing personal, old man.” He reached over and squeezed Kam’s shoulder before turning to Mina. “Kam has known me since I was in diapers,” he explained, searching for forgiveness in her expression. “He taught me to ride. He’s the reason I care for horses the way I do.”

“Oh, come now. Don’t go all sentimental on me, boy.”

“He also never told my father whenever I hid away in the stable.”

“Well, that was awfully kind of you, wasn’t it?” Mina said, a soft expression washing over her features. Kam merely grunted.

Rixon turned back to the stable master. “Not sure how long we’ll be here, but at least our horses will be in good hands.”

“The best,” Aleck said, proudly lifting his chin.

“I take it he’s finicky?” Kam asked, motioning towards Jarrow. “May I meet him?”

“Oh, yes.” Mina clucked and pulled on the reins, urging Jarrow forward. The horse regarded Kam and Aleck with wary eyes.

Kam took a single step forward, producing an apple from his pocket, which immediately got Jarrow’s attention. Mina let out a breathy laugh, one that had Rixon’s stomach tightening. He loved that sound from her.

“You’re a fine fellow, aren’t you?” Kam said.

“Tuo roka, Jarrow. Ero ah nineen.” Mina’s murmur was low, but loud enough. Jarrow’s ears pricked. You’re okay, she’d said. He’s a friend.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Kam said. Then, “Hinnin, lekke roy.” Jarrow’s ears pricked at that, and the horse took a tentative step forward, before lowering his head and snatching the apple from Kam’s hand, then stepping back to the safety of Mina’s body.

“You speak Aavix,” Mina observed.

“Aye, Lady Witch.”

“Good.” She nodded, pleased.

“Let’s get them settled,” Kam said, as Jarrow lowered to snatch up the last portion of apple that had fallen from his mouth.

They made quick work of the task. He used the time to ask Kam about what was happening in the city—telling him what they’d seen on their way in. The question made Kim stiffen. “It’s been getting worse the past couple weeks,” Kam informed them.

Mina was busy brushing Jarrow, she paused to listen.

“At first,” Kam continued, “it only happened once or twice, and no one quite believed it was demons that done it. After all, demons inside a city? Unheard of. Can’t get in through the Nebrine walls—supposedly.”

“How often, now?” Rixon asked, keeping his voice low in case anyone happened to step into the stables.

“Daily, sometimes. I keep Al close by—don’t let him out into the city at night. He knows better than to leave the palace walls unless necessary.”