Page 52 of How to Claim A Shadow King

“You don’t have time for that shit,” Ter croaks, settling on the saddle of one of the horses and picking at its mane with his beak.

“How long could it take to name a horse?” I ask the raven, glowering at him.

“Knowing you, too long.”

“Enough.” Malakai’s voice is charged with power, and the horses shy back as Ter takes flight. “Do not speak to her like that.”

I bite my lower lip, then immediately stop, because my mother broke me of that habit through sheer badgering.

“Name them what you wish.”

I tilt my head, studying the two fine horses. “Now it feels like too much pressure. Maybe I should take my time.”

Malakai laughs, which makes me smile, because he understood the joke for once.

A small victory that makes me want him more.

“Ter is right, though. The magic is changing, Aveline, I can feel it.” He closes his eyes for a brief second, I study his beauty fully, not afraid of being seen. “Today, we’ll ride to the edge of the wards. It’s time to test what your magic can do."

"Were you in my room last night?" The unruly braid I've tied begins to loosen, and a few strands whip free in the autumn wind. "Or did I dream that you were there?"

His gaze darkens, his attention sliding down my face, my neck, to the exposed breadth of my skin at my collarbone. He takes another step closer, his shadows starting to climb up the length of my cloak, my overdress, and the hem of my pants. All the while, his gaze slides closer. Lower.

I swallow hard, my pulse picking up even more.

Surely he can hear my heartbeat.

I’m fairly sure the castle can hear it with how loud it is in my own ears.

"Are you telling me you dream of me, Aveline?" he says, his voice soft and dangerous, sending a thrill straight through me.

"I'm not sure what I dreamed of," I tell him honestly. I don't step closer. "Were you in my rooms last night or not?" I ask, arching my eyebrows, trying to maintain some semblance of control over this conversation.

"You called for me in your sleep, I assume," he says easily. "I came, and you were dreaming. Was it a nightmare?"

I watch him carefully.

The fragments of that dream seem far away now, especially in the reality of the chilly, bright morning. I run my hand down the stallion's neck. His fur is glossy and smooth, and I can nearly see my hair reflected in it.

Blonde hair, not red.

"It was a strange dream," I finally answer.

The stallion snorts, his nostrils wide, and I soothe him with the clucking noises the stable hands taught me until he stills beneath my hand.

"I don't think these two are quite ready to ride," I tell him ruefully. “Or that I’m a good enough rider to handle them, really.”

"We won't know until we try.” Malakai rubs between the eyes of the other horse. “Besides, I have a feeling you’re not giving yourself enough credit. I’m sure you’re an excellent rider. A natural.”

My face grows hot, a sudden wave of heat rushing straight up to my cheeks.

"Right. Well. The horses," I clear my throat, desperately trying to redirect my thoughts back to something safe. “Need… to be ridden?”

Ter lets out a loud, mocking caw then hops on my shoulder. "If you two are finished being idiots, some of us would like to see if this girl can actually manage to stay on a saddle."

"Did no one ever teach you manners?" I snap at the raven.

Secretly, though, I might be a bit grateful for the interruption.