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Alex stands back a little, watching as I continue to stroke Polnoch.
“See. You’re a natural,” he says. “Polnoch doesn’t easily accept a stranger’s touch, let alone nuzzle one. He likes you.”
“The feeling is mutual. He is absolutely gorgeous.”
Boris comes in and says something to Alex and Alex turns around to tell me our horses are ready. I give Polnoch’s neck one last rub and whisper goodbye to him before I follow Alex and Boris back out into the sun.
A large, chestnut-colored stallion stands beside a smaller gray mare. Alex takes my hand in his, and I feel a rush go through my body as he leads me towards the horses.
“This is Nikita,” he says.
I reach up to pet Nikita and she accepts my touch with calm acceptance. Alex gives me a moment to get comfortable with her before he nods to the stirrups. I swallow hard. It’s been so long since I’ve been on a horse, and I was never worried about making a fool of myself. Now I am. I try not to show it as I walk around to Nikita’s side. I put one foot in the stirrup, and before I can talk myself out of it, I push myself off the ground and launch myself strongly onto Nikita’s back. Some part of me didn’t expect me to succeed at my first attempt, and I laugh with joy. I’m sure it wasn’t the most graceful moment of my life, but I don’t care. I’m on a horse. I settle into the saddle before looking down at Alex.
“Very good,” he says approvingly.
I feel myself blush at the compliment. I quickly bend my head and stroke Nikita’s mane to cover my embarrassment.
“A gentle tap with your feet will get her moving when you’re ready,” Alex says. “Use the reins to guide her. And when you want to stop, just pull back on the reins.”
I nod. Now I’m up here, I feel confident and ready to go. Alex was right. You don’t forget. I wait for him to mount Milan; his mount is by far more elegant and accomplished than mine was. He speaks to Boris for a moment before he turns to me and asks if I’m ready. When I nod, I see him gently touch his feet to Milan’s side. I do the same and Nikita begins to walk. I sway a little in the saddle, but I soon adapt to her rhythm, moving with her rather than against her. I start to relax, enjoying the freedom I feel riding on Nikita. Alex was right about Nikita too. She is very calm and gentle. As if she senses my initial nerves she keeps her movements slow and steady. I pat her neck, wanting her to know I appreciate her.
“You’re doing really well,” Alex throws over his shoulder.
I beam happily at him.
We move away from the stables, and once we’re out in the open fields, Alex slows Milan down a little, and the two horses walk side by side. I turn my face up to the sun and let it warm my skin. It is the best feeling in the world. The Macau feels like another life.
We’ve been riding for about half an hour when Alex points to the left. “The lake is that way.”
I nod and pull on the left of Nikita’s reins. She turns immediately and I pat her neck again. I am feeling braver now, and I tap her with my feet again, moving her into a slow canter to keep pace with Alex’s horse.
Soon I spot the lake coming up in front of us. The sun shines on its surface, making it look like a sea of sparkling sapphires. It’s so quiet and peaceful out here. We ride to the edge of the lake and I pull Nikita to a stop. We climb down from the horses and Alex takes the reins from me. He leads both horses to the lake and lets them drink their fill. When they’re done, he leads them into the shade and secures them to a tree. When he returns, I’m sitting on the grass looking out across the surface of the lake watching a lone swan bob for seaweed. In the sun it seems to glow with grace and flawless beauty. Alex lowers himself down beside me and lays back on the grass.
“It’s so peaceful out here,” I say in a hushed voice.
“Mmm. It’s a great place for thinking,” he replies.
I look down at him. His eyes are closed. The desire to reach out and touch his face is so strong I have to stop myself.
“Relax,” he murmurs.
I let myself lay down beside him and look up at the sky. It’s mostly clear and I focus on the one fluffy white cloud that meanders lazily over our heads. I feel different. More centered. More like myself. As if this is the real me. I’m not entirely sure if it’s the country setting making me feel that way, or whether it’s Alex, but whatever it is, I like it.
