AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Corvan remains a good distance away. “I don’t want to spook him, Horses are sensitive creatures. They’re good judges of character. He’s yours, if you would like him. The stablemasters will fatten him up and make sure he’s properly groomed. When the snows thaw, you can take him riding in the woods.”
“I… I’d like that. And I’d like to come down sometimes and groom him myself.”
Corvan smiles. It’s a soft, gentle smile, devoid of any ulterior motives. He looks genuinely pleased. “He’ll need a name.”
“Hmm…” I inhale the horse’s familiar, comforting scent. “I’ll call himSolstice,because that’s close to when I found him. And because after all that, he deserves to enjoy a bit of quiet and stillness, don’t you think?”
“A fine name. Take your time. He’s obviously happy to see you.”
“Poor boy,” I murmur. “He’s probably traumatized.” I can feel the horse’s nervous energy as I run my palm over his neck. I close my eyes and try to imagine myself drawing it away from him, dissipating it into my own body, because I can absorb it better.
I’d like to think my goodwill helps him, somehow.
Corvan waits patiently in the background, allowing me time to commune with my horse.
“Here, Finley.” Then he plucks an apple out of somewhere and tosses it to me. I snatch it out of thin air and give it to Solstice.
He happily gobbles it up, noisily smacking his lips. I rub his neck. “See you later, buddy. You’re safe now, okay?”
Solstice lets out a deep snort of satisfaction.
“You’re a natural with horses,” Corvan murmurs as I return to his side. “I’ve never seen them so calm in my presence.”
“I’ve enjoyed being around horses for as long as I can remember. Ruen Castle can be a…coldplace. But horses are never cold.”
“You may visit here whenever you wish. I’ll notify the stablemasters. You may ask them for anything. There’s a riding arena near the eastern wall. Use it as you please. And the castle grounds are yours to explore.” His indulgent look sends heat right into the tips of my ears.
I’m not used to being spoiled.
“Was that all you wanted to do? It’s late, but I wanted to show you something before I escort you back to your chambers.”
My heartbeat accelerates. “What is it?”
“Come with me.” He holds out his hand.
His undivided attention burns as hot and bright as the sun.
“Maybe I should just pick you up,” he murmurs, weaving his fingers through mine. “I’ve been so tempted to. You have no idea, Finley. You smell so good, and you lookincredible.”
I frown as I glance down at the sumptuous fur coat, hiding my giddy reaction to his compliment.
Whoosh.I find myself weightless, wrapped up in warmth and held by his powerful arms. “Why not? I can easily carry you.”
I glower, ignoring the fact that it feels sogoodto be held like this. “That doesn’t mean youshould.”
“I’ll put you down if you want.”
I act surly, even though I’m enjoying the feeling of being held against his broad, solid chest. “It’s fine.”
He sweeps through the castle grounds; across empty squares, through hibernating gardens, down deserted open-air passageways, up and down flights of steps, along stone paths… until we reach a great old stone arch that frames a deserted garden.
Corvan sets me down with great care. “This isEdinvar’scentral garden. It’s a little neglected at the moment, but now that you’re here, I have a reason to have it tended to in the springtime.”
We step through the arch and into a wonderland.
The moon is almost full tonight, huge and bright in the winter sky, allowing me to see perfectly well. In the center of the garden is a frozen pond. Moonlight paints it white; so bright it almost glows. It’s surrounded by big, ancient pines, their boughs laden with snow. The trees are almost big and thick enough to erase the castle’s stark stone walls.
“This pond is ancient. It was here long beforeEdinvarwas built. It’s fed by a deep underground spring—the same one that supplies the castle’s water. They built the castle around it. When it’s warm enough, it’s a nice place to take a dip.” Corvan beckons to me. He leads me across the snow-covered ground, through a gentle swirl of snowflakes, out onto the frozen surface of the pond.
