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Hurt flashed across Kate’s face before she hid it. “If that’s how you feel. So, are we still on for those riding lessons you promised?”
I nodded, grateful to change the subject. “Yes, let us go now before it gets too hot.”
I led Kate to the sirocco pens on the village outskirts. She watched eagerly as I demonstrated the basics of mounting, holding the reins, and guiding the animal with gentle commands.
“All right, your turn,” I said, helping her up onto Dakari’s back.
Kate wobbled unsteadily. I kept a hand on her leg to brace her.
“Relax,” I coached. “You must feel connected to Dakari. Reach out with your mind, let him feel your presence.”
Kate’s brow furrowed in concentration, but Dakari remained restless beneath her.
“Here.” I moved behind her in the saddle, my chest against her back. I placed my hands over hers on the reins.
“Close your eyes,” I murmured close to her ear. “Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Feel Dakari’s warmth and strength beneath you. His steady heartbeat and breathing. His power, waiting to be directed.”
I felt Kate relax into me as she focused her energy on bonding with the sirocco. After several long moments, Dakari finally calmed.
“There,” I said. “That’s it. Now nudge him gently with your heels to walk on.”
Kate did, and Dakari began ambling forward. Kate laughed in delight.
“I’m doing it!”
“You learn quickly,” I told her. I was impressed by how rapidly she’d managed to establish a connection. It usually took Surlon children weeks of effort.
We rode slowly around the outskirts of the village as Kate got a feel for guiding my mount. I kept my arms around her, hands on hers, breathing in the sweet floral scent of her hair. It felt good having her close again.
Too soon, Kate said, “I think I’ve got the hang of it now.”
Reluctantly, I loosened my hold and gave her space. She took Dakari through his paces on her own, beaming with pride at her accomplishment.
Watching her, I felt a swell of emotion in my chest. This remarkable, maddening, fascinating woman who’d unexpectedly entered my life. What was I going to do about her?
“Kian?” Kate’s voice broke my reverie. “Everything okay?”
I blinked. “Yes. You did very well today.”
Kate smiled shyly. “Only because you’re a good teacher.”
She leaned toward me then, and for a moment I thought she might kiss me. But she pulled back at the last second. “Can we go further out? We’ve stayed so close to the village. I want to see more.”
***
I nudged Dakari forward, leading Kate further out into the sweeping desert landscape surrounding our village. The morning suns were climbing higher overhead, their combined light nearly blinding against the pale sand. But Kate didn’t seem to mind the glare. She rode with her face turned up toward the twin orbs, eyes closed as she embraced their warmth on her skin.
“It’s incredible here,” she said. “So open and wild. Makes me feel free.”
I studied her profile as Dakari carried us across the dunes. Her blonde hair whipped back from her face in the dry wind, and her lips held the slightest smile. She seemed more relaxed out here, away from the village and its many watching eyes. I realized then how confining it must feel for her, this lone alien among my people. Out here there were no walls or rules. Just endless sky and miles of untouched desert.
“Do you feel trapped in the village?” I asked.
Kate opened her eyes, squinting against the suns. “Not trapped exactly. Everyone’s been very kind to me. But...” She trailed off, gazing out at the mountains shimmering blue in the distance. “Your world is just so different from mine. So much to take in and adjust to.”
I nodded. “I can only imagine. You are handling it remarkably well.”
Kate gave me a wry smile. “Don’t know if everyone would agree with you there.”
