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Time to pivot. I forgot all about searching for the weapon and sized up the horse. I’d ridden before. Twice.
In both instances, I’d traveled with two of my master’s soldiers to a country estate to design and measure a suit for a noble vampire who did not deign to enter Master Aldéric’s shop. During both journeys, my horse had been much smaller, and Master Aldéric’s soldiers had helped guide and teach me to ride so I didn’t fall off. All in all, both journeys hadn’t even taken up a full day, but once I’d gotten the hang of riding, we’d trotted a bit.
Though if I had to gallop . . . and stars, that horse stood so high. It was intimidating, to say the least.
But when one had no other options, they seized those in front of them. Besides, I was far more scared of the vampires catching me than a bleeding horse, no matter how large.
I approached the steed as though I had no fear and untied it from the post. Shockingly, the horse didn’t fight me, though it did seem a little annoyed.
“We’re just going for a little ride,” I whispered kindly, hoping to soften it toward me, and positioned myself alongside it. Inhaling deeply, I placed my foot in the stirrup. Then, I hoisted myself upward.
I huffed as, despite all my efforts, I barely mounted. Thank the Fates I was tall and strong. A shorter or weaker person would have had much more trouble.
Seated in the saddle, I rearranged my cloak. Vampires rarely had my silver-white colored hair, and none had wings. If I wanted any chance of escape, I needed to remain covered.
“Alright,” I whispered, grabbing the reins and quickly going over what I’d learned of riding, before giving it the cues to back up.
Immediately, the seemingly skeptical creature did as I requested. I then turned him and met no resistance. An exhale parted my lips. This creature was well trained, indeed.
“Oh, good boy,” I said, and guided the horse forward. It moved slowly, too slowly, so I applied more pressure with my legs and feet.
It took off in a brisk trot, leaving me to grip the reins and swallow a squeal of terror as I pulled back to slow us. Stars, I hadn’t been ready for that at all. My heart thudded in my chest, and I felt thankful that all the vampires in the streets ran toward the alarm.
I pulled back a touch, leaned over the horse’s neck, and applied less pressure to its sides. “Listen,” I muttered softly, “we don’t have time to go slow, but maybe not so fast right away?”
It slowed. A bit.
I fought against the urge to slow our progress even more. As I was still settling in, becoming reacquainted with how riding felt, the pace wasn’t comfortable. However, the trot did seem to be a natural speed for an experienced rider to travel, and I’d garner no notice. With that knowledge, I continued onward.
When I reached the gate, relief flooded through me to find Yvette had been correct. Humans manned this city gate tonight, not vampires. Even better, the gate, though blocked by five men, lay open.
“My lady?” one asked. “Everything alright?”
The absolute gall. As I was unaccompanied, he had to believe I was a vampire. And yet he dared to question me?
Then, a thought struck. Was it because of the alarm? But no, impossible. From here, I couldn’t detect the noise, and the fae sense of hearing was far keener than that of humans.
“All is well.” I slowed the horse as it approached the gate. Oddly, instead of moving to the side, the humans remained standing in place. “I wish to pass.”
“Of course. After payment.”
Payment?
“Explain.” I used my best ‘I’m a master and you’re scum,’ tone.
“Our orders come from King Vladistrica, my lady,” another guard replied. “We had thought that he would explain the tax at the ball.”
“I did not attend.”
“Ah, apologies. Allow me to explain then. It’s for all vampires coming or going from the city.” The man’s tone wobbled. “He requires ten golds apiece.”
What in the stars? What was the point of this tax?
Actually, it didn’t matter because I had no money. I’d never possessed more than a few tin coins in my life. Golds were out of the question. And when I thought about it, these men likely had never touched a gold piece either. Might they be trying to put one over on me?
“Are you trying to steal from me, human?” I barked.
“No! Apologies, my lady. Here’s the edict!” A third guard stepped forward with terror in his eyes. “We should have shown you this to begin with.” He stretched out his trembling arm and handed me a scroll.
