“He’s a good friend to you,” I say softly, marvelling at the bond between the two men. It’s a strange thing for me to witness; men that remain steadfast in their brotherhood despite their differences. Maybe Aderick, Kastel, and Garan could be like that with time, but they’re still learning how to be men; they haven’t been hardened in the fires of war.
“You will find none more loyal than Kaith. I’d trust him with my life, and yours. And I would lay down my own life for him. But enough with the heartfelt confessions. I promised you a visit to the stables, so if you please, my lady.” Corvan holds out his arm.
We walk down long, warmly lit corridors. Past empty rooms and darkened windows. Tyron castle is vast. We walk in silence. It isn’t an awkward or hostile silence. We’re simply together, lost in our own private thoughts, and his big, reassuring presence is rather… companionable.
How can this be?
As we leave the main castle, Corvan materializes a black fur coat from a closet somewhere. It’s much too big for me—his, presumably—but he drapes it around my shoulders all the same, providing me with a sumptuous cocoon as we step out into the cold night.
It’s started to snow.
He’s only wearing his formal suit.
“Aren’t you cold?”
“I’m not as bothered by the cold as I used to be.” Corvan leads me across the cobblestones, through the lightly falling snow. The sane part of me wonders if it’s a good idea to be following a blood-drinking vampire into a dark courtyard in the middle of the night, but I figure that if he wanted to do anything untoward to me, he would have done it already.
He has done it already.
Besides, this was my idea.
We walk, passing buildings upon buildings until a familiar scent fills my nostrils. It’s the smell of hay and manure and feed and horse.
Excitement swirls through me. I’ve always found comfort in the presence of horses. When Ruen castle felt cold and joyless, I’d steal away to the stables and spend time amongst the horses.
The stables of Tyron castle are at least five times bigger than the ones in Ruen. The building is more sturdy too, constructed from stone rather than wood. A proper stable. Corvan pushes open a heavy wooden door and leads me inside.
Suddenly, we’re surrounded by warhorses; big, intimidating steeds that could easily crush a man to death. Their coats range in hue from dappled to glossy black. They nicker and snort nervously as Corvan passes.
“Relax, I’m not going to bother you,” he mutters softly. “Normally, they’d be a lot more agitated by my presence. I don’t know why they’re calmer tonight. Maybe because you’re here. You know, I used to be a pretty good rider, but there’s no way one of these cranky old warhorses would accept me now. I think you can hazard a guess as to why. Is there anything in particular you wanted to see here, Finley?”
“One horse. The one I was riding when I…” Heat rises into my cheeks. “When I first met you.”
“Ah. Kinnivar did mention something about finding a stray horse in the woods. A miracle it survived, really. Do you see him, Finley?”
“He’s a brown quarter-horse. A bit underfed.” I peer into the dimly lit stables. In a stall at the very end, a familiar looking head emerges over the gate. “Ah, there he is.” I momentarily forget Corvan and rush toward the horse. He stretches his neck, nickering softly in greeting. “Good boy. I’m so glad you’re alive.” I reach out and give him a good neck rub.
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 him Solstice, 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… cold place. 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 look incredible.”
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 so good to be held like this. “That doesn’t mean you should.”
“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 is Edinvar’s central 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.