Page 46 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“I need help,” I said.

He frowned, an expression that made my stomach turn. I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen anything other than a smile on the vivacious face.

“I can’t assist you. This is between you and Nyx,” he explained.

“I just need to know if you have stables here. Supplies for horses.”

His brow furrowed slightly, as if considering if my request was a violation. “Are you planning to flee? We’re on an island, you realize.”

“I know that. And no, I’m not going anywhere. I just need some things for taking care of a horse.”

He pressed his lips together and looked like he was thinking. Finally, after what felt like forever, he tilted his head. “Go through the other door. You’ll see the stables.”

I could have kissed him, but I caught myself, knowing that he’d take the gesture too far. Instead, I gave him a quick hug, something that was also probably too much considering his incessant flirting. “Thank you.”

I didn’t stick around long enough to allow him a snarky response. Instead, I was running again, hoping that by the time I found what I needed, Obsidian was still waiting for me.

To my relief, the pegasus was there when I returned, though I could swear he was glaringat me with annoyance. I slowed to a walk, trying to catch my breath. “You know, I’ve never seen anyone with as much of an expressive face as you.”

Obsidian shook his head.

When I stopped near him, I started to remove the items in the bag I’d filled, setting them all on the ground. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched for the reactions to each. As I suspected, Obsidian was carefully studying each thing as I set them on the ground.

When I produced an apple, his ears seemed to relax, pointing slightly forward. His tail swished and he lowered his head before taking a step closer.

I held the fruit in my open palm, then extended my arm, careful not to move too quickly. “Do you want this?”

He moved even closer, then quickly leaned down and grasped the apple with his lips, taking it from my hand. He backed up and I could hear the crunching of the fruit as he chewed.

As soon as he was finished, he looked at the bag expectantly. I dug inside and removed another apple, repeating the process of feeding the pegasus.

I had no idea how or why Dion had an entire crate of apples in his stable, but I was grateful they’d been in there when I went to look for a brush and some food. I expected hay or grains. The apples were a welcome treat.

After feeding him all six of the apples I’d brought with me, I showed him the empty bag. I could read the disappointment in his eyes.

“I’ll bring more later,” I promised.

Obsidian eyed me as if he wasn’t sure if he believed me. I was starting to feel a little strange for reading so much emotion and response in a horse, but this wasn’t a normal horse. His size alone would have been enough to classify him as special, but adding the wings was a whole other level. I had no idea what pegasuses were capable of or how much he could understand me. As far as I could tell, he was completely aware of every word I spoke.

I crouched and picked up a brush. “Would you like me to brush you?” I wanted nothing more than to get on with the tasks so I could return home, but I knew I couldn’t rush this. At least that’s what I kept reminding myself as I fought against the rising anxiety reminding me that the Fae King could be on his way to Athos right now.

Obsidian lowered his head, then stepped closer to me.

“I’ll take that as a yes, but if you want me to stop, you simply tell me, alright?” Internally, I was hoping he didn’t knock me down and trample me.

Slowly, I reached for his neck, then ran my hand along his hair. He was free of dirt and felt clean. I knew I’d made the correct choice to go right to the softer brush. I began carefully, going easy until I felt more confident to work to a more steady cadence.

His coat was already shiny and well cared for, but he seemed to appreciate the methodical motions of the brush. I took my time, brushing one whole side before moving to the other. He was patient and seemed relaxed while I brushed him.

Sweat rolled down my temple. I forgot just how muchwork this was and Obsidian was easily twice the size of the horses I was used to.

Finally, I finished. Stepping back so I could face him, I lifted the brush, then showed him I was setting it down on the ground. “All finished. Would you like me to attend to your mane?”

He nodded. An unmistakable, obvious nod.

“Great.” I picked up the comb and approached with caution. “I’m going to get started.”

My arms were aching, and I was starting to feel worn down from all the effort of caring for the massive horse, but I was determined to win him over.

---