Page 81 of A Dagger in the Ivy

Twenty-Nine

The stable is alive with the soft sounds of morning: a symphony of shuffling hooves, the occasional nicker of a horse, and the gentle rustle of hay being moved. Heavy rains from the night before have coated the land in moisture, but the dawning sun begins to burn the puddles into a low fog. The earthy scent of straw mingles with the sharp tang of leather and the warm, familiar smell of the horses. I move with practiced ease, my hands deftly adjusting the saddle on Thora. Her glossy, black coat gleams in the early light, and she tosses her head, evidently sensing the anticipation of the journey ahead.

“Easy, girl,” I murmur, running a hand down her neck. She snorts softly in response, her muscles twitching under my touch. I secure the girth and check the stirrups, making sure everything is just right. The stable is a haven, a place where I can find solace in routine and the presence of these magnificent creatures.

Excitement thrums through my body. The full moon has arrived, which means it’s time to join my squad for our patrol. Despite the fact that the moon’s phase usually brings carnoraxis attacks, I smile to myself, longing to catch up with my friends from back home.

The creak of the stable door draws my attention, and I glance up to see Dante entering, his stride confident and purposeful. He heads to the stall next to mine, where his horse, Lightning, waits. The stallion is a striking contrast to Thora: dark, warm brown, with a fierce, intelligent gaze. Dante moves with the same efficiency, his hands sure as he readies his horse.

This is the first I’ve seen him since my little show on the balcony. I avoid eye contact, ignoring the warm blush traveling up my neck and cheeks. I won’t dare to bring up the act, but I can’t be sure he won’t mention it.

Please don’t mention it.

I catch him glancing at me, and I quickly avert my gaze. There’s an undeniable edge between us, a tension that neither of us has addressed. I muster all my strength to push the feeling away.

There’s no time for these silly games. I have to meet up with my squad.

“Sir Holden,” I call out, looking past Dante. “Is your horse ready?”

“I sent him away.” Dante faces me, the hint of a grin playing on his lips.

I scoff, thinking he’s jesting, but his expression doesn’t falter. I narrow my eyes. “Why would you do that?”

“I’m taking his place.” He strokes his horse’s neck.

My brow creases. “On whose authority?”

“You’re in for a surprise if you think I need permission for anything. If you haven’t noticed, Highness, I do as I wish.”

“But… Why?” I shake my head. “Why would you want to join my squad today? I thought you hated Delasurvians. I can’t imagine you’d be willing to be around its Royal Regiment.”

He tilts his head. “You have quite the reputation as commander. Perhaps I’d like to see those skills in action.”

When I lower my brows, he snickers.

“How many times must I mention it? My brother has asked me to keep an eye on you.” He pulls the straps on Lightning’s saddle.

I take a deep breath, considering the implications of Danteaccompanying my journey. On the one hand, I’m relieved to be free of Sir Holden’s watchful eye. But replacing him with Dante isn’t exactly a situation that puts me at ease. “It can be dangerous. Are you sure you’re up for the challenge? Or are you simply here for the glory of being a stand-in soldier?”

A wry smile tugs at his lips. “Oh, I’m here for the glory, all right. Whether the company will prove as enjoyable remains to be seen.”

Our gazes are locked for a silent moment, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking about me touching myself on my balcony. There is a hunger in his eyes, a spark of light in those intense pools of grey, but I can’t make out what he’s really thinking.

I break the gaze, giving Thora a final pat before stepping back to check my supplies. “Well, if I’m stuck with you, you should know I expect you to keep up.”

Dante secures the last strap on his steed. “I think I can manage.”

There’s a moment of silence, the air thick with the unspoken competition between us. I can’t deny the thrill of it, the way our rivalry pushes me to be better, faster, stronger.

“All right, then,” I say, leading Thora out of her stall, “we should get going. We have a long day ahead.”

Dante nods, following suit with Lightning. As we step out into the morning light, I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. There’s something about the way he carries himself, the confidence in his movements, that’s both infuriating and intriguing. But now isn’t the time for distractions. There’s a mission at hand, and I need to stay focused.

We ride out together, the stable behind us and the open road ahead, and I bite back a smile as Dante matches my pace. He’s an elegant rider, even at the speed we’re traveling. If this wasn’t a mission we were heading out for, I might actually enjoy riding with him.

We reach the meeting point in record time. Though it is thrilling to have succeeded at such a feat, every muscle in my body is paying for theaccomplishment.

I spot Mylo waving as we approach. Aila takes in the sight of Dante and shoots me an amused look. I’m hoping my subtle warning glance stops her from commenting on his presence. We slow our horses, and I squint against the sun’s rays. I spot Isaac on a tree stump studying a map, but he doesn’t look up at me.

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