Page 39 of A Dagger in the Ivy

He smirks. “It’s a surprise.”

I want to tell him I’m not particularly a fan of surprises, but he looks so pleased with himself for whatever he’s concocted that I simply smile and nod.

His horse has been saddled, and a stableboy leads the lovely sable champion out to the prince. I cast a glance toward the stables, expecting my horse to be brought out as well. But Thora remains in the stall.

“I want to take you somewhere that’s special to me.” Torbin makes sure his sabre is secure at his side before extending a hand to me.

“This is your steed, Torbin. What of my horse?”

Torbin shakes his head and holds out a hand, clearly wanting me to take it. “It will be quicker—and easier for us to get to know each other better—if we ride together.” A mischievous glint dances in his eyes.

I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of what lies ahead. Accepting his hand, I allow him to raise me to the saddle. It’s a bit of a challenge to gather my skirt high enough to straddle the horse properly without being indecent, but I manage and then grab the pommel of the saddle to secure myself.

“I hope you’re ready for a little adventure today.”As he gracefully swings himself up into the saddle beside me, I catch a fleeting glimpse of the rugged charm that lies beneath his polished exterior, and I can’t helpbut feel a twinge of attraction stirring deep within my chest.

I can’t suppress the surge of anticipation bubbling within me. “I’m always up for an adventure.”

He climbs up behind me, and his body warms mine. Moving with elegance, he takes the reins with one hand, and the other wraps around my waist. “Is this all right?”

His breath tickles my ear. I hold back a shiver. “Mm-hmm.”

The saddle isn’t meant for two, so we’re forced to press our bodies against each other. He smells of leather and rosewood, the scent wafting around me like a soft blanket. Torbin calls out for his horse to run, and my body jostles against the firm muscles of Torbin’s chest.

As we set off through the lush foliage of Ivystone’s lands, I find myself lost in the beauty of the scenery unfolding around us. The sun filters through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor, and the sweet scent of wildflowers fills the air.

Torbin guides the horse with practiced ease, his serene laughter ringing out as we weave our way through the trees. With each passing moment, I find myself drawn further into his orbit, captivated by his charm and charisma.

Before long, we emerge into a sunny clearing, and the horse slows to a trot. As the trees fade away behind us and the landscape opens to a beautiful meadow, we approach a dipped-in piece of land where a lavish picnic spread awaits. The sight takes my breath away, a dazzling array of delicacies laid out before us like a feast fit for royalty. Torbin slows the horse, his body leaning into mine.

I turn to Torbin, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “This is incredible. You did all this?”

He returns my smile with a warm gaze, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I thought you might appreciate some time alone with me so we could catch up. Away from the chaos of the castle.”

“Yes. I do appreciate it. Thank you.”

He dismounts with effortlessness and then lifts me by my waist to help me off the horse. The sun flares off his blond hair as he takes my hand and leads me to the picnic blanket.

“This place is special to you?”

“Indeed. Far away from all my princely duties. Hidden from the scrutinizing glare of my father.” He squeezes my hand. “Here, I’m free to just be Torbin. For a little while, at least.”

“So sweet of you to share this with me.”

We settle down, and I can feel the soft grass beneath the blanket. My eyes widen in amazement as I take in the sight before me. The spread consists of a mouthwatering array of delicacies, each one more tantalizing than the last.There are platters of ripe fruits, their vibrant colors a feast for the eyes: succulent strawberries, juicy peaches, and plump grapes glistening in the sunlight. Nearby, a selection of cheeses and cured meats beckons, their rich aromas mingling in the air.

A basket overflowing with freshly baked breads sits at the center of the blanket, alongside jars of honey and preserves. The scent of warm, crusty loaves wafts toward me, making my mouth water in anticipation. It’s more than the two of us could possibly eat, but everything looks so good, I feel up to the challenge.

But it’s the sight of the desserts that truly takes my breath away. A selection of decadent pastries and cakes sits temptingly on a separate tray, their delicate decorations created in vibrant colors. Chocolate éclairs, fruit tarts, and creamy cheesecakes vie for my attention.

I can’t help but marvel at the sheer extravagance of it all, feeling a sense of awe at the effort Torbin has gone to in order to make this day special for me.

I reach for a ripe strawberry. “You’ve certainly been busy. No wonder you didn’t make it to breakfast.”

“It was actually fun, picking out everything I thought you might like. I hope my memories served me correctly.”

He takes out a bottle of wine from the basket in the middle of the blanket, along with two glasses. I’ve never had wine this early in the morning, but I accept the glass he hands me, pretending I don’t notice the butterflies in my stomach as our fingers brush, and take a sip.

The sun is warm on my face as I sample a little of everything. The view is breathtaking—rolling hills dotted with wildflowers, the distantoutline of Ivystone Citadel, and the serene lake reflecting the clear, blue sky. Torbin sits across from me, his blond hair catching the sunlight and his eyes, a striking shade of blue, fixed on me with curiosity.

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