Page 123 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“Did Amolie tell you that?”

“No… yes…” he said with a sheepish grin.

“She knows her horses. Perhaps I should make a bet on her, too.” Caiden hastily filled out one of the betting sheets before handing it to an attendant.

“I’ve never been to the races before, although I did enjoy riding from time to time when my studies permitted,” Ora said, staring down at the track of hard-packed snow that would soon be filled with jockeys and their mounts. Tension and excitement hung heavy in the air, making the stadium pulse with a buzz only a race could conjure.

“You should have said something,” Caiden said, “I would’ve taken you down to the stables to see the horses.

“It’s alright.” Ora’s cheeks flushed pink.

“At intermission, I’ll take you down. It’s really something to see how it all works.”

Her long face brightened. “That would be lovely.”

Caiden’s chest warmed, and he hoped his face wouldn’t give away his excitement at the thought of spending time alone with her.

Tonin and Tempestia entered the suite, glowing as they always did, even after centuries of marriage. “I’ve picked a winner this time. I felt it when I passed by his stall,” Tonin proclaimed to everyone in the room.

“Oh? Which one did you bet on? Greysong?” Roderick asked.

“Winterwinds,” Tonin replied.

“You didn’t bet on a horse from your own court?” Roderick arched a brow at the lord.

“Of course, I put a little money on all the Stormland horses. But, I think Winterwinds can go all the way this year. I see the Trinity Crown in his future.”

“I’ll bet on that—fifty gold coins,” Roderick held out his hand.

“A bargain easily kept.” Tonin shook the half-giant’s hand, binding them to their words.

Tempestia rolled her green eyes. Her tight ringlet curls bounced as she shook her head at her husband.

“What?” Tonin said, giving his wife a coy smile.

“Nothing, my dear.” She kissed him on the cheek, making the old king blush.

Horns sounded, signaling the start of the races. Traditionally, there were three races, with an hour break between the second and third race for the horses to recover. The horse with the most wins won it all. Fans often got heated over their favorites and how they performed.

“Let’s get closer,” Caiden said, offering Ora his hand. Together, they walked to the edge of the suite, where they had a view of the entire course. Jockeys and their mounts lined up behind a row of flags. The horses danced in anticipation of the race under their rider’s steady seats.

Caiden held his breath as he always did at the start of the race.

A horn sounded, and the first horse leapt over the barrier before the flags could even fall. The rest followed suit.

“How are they not slipping on the snow?” Ora asked.

“Special shoes made to grip the ice,” Caiden answered. It was well known that the Court of Wailing Winds produced some of the finest racers on the continent. Surely, she’d understand how they raced on the snow. He brushed his apprehension to the side. Perhaps her family wasn’t into racing—she’d never been, after all.

The horses rounded the first bend. Caiden could see the blanket of the Stormlands on the head horse.

“C’mon, Greysong!” Roderick cheered, clenching his fists tight as the horse took the lead. “Give her her head!” he called to the jockey as if he could hear him.

The horses rounded the second turn, and the dark gray stallion pulled ahead of the Stormlands mare. “That’s it, Winterwinds! Give it all you’ve got!” Tonin called.

The two horses were neck and neck until, out of nowhere, a horse black as night rounded the final curve, catching up with the competing grays.

“Who’s that?” Ora asked no one in particular.

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