Page 26 of The Time Of Queens

“One who likes to slam doors and frighten the staff…? No, for wherever could I get such an account,” I teased back, making him laugh as he held his hands up in surrender.

“I find you have bested me again, for your wit is far too sharp a blade for me to battle against.”

I giggled, and it was a sound that enticed a tender look from him. The same look, that even after thirty years, he often granted me when hearing it.

“Well, they do say that the pen is mightier than the sword,” I said and once more, he seemed surprised by my reply.

“I must say, you continue to surprise me, for you are extremely well educated and well-read for one of your social rank… oh please, do not mistake my meaning, for I find it quite refreshing verbally sparring with a female that possesses such intelligence,” he replied, adding this last part when I started frowning at the use of the word ‘rank’.

“You mean you do not wish to hear of my accomplishments on the piano forte or that my needlework is second to none?”

He laughed and told me,

“Ah, but do not forget your talents in finding snuff boxes and getting lost in large houses. Which makes me wonder, is finding yourself here tonight another wrong turn on your part?”

Ah, so he wanted to know why I was here, after all. Which was when I put my hand in my pocket and again pulled the last of the sugar cubes out.

“My Lord, did you forget our secret so soon…?For I am here on behalf of the horses’ sweet tooth,”I added on a whisper behind my hand, making him chuckle. But then he looked to the very horse I had missed before asking,

“And just how brave are you, I wonder?”

I frowned, tilting my head to the side a little in question.

“Come,” he said, holding his hand out for me to take.

And in that moment, I did the one thing I knew I shouldn’t do. I placed my hand in his. Something he was seemed pleased by, as he folded his fingers around mine and walked me closer to the next stall. I gasped the second the most stunning horse emerged. One I had only dared to sneak a glimpse at before now.

It was like the animal equivalent to Draven, as it was as intimidating as it was beautiful. The most majestic creature I had ever seen and when it caused a fuss, I stumbled back. Draven didn’t seem to mind this as his hands instantly came to my hips to steady me. The feel of his hands seared through the fabric of my dress as I tried in vain to suppress a shudder.

He positioned me once more in front of him as he caged me in from behind. His frame and height so much bigger than mine, Draven had always had the ability to make me feel tiny. His hand ran down my arm and this time, the shivers weren’t something that could be contained. Not as he made his way to the hand that still held the sugar cubes.

“Now trust me, for he will behave… won’t you, Samson?” The huge horse neighed and fussed, making me tense as Dravenraised my hand towards him. The horse shook its head, its beautiful mane like a black wave crashing against the shore.

“Assez!” he ordered sternly, calming the horse instantly, before making a clicking ‘come here’ sound we all seemed to have been born with knowing when dealing with a horse. The giant shire stepped closer, its horseshoes clacking on the parts of the floor that had no hay.

“Easy now,”Draven hushed when he felt me tense, and because I was who I was, I used humour to mask my fear.

“Was that for me or the horse?”

“Both… now trust me, extend your hand and keep your palm flat, for your bravery will be rewarded with loyalty,” he told me.

“Reward from you or the horse?” I asked, rewording my earlier question, making him scoff softly.

“Both…now quit stalling,” he admonished gently, extending my hand out enough for the horse to now retrieve its sugar treat. I was surprised by how gentle he was but then, so was his master. Draven had always handled me with such care when I had been nervous about something, and I had always loved how much patience he had for me.

“There, now that wasn’t so bad, was it?”His soothing voice stirred the whisps of my hair by my ear and again, I closed my eyes at the feel of his lips so close to my skin. In the end, I could only nod as words failed me.

“What is this, has the experience rendered you speechless, Miss Williams?”

I had to clear my throat first to answer.

“He… he is a beautiful horse.”

“Indeed,”he agreed in a husky tone, and I still wasn’t sure if he was talking about his steed or not.

“Then it would be a crime to keep you from experiencing all of him in his glory.”

“I don’t know what you…”

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