Page 78 of The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior

“What was that?” he wanted to know.

“What did it look like?” Perian queried.

“It looked like you were running as though all the demons in the world were chasing you.”

“We were just stretching our legs,” Perian assured him.

“Fire and water,” Brannal cursed. “And also, you are kind of breathtaking, and that was really beautiful to watch.”

Perian grinned at him. “Thank you. Prince Horsey really is amazing.”

“I wasn’t talking about the horse.”

Perian’s grin deepened. “Extra thank you.”

“Do you think we could ride where I don’t feel like I’m running after you the entire time?”

Perian patted Prince Horsey’s neck. “What do you think?” he asked. “Should we restrain ourselves a little?”

Prince Horsey threw back his head and snorted.

Perian eyed Brannal. “As long as you make an effort.”

Brannal shot him a look and nudged his horse into a gallop.

Laughing, Perian and Prince Horsey were after him a moment later. Perian made sure to restrain him a little. He fought a bit at first, but once he understood they were galloping together, he seemed to be all right with it.

Perian took in the countryside as they passed it. He’d never been in the royal park before. Everything was growing, and it made him happy. From time to time, he couldn’t help but look over at Brannal and watch how expertly he handled his horse. Sometimes, their eyes would meet, and they would smile.

Then Perian would have to go back to looking at everything around him, because they weren’t having sex right now, it wasn’t very comfortable to ride a horse with an erection, and that wasn’t what this was about anyway.

Brannal adjusted their trajectory periodically, Prince Horsey following the directions to stay neck-in-neck with the other horse. They eventually approached a stream and slowed to a halt.

“How about a rest, and a drink and some grass for the horses?” Brannal proposed.

“That sounds like an excellent idea,” Perian agreed.

He dismounted and felt a pull in his muscles that reminded him that much as he rode frequently at home, it had been a while since he’d been home. But he was sure it was going to be worth it. Galloping on a horse like that was as close to flying as Perian would ever experience, and he loved it.

He patted Prince Horsey on the neck.

“Thank you so much for the amazing ride. Would you like to get a drink and maybe graze for a little while? Has to be nicer than just being in a stall in the stables, right?”

Prince Horsey seemed amenable to this change. Perian was sure he simply enjoyed being out. Brannal led his own horse to the water, and both drank thirstily.

“What’s his name?” Perian asked.

“Warrior,” Brannal answered.

Perian eyed him. “Not Mage Warrior?”

Brannal rolled his eyes. “The Princess named him, too. She was four and had very decided opinions.”

Perian laughed, loving the fact that Brannal had let the Princess name his horse.

“Did she name all the horses?”

“Several of them.” He was silent for a moment, and then admitted, “Cormal’s horse is named Fireball.”

---