Page 30 of Trapped to Tame
Finally, Priest could take it no longer.
‘Gods, female, would you sit down and be calm?’
She looked startled for a moment at his outburst and then she ignored him, continuing to flit about the room as if he’d never said anything.
‘Fie, take her down and teach her to ride,’ Priest ordered his Brother, ‘lest she fall and break her neck the first time she mounts her own horse.’
Fie looked annoyed, but he did as he was told, gesturing with his head for her to follow him. She looked apprehensive but went with him. As soon as they were gone, Drax stood.
‘You forget your place,’ he ground out.
‘Not at all, Brother,’ Priest said through clenched teeth, ‘but you weren't doing anything about the female, so I did. It's hardly my fault that Fie lets me order him about. Perhaps you should assert your authority more with him and then he wouldn't jump to obeymyevery command.’
Priest stifled a smile as his Brother turned away with a curse.
‘Go through the packs,’ Drax ordered.
Priest gave him a mocking salute, knowing that Drax was only telling him to do it to annoy him, but he would go through the packs, and he wouldn't complain. Fuck Drax. It was only a matter of time. Sooner or later, Drax would make a mistake and Priest would fight him for leadership of the unit … and he would win.
He smiled at the thought. He would command this unit again by the time they were finished with the female, and then he’d break this farce of a bond and get rid of her, he vowed.
Priest proceeded to do as Drax had ordered, unpacking and repacking their supplies, ensuring they had all they needed for the journey. When he was finished, he took their bags outside to the yard, watching from under the eaves as Fie tried to instruct the hapless female in the basics of riding a horse.
He rolled his eyes. How did someone get to be her age and have no idea how to do the easiest of things? Perhaps shewasa simpleton. Perhaps all she could do was fight in the ring.
He watched her on the horse’s back, grasping the reins as tightly as she could, her knuckles white with how hard she was holding them. Fie was telling her to grip with her knees, and to give the horse its head, only pulling gently on the reins to show the beast where she wanted him to go.
Priest shook his head as she jerked too hard and caused the horse to turn swiftly. The foolish girl fell off, landing in the mud with a cry. She ignored Fie’s outstretched hand, getting up herself and frowning at the mud that was now all over her boots, breeches, and leather tunic.
Fie told her to get back up and she looked at him petulantly, taking the reins and leading her mount towards him.
‘Unpredictable beast,’ she said under her breath and Priest almost grinned.
‘You need to bond with her,’ Fie said. ‘She needs to know that you are her friend. One day she may save your life.’
Eve gave him a dry look. ‘I’m bound to more than enough creatures already.’
Fie barked a laugh, looking surprised at her wit, but he wasn't deterred. He offered her an apple.
‘Give her treats,’ he said. ‘Make her your friend.’
Eve snatched the apple from his outstretched palm and Priest wondered if she was going to consume it, as she seemed unable to stop herself from devouring any and all food in her path. But, instead, she hesitantly held it out to the mare that he had found for her in the Camp.
‘Hand level,’ Fie reminded her and she flattened her hand out immediately, appearing anxious, as if she thought the horse would suddenly bite off her fingers.
But, as it gently picked the apple from her, Eve looked in wonder at the animal.
Fie murmured encouragements, telling her to stroke the horse’s cheek, rub her behind her ears. He showed her how to do it, and when the horse took a step forward and nudged her, she grinned.
Priest scowled, turning away.
‘It's time to go,’ Drax said, saving Priest from his bewildering thoughts.
They all mounted their horses, Eve now on her own, though she still looked uncomfortable as she rode between Drax and Fie, Priest following behind. They'd make the Ice Plains soon enough.
He tried not to let his gaze stray to the female but was unable to stop his thoughts and his eyes from tending in her direction. He needed to begin her training, try to harness her magick so that she could do what they needed her to. He needed to understand what triggered her power. As with a fae child, the ability to conjure needed to be unlocked, which meant he needed to learn more about her. Fie had had little luck thus far and, though it was still early in their journey, there wasn’t much time.
Priest wondered if he could make her speak to him by using his power on her. He needed to try compelling her; see if he could make her do what he wanted as Drax had been able to in the Camp. He smiled nastily at her back. He’d enjoy seeing the look on her face as her body was made to do his bidding while her mind railed against him.
