Page 9 of Honeythorn
“Not at all, I had a full breakfast of eggs and sausage and tea,” Milan replied sweetly. He knew it was a terrible idea to antagonise Raphael, but he simply couldn’t help himself.
Milan forced the last of the pastry down his throat before swinging onto Saturnus. Milan guided the mare into a slow circle around Raphael. “Shall we?” He smirked.
Milan kept pace as Raphael trotted forwards.
**********
The afternoon was as entertaining as it was informative. They rode further than Milan had walked the day before, allowing him to see far more of what the land had to offer.
They stopped at the crops he had already visited first. Milan watched closely, but the workers did not seem stiff or displeased to see Raphael. Instead of staying mounted, Raphael jumped down, his horse standing obediently in place as he went to talk to what seemed to be the leader of this particular group of farmers.
“My Lord.”
“Hello, Clark. How are they holding up?”
“You were right. We started the sprayers on different parts of the field instead of all together like suggested, and they worked perfectly.”
Milan perked up. “Oh, are you talking about those moving irrigation systems?” he asked, dismounting from Saturnus.
Both men looked at him in surprise. “Yes,” Clark said. “Are you familiar?”
“I only saw them yesterday, but they look very intriguing. Whose invention is it?”
“Well, actually, it’s Bethany’s. She’s the mechanic in town. Got a gift, she has.”
“Amazing.” Milan grinned widely at the notion that such a talented inventor was just in town.
Clark looked at him curiously and Milan took a step forwards. “My apologies, my name is Milan Pryor. I’m new to Ledford Manor.”
“Oh, yes, of course! I heard that—yes, welcome.”
“Thank you.”
Raphael cleared his throat pointedly.
“Are you quite well?” Milan asked innocently.
Raphael managed to keep a straight face, but Milan was sure it had been a struggle. “Quite.”
Despite Milan’s teasing, he stepped back and let the men talk, listening avidly but not interrupting.
Even when they moved on, Milan watched carefully at how Raphael interacted with others and was surprised to see how easily he talked. He became relaxed, open, at least until he was reminded of Milan’s presence.
They went as far as some farm houses nearer to the town, asking after the pigs, sheep, cows, or chickens kept by each. They dismounted by a small cottage with a pen of pigs close by and were greeted by a tall, broad Alpha, her blonde hair in the typical chignon of these parts.
“Lord Ledford! How good to see you. And, I don’t think we’ve met…?”
“Mister Milan Pryor. My…betrothed.”
Milan ignored the telling pause, smiling at the woman. “Hello. What a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure’s all mine. Laura, at your service.”
Raphael cut in before there could be more small talk.
“How are the pigs faring?”
“Much better. We increased the ratio of grain in the feed and it’s made a big difference.”
