Page 109 of Trained Royal
“Someone would do it for us?” Patrick chuckled. “They do sometimes. I enjoy getting them ready myself. It gives them time to get used to who is going to ride them, in my opinion. The only time I don’t do it is if I’m in a rush.”
Patrick explained what he was doing and why until both horses were ready to go. He led Roman out of the stable, handing the reins to a stable hand, and returned for Beauty. Kieren walked beside the black horse, nervous tension running through him.
Patrick stopped beside him. “Relax. Once you’re up there, you don’t need to do anything except enjoy the ride.” He smirked, and Kieren’s thoughts went to places they shouldn’t. He cleared his throat.
“How do I get up there?”
Patrick showed him, and Kieren managed it on the first try, although it wasn’t as easy as Patrick made it seem, and Patrick leapt up onto Roman’s back.
“Thank you, Ren.”
“You’re welcome, Your Highness. I’ll be here when you get back. Just holler.”
Patrick smiled and nodded. “Ready?” he asked Kieren.
“As I’ll ever be.”
Patrick clicked his tongue and did something with his foot, and Roman began moving.
“Patrick, what do I—” He stopped when Beauty started walking without him doing anything.
Patrick smiled over his shoulder. “She’ll follow Roman’s movements. You don’t need to do anything.”
Kieren relaxed marginally, knowing he wouldn’t have to learn how to steer the horse. Patrick laughed when he voiced that concern.
“You don’t need to learn how to ‘steer’ the horse, Kieren. Leave that to me.”
The horses stayed side by side, and Kieren’s tension left his body as he got used to the rhythm. He inhaled the cold, fresh air and exhaled, surveying their surroundings, but not in a protective way, although he couldn’t leave that completely at the house.
“It’s beautiful around here.”
“It is. One of my favourite places, other than home,” Patrick said. “If we continue on this path, it will take us to the lower lake.”
The chill in the air made Kieren glad he’d worn gloves and thick clothing, but the views were fantastic.
“I know you said you preferred walking and cycling, but I thought I could show you another way to travel,” Patrick said.
Kieren smiled at him, knowing it had been something that had played on his mind. “You don’t need to worry. I’m used to cars. No matter what we travel in, I’ll get through it.” He inhaled again and let it out. “I’ve been speaking to Timothy about it. He said some people benefit from… I think he called it ‘immersion therapy,’ which is kind of like doing what I don’t like over and over again until I can get used to it. I’ve not been on a plane since before my family died, and I don’t know how I’ll react, but it’s something I need to do. Sooner rather than later.”
“There’s no rush, Kieren. Take your time. And if you’re never ready, that’s fine.”
“I know, but visiting other countries is something I know you want to do, and I want to go with you.”
“I would never push for that, especially as planes and helicopters are not my favourite method of travelling. If I ever go to other countries, it will be by car, train or boat.”
Kieren smiled at him. “I know you wouldn’t. But I want to push myself for that.”
They lapsed into comfortable silence until they reached a lake. Patrick stopped Roman, and Beauty followed suit. Patrick jumped down and reached for Beauty’s reins to let Kieren slide down, rather ungracefully, especially as his legs were rubbery. Patrick chuckled.
“You’ll get your muscle memory back in a minute. I’m just going to tie these up.”
Patrick walked the horses to a wooden fence post and wrapped the reins over it, then wandered back towards him, carrying a blanket. Kieren smiled as his boyfriend flicked the blanket out flat and gestured for him to sit.
“It’s a little cooler than I expected. I always seem to forget it’s colder at the lake,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around Kieren.
“It’s beautiful, though.”
They watched some birds flying, though Patrick told him there was a lot more to see during the summer months.
