Page 7 of Queen Takes Rook
Dressed and caffeinated, I headed downstairs, driven by my grumbling stomach. I wasn’t sure what time it was, although it was certainly too late for any meal to be called breakfast. Luckily, Mayte’s people must have been used to late risers, because the breakfast room was well stocked with both traditional breakfast foods as well as soup and sandwiches.
Gina smiled at me, already at the table with a cup of coffee nearly gone. “Good morning, my queen. When you’re ready, I have some things to go over with you.”
“Me too.” I sat down and trusted Rik to get me a plate. “When we get home, I’d like to take a look at the legacy again.”
She immediately picked up her phone and typed rapidly. “Of course. I’ll make sure it’s there and waiting for you.”
I loved that she did as I asked without question. “What else is happening at home?”
“Our general contractor was eager to get some work done despite the holiday. Evidently, we had some unseasonably nice weather, so your bedroom and bathroom should be ready for you when we return to Eureka Springs.”
Rik set my plate in front of me and I dove into scrambled eggs with peppers and onions. I normally wanted something light, like fruit, but I’d slept so long that my body was eager for protein. Of course, he’d somehow known that, more in tune with my body than I was. “Oh wow, really? That was fast.”
She smiled. “He had a small army of workers who were eager for bonuses in an otherwise slow time of year. Next up will be the kitchen. Even with that small army, Winston estimates a full week of work, but he’s arranged for all the meals to be delivered indefinitely until he’s satisfied with the renovations.”
Mayte came in with her daughter in her arms, both of them dressed in bright, colorful dresses. “Good morning, Your Majesty.”
I started to rise, but she quickly dropped her hand on my shoulder. “Please, don’t trouble yourself. Not for me.”
“Then you shouldn’t call me Your Majesty, either. Especially under your own roof.”
Smiling, she sat down beside me with Xochitl on her lap. “I have to set a good example for her, and this is still my roof only by your good graces.” The little girl giggled and reached for me. “Oh, no, sweetie. Wait until our queen has finished eating.”
“Nonsense.” I put the fork down and opened my arms for her. The little girl crawled over into my lap, her eyes bright. “Good morning, Xochitl.”
She giggled. “It’s afternoon, silly.”
“So it is. I was up way too late last night, and I sleep a lot.”
“Mama slept in late today too.”
I didn’t look at Mayte for fear I’d blush. “What have you been doing today?”
“Papa took me riding this morning. I have my own pony.”
“You do? What’s her name?”
“Esperanza.”
“That’s a pretty name. What color is she?”
“White. How did you know she was a girl?”
I smiled and leaned down to whisper, “Because girls are the best.”
“Could you ride with me today after you eat? Please?” She drew the plea out for several long seconds, her eyes glistening with excitement.
“I’m afraid I don’t know how to ride.”
“I can show you. It’s easy. Papa has lots of horses that you can pick from.”
I quirked my lips and tipped my head in Guillaume’s direction near the door. “I have a horse to ride. I just don’t know how to use the reins, or how to keep from getting bucked off.”
Guillaume let out a huff in our bond that sounded very much like a disgusted nicker.:As if I would ever allow you to fall off me, even if I’m bucking beneath you.:
I couldn’t help but look at him, then, my hunger stirring. I’d like to have him bucking beneath me. Very much indeed.
“He shifts into a horse?” Xochitl wiggled around to look at her mother. “Mama only has jaguars. Can I call horses, Mama?”
