Page 74 of My Queendom for a Horse

SEE YOU THEN.

I should have asked for five hours. I could’ve taken a nap, and maybe these bags under my eyes wouldn’t have looked so awful. Oh, well. Done is done.

Obsidian, of course, is perfect when we go out. He dives forward a bit, and we’re a little out of sync, but the other horses and the people milling around don’t spook him. It’s nice to have a horse who isn’t the usual jumpy mess that herd animals always are in new, chaotic places.

About Face is another story. He’s athletic and lean like Five, and he’s tall too, but he’s never been to a race, and he’s jumpy as a kangaroo in a dingo conservatory. Luckily, I haven’t forgotten how to manage a real horse, and we work until his spook’s gone. The sun has set already—so early—when I put About Face away and prepare to leave.

Dad and John have already headed for the tavern a half block down the way. It’s close enough to our hotel that they can just walk home. They left as soon as I finished with About Face. It’s been a long few days—I don’t blame them.

But I’m the only one around when Obsidian neighs and kicks the stall.

“What?” I ask.

He tosses his head.

“Is something wrong?”

He screams.

Horse screams are awful, and one of the grooms comes running over.

“He’s fine,” I say. “I’m going to close up his stall, though. I think he needs less stimulation.”

“Sure,” the man says.

Once the door’s closed, I change him, holding up a saddle pad to preserve some semblance of decency. “What?”

“I need to stay human for a while.”

“You’re kidding me.” I glance around. “You need to stay a horse, here. It’s critical.”

He frowns. “You can close the stall. Who’ll go against your command?”

“My dad, for one,” I say.

“He’s with John. They’ll both be drunk inside of an hour.”

I roll my eyes. “Why do you need to be human?”

“Didn’t you say I have to get used to it?” He glances sideways. “I’ve got some things to do.”

“Like what?” I put a hand on my hip.

“You’ve made it clear you’re not interested,” he says. “But there are other women here.” He arches one eyebrow. “They might feel differently.”

I’m sure they will. For some reason, a strong flash of irritation pulses through me. For the past few weeks, he’s been rude to every single female he meets other than me. Now he’s moved on and wants to hook up with someone? Men are disgusting pigs. “Fine. Do whatever you want, but make sure Dad and John don’t see you.”

I spin around on my heel, leaving him to freeze to death, naked, in the stall. It would serve him right if he did.

“Hey.”

I don’t turn back when I respond. “What?”

“At least bring me some clothes.”

This time, I can’t help it. I pivot on my heel. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you’d require clothing for a booty call while you were here. I’m fresh out of men’s clubbing attire.”

He’s suppressing a smile, I can tell. I hate that I didn’t stop my outburst. “I brought a bag. It’s in the back of the trailer, under the tack. If you would just go get it, you can drop it into the stall and be on your way.”

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