Page 54 of Journey to the Elderoak
“That’s what I said!” Quinn shouted from ahead.
Casimir tensed and cleared his throat.
“Enjoy your ride.” Raine winked as he rode ahead, joining Thorne and Quinn.
“What an idiot,” she mumbled.
“Tell me about it.” Casimir laughed.
They made their way through town, passing the shops lining the streets. Lanterns glowed in the trees and the city was bustling with activity. Fae, goblins and pixies moved about, running errands and enjoying their evening. When they caught sight of the party, they waved, greeting their king.
Thorne led the way, followed by Quinn and Raine, with Avaand Casimir bringing up the rear. The citizens pointed at her in awe, whispering among themselves.
Ava squirmed in her seat, trying to smile when she truly wanted to disappear. Her heart hadn’t stopped racing, and she fidgeted with her dress as the horse continued to move down the road.
She could feel Casimir breathing behind her, muscled chest pressed against her back. His cedar and sage scent enveloped her, and his hand was warm on her belly, causing her insides to flutter. She so desperately wanted to lean back and nestle into him, but she remained stiff, struggling to relax.
“Take a deep breath,” he said. “I can hear your heart racing.”
“I can’t help it. I’m nervous and everyone keeps staring at me.”
“They’re excited to see you. They heard about the attack and what you did.”
“How do they know?” she asked.
“The animals talk. Word got around.”
“Oh.”
“Earlier you said you had a bad experience with a horse. Tell me about it.” He pulled her a little closer. This time she couldn’t help but settle against him.
“When I was little, like six or seven, my mom signed me up for horseback riding lessons. But the first day, another child pulled my horse’s tail. The horse freaked out and bucked me off and I broke my arm. I refused to get on a horse after that and my mom had to cancel the lessons.”
“Your nervousness makes more sense now. I won’t make fun of you anymore.”
“Why thank you, general.”
“Pepper is quite calm. He won’t run away or buck you off. I promise.”
Ava laughed. “Your horse’s name is Pepper?”
“What?”
“Nothing. It’s…kind of a cutesy name for such a brutish rider.”
Casimir leaned forward, pressing into her back as he adjusted the reins. “And what should I have named him?”
“I don’t know.” Ava shrugged. “Something mean. Like Nightmare.”
“You think I’m mean?”
“No.” She paused. “Well, you kind of were today…”
“I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention. I’m just worried about you. I thought taking your anger out on me would help.”
“Don’t worry about me,” she said. “I’m fine. I’m handling it.”
“It’s okay if you’re struggling. This is new to you. I?—”
