Page 4 of Griffin Food

Not so different from omegas, then… managing myself in that regard is plenty enough.

Next, I go through the strengths and weaknesses of stallions and geldings. Stallions are stronger, faster, and have more stamina; that sounds like it would be beneficial for a long journey. They have more ‘spirit’ than a gelding, but that is a minor point. I just need to skill up. If I’m going on an adventure, I need to prepare myself and arm myself with the best.

I skim a few passages that indicate stallions are for ‘experienced’ riders. But by the time I’m done, I will be experienced too.

Satisfied, I load all my books back into the wooden cart, don my riding clothes, secure my scarf over my hair, and leave my quarters to return them, determined to begin my training immediately.

I have barely gotten the awkward cart out of my quarters when a familiar, grating drawl comes from behind me.

“Going somewhere, Violet?”

I spin around to find my sister, Queen Elisa, flanked by two of her simpering attendants.

I drop into a deep curtsy because my sister is a bitch and expects me to. “Morning, sister.”

Her eyes narrow, but she lets my tone go, sweeping past me and selecting the top book from my cart.

“Horses?” She gives me an up-down look that takes in my riding attire and arches one brow. “Did you fall and bang your head, sister?”

Her attendants giggle with false frivolity.

I take the book from her and stuff it back into the cart. “You’re an excellent horse rider, sister. You have inspired me.”

Her lips tighten. “Careful, Violet, lest your snippy tongue get you into trouble.” She smiles nastily. “Still, if you fall off and bang your face, it’s not like it could make you any uglier.”

Bitch.

She sweeps off, her attendants’ laughter following her.

I stand there fuming. Then I straighten my spine and remind myself that I am virtually ready for the adventure to top all adventures and continue on my way.

I drop the books off at the library and head out to the stables.

Which is where I am presented with obstacle number one.

“I want a stallion, please.”

“A stallion, my lady?” The young stablehand, Colin, sounds confused by this request.

I straighten my shoulders and think adventure to let him know I mean business. “Yes, what choices do we have?”

“Well, there’s Argile,” he says, rubbing absently at his jaw and still eyeing me doubtfully. “He’s a fine horse and has a steady disposition.”

Steady? None of my research mentioned steady as a useful trait in a stallion. “Any others?”

“There’s Raven, but I wouldn’t recommend him⁠—”

“Why not?”

“He’s very spirited, my lady. He comes with a lot of… energy.”

Spirited? Energy? “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m looking for. Please saddle Raven.”

“But—” Colin looks like he wants to make a bolt for it, his gaze wandering over the courtyard like he’s hoping someone will come along and rescue him from this task.

“Thank you. I don’t have all day.”

“Yes, my lady.” He dips his head and goes off to prepare my horse.