Page 133 of Salt Between the Wolves

The words lingered between them.

Eira found herself unexpectedly still because she understood exactly what he meant, and because nobody had ever described her life so accurately in a single sentence, not even herself.

Leander studied her for a moment before unexpectedly changing the subject.

"Can you ride?"

She blinked in confusion.

"What?"

"You spent over a week crossing half the west."

His expression remained perfectly serious.

"I assume you've learned by now."

For the first time since entering the stable, Eira laughed, and the sound was real, brief, and entirely unplanned before disappearing almost as quickly as it had come.

Leander noticed it, of course he did, and for reasons she couldn't explain, that seemed to satisfy him more than any answer she had given.

For a moment, neither of them spoke as the stable grew quieter around them, with distant sounds of work beginning across the estate filtering through the walls while only the soft rustle of hay and the occasional movement of horses remained inside.

Leander glanced once more toward the mare before pushing away from the stall.

"Come."

This time Eira did not bother asking where they were going.

They left the stable together and followed a narrow path leading away from the main courtyard. Frost still coated the grass in pale silver, sparkling beneath the weak winter sunlight.

For a while, they walked in silence.

Then Leander spoke.

"How long do you intend to stay here?"

The question caught her off guard.

Eira frowned.

"Here?"

"At Aldric's house."

She considered the answer.

"I haven't decided."

Leander nodded once, neither approving nor disapproving, simply acknowledging the answer.

"And if your father sends men?"

Eira looked at him.

"He might."

"He might."