Chapter 5
Isolde Lorcan was careful not to ride too close to me. It was both refreshing, for I had intended to ride alone, and disappointing since it would have been nice to talk with someone who was not obsessed with the upcoming wedding or my marriage bed.
Last night, Raelan had been as charming as ever, sweeping me across the floor in dance after dance, and attentive to me during the feast. For a few hours, I thought we may have had a chance at true happiness. But when the celebration was over and the last song sung, he disappeared to his chambers bidding only my parents good night. His cold dismissal of me made clear that we were to be married in name only. He would further the family line as was his duty, but there would be no love between us. No stolen kisses or secrets whispered to each other in the night. No keeping each other warm when the snow came in winter. His resentment that I could never be what he truly desired would surely turn to hate. I wondered if he would ever be cruel. Would grow to fear his touch? Would he force me to be more of what he was accustomed to?
I had been instructed back in Abhainn on how to please my future prince, but I doubt what I had learned would be to his satisfaction. And what were they anyway but the advice of women who had the freedom I could never obtain? Women held no titles and were allowed to marry for love.
Love.
The very idea was a novelty to me. Lost in my thoughts, I must have been trotting faster than I had anticipated, for the sound of Lorcan’s horse became a steady gallop in rhythm with Incendio. I needed a release from the reality of my predicament so kicked Incendio harder and loosened his reins. I turned to catch a glimpse of Lorcan, who looked puzzled but kicked his horse in return, signaling that the race was on.
Laughter rose from my belly, and for the first time since I had come home, I felt free. Lorcan’s horse began to gain on us, but Incendio hadn’t lost a race yet. He dipped his head down, the power in his legs carrying us further through the open field and into the woods. Lorcan was beside me, his horse longing to get ahead of mine, but Incendio only charged on with more determination. Lorcan soon caught up and shouted two words to determine our finish line, “The brook!”
I looked ahead and could see an open meadow and just beyond it, the babbling stream growing closer. I nodded and watched as he turned away and took the higher ground to try and get there sooner. It seemed silly, that would put him out of the way, but as the sound of rushing water reached my ears, I understood his reasoning. He didn’t want me to stop at the brook. He wanted me to avoid it. My horse would never stop in time.
“Whoa! Incendio! Whoa!” I pulled on his reins, but it was too late. The horse not only reached the brook, but dove in, splashing gallons of water about us in the process. My lower half was quite soaked, but the look on Lorcan’s face, as he dismounted his steed and rushed to my rescue, was priceless.
“Your Highness! My apologies! It was not my intent!” He was by my side, grasping Incendio’s bridle to hold him steady as he led the horse out of the water. Once safely back on land, he offered me his hand and helped me dismount. Upon seeing him soaked from his waist down, I found that laughter I had been privy to just moments before.
Lorcan looked at me curiously, “What’s so funny?”
“You! You poor thing, you are far more wet than I am.”
Lorcan looked down at his trousers, ran his wet fingers through his wild hair, and rested his hands on his hips. He bit his lip to hide a smile and looked up at me with one dark brow raised. It was highly attractive. “I guess it was time to wash these trousers anyway.”
I didn’t respond. Just controlled my laughter, nodded, and looked away. He was a stable boy, and I should not be having the thoughts I was. Still, I stole one more glance in his direction, admiring the way the sun shone off his black hair. Lorcan started squeezing his sleeves, which were just as wet as his pants. “Why not take it off?” I offered, knowing how uncomfortable he was in his wet clothing.
“Take it off?” His face had turned pale as the grave. “I couldn’t offend you…”
“Oh stop acting so pathetic. If you’re uncomfortable, take off your shirt and place it on the rocks to dry. If not, you’ll be sick by nightfall and cursing me as you cough in your bed.”
Lorcan looked puzzled but didn’t say a word. “It’s not like you have parts different from any other man.” I rolled my eyes and walked over to Incendio. The horse nuzzled against my arm as I stole a peek at Lorcan; he was pulling his shirt over his head. His back was to me, but it looked strong with lines that curved around his shoulder muscles and dipped where his trousers began. He may be a servant, with hair dark as sin, but gods, underneath his clothes, he could have easily been mistaken for a warrior. I watched him place the shirt on the rock that baked in the sun. I wondered if Raelan continued to call boys and squires to his bed after our vows, would I be permitted to do the same? Could I even lie with a man who wasn’t mine simply for the pleasure of it?
Just then, Lorcan looked over at me, his wet hair flopped over his eyes. I felt naked, as though he had read my thoughts and caught me in my imaginary promiscuity. I turned away, hummed a song, and began to pick wildflowers to place in my hair.
*****
The horses lingered by the water, drinking, while we sat in the sun to dry. Lorcan was quiet as I would expect, but I could tell his mind was racing. I picked up a thin stick and jabbed him in the arm. He jumped at my touch. I swear, he was more skittish than the horses. “Out with it. You have something to say.”
He rubbed his arm where I had poked him. I doubted I hurt him; I think he just automatically reacted. “I was just curious, how no one objected to your riding alone?”
“One did object.” I gestured to him, and he laughed, which caused his green eyes to sparkle. He looked down at his hands and back up at me. His hair was flopped over his eyes again. I had an urge to brush it back, but I refrained. He bit his bottom lip, and I wondered what it would feel like if he bit mine.
“I told Posey I was riding with a member of the guard. I told the guards I would be riding with Posey, and I would stay within the city walls.”
“We’re miles from the city walls,” Lorcan noted as he leaned back onto his elbows, his eyes on the horses. I liked that he was finally able to relax in my presence. Perhaps my honesty soothed him.
“It’s still early. I don’t expect anyone will notice my absence until noon when lunch is served. We’ll be back by then.”
He smiled and rubbed his fingers lightly against the grass.
“What is it? I can tell your wheels are turning.” I gestured with the stick to his head.
He rolled over onto one arm and looked at me thoughtfully. “If anyone had said I would be spending my morning with the princess, drying our clothes in the sun, miles away from the castle…I would say they lost their mind.”
“Well, crazier things have happened.”
“Yes.” He chuckled. “There was a time when men shifted into dragons. So I suppose anything is possible.”
I looked over at the water, feeling at ease just being near it. He was right. Anything was possible.
*****
When we returned to the stables, our escape from reality now at an end, there was a tangible quietness between us. Lorcan tended to the horses, careful not to make too much eye contact with people close by. I thanked him and was on my way back to the castle when I stopped and looked around to make sure no one could hear my request. Assured I was alone, I called out to Lorcan.
“I would like to ride again tomorrow. Same time. Will that be suitable for you, Lorcan?”
He nodded as he removed Incendio’s bridle bit. “Your wish is my bridlebit. “Your wish is my command. Incendio will be ready.”
“My wish is that Ashes be ready as well.” With that, I turned and hurried off, but not before I had seen the smile on Lorcan’s face.
The smile that echoed my own.