“If you prefer, I could bring the horses into the house?”

“He might find that rather difficult, as i borrowed his horse.”

“Release my horse!" I ordered, infuriated with him and wary of both the large, energetic beast and its rider."No," Steldor snapped. "You're coming back with me."Gripping my reins, he permitted his stallion to move forward in the direction of the city, my mount obediently following. Unwilling to give in to him, I slid from my horse's back."I don't think I will return just yet, Your Majesty."With an exasperated sigh, he dismounted and strode toward me.As he did, he took in my preposterous appearance."What are you doing?" he demanded, stopping in his tracks. "You're out in the middle of nowhere, by yourself, dressed like a man and riding your father's horse! Have you gone mad, woman?" He continued to scrutinize me, and his incredulity transformed itself into a frown. "And just where did you get the belt and breeches?" As realizatin struck, he sarcastically added, "Just my luck that you would decide to get into my trousers when I wasn't there yo enjoy it."My cheeks burned at his crude comment, and had I been a little closer, I would likely have dealt him a second slap. At the same time, I knew his assessment was accurate."I was just going for a ride.I have the right to some fresh air," I asserted, hands upon my hips.Steldor gave a short, scathing laugh. "Not like this you don't.Now get on your horse.”

“What do you need?" I asked, sitting beside him and fumbling through the mishmash in my lap. "How about this?"I examined a container and read the label."Will belladonna do?""That's a poison, dear.I'd prefer if you didn't give me that." Even with his ghastly injury,his dry humor survived.”

“He took another steps backward, right into the horse of the Cokyrian soldier we had avoided earlier, bouncing off to land gracelessly upon the ground on his rear end. He stared up at the woman, making no attempt to stand. "Your horse is very solid," he slurred. "Congratultions on having such a fine mount.”

“Shaselle?""What now?" I incredulously exclaimed."Do you have plans tomorrow?""What?""I have a day off duty. We could-""No!" I shouted. "What is this?”

“The choice is yours.Either way, I will be faultless. So ask yourself, would you rather take credit for an eyesore or for a work of art?"His speech complete, he sank onto the sofa, stretching his arms out across its back, a grin spreading across his face. I had not thought this through, that much was evident, but now that I had commenced it, I would not give n to him."You could change. More easily than could I.""True," he ackowledged with a chuckle. "But I look perfect.""Well,I'm sure you could look perfect in something else.""Oh,doubtless, but why duplicate what is perfect when one could improve what is not?"I wanted to kill him. I wanted to close that infuriatingly divine mouth once and for all, and if ending his life were the way to do it, I was willing to take that step.Instead, I took a deep breath and tried again."If I change, my hair will be ruined.""You know,dear, something really should be done about your hair in any case. I told you to wear it down. And mind you switch tiaras.""We're almost last as it is," blustered, trying to keep my tone civil, thought inside I was burning. "You could change more quickly.""Not necessarily.You already know the gown into which you will change. I would have to search for something less elegant to match the dress you have on, but still formal enough for the occasion. And honestly,have you ever seen me in anything that might go with sky blue?"I fell silent, for as much as I hated to admit it, he had a valid argument. He generally wore dark or rich colors, nothing similar to my gown. I despised myself for what I was about to do."I'll wait," Steldor said, accurately reading my expression.”