FULL NOVELXO Chapter Safe with Raese
“He’s huge!” She proclaimed. “Is he friendly?”
“More steadfast then any beast I’ve ever known.” He nodded. “Trust me, My Queen.”
She smiled fondly at him. He offered her a hand up. Encircling her narrow waist to lift her atop Strongman. She sat sidesaddle.
He was surprised she knew how. But found it just another trait to be admired. He led Strongman through Feglen and across the bordering meadow.
She squawked at him to stop.
He complied instantaneously and she slid from the horse. Scooping up a bit of brown fluff with a mournful sound.
Circling Strongman, Raese observed her cupping a little brown and yellow bird. Her finger worked nimbly to untangle a bit of string from the tiny thing’s wing. It jerked swiftly in her hand while she cooed calmingly, vowing she wouldn’t hurt it. Once the string was free, the bird ruptured from her hands to flutter around her head, toying in her hair and making her giggle before taking off in a rush. As she rejoined he and Strongman the bird came back to wind tiny feet in Calisto’s hair. Chirping happily. She held out a dainty finger and the bird clenched it in its tiny grip but didn’t settle beating wings.
“Bye Little Bird.”
Watching her in the fading light, Raese was stunned. And seeing her dress in the light of day he was surprised to recognize it was an expensive bit of fabric.
Not a gown a commoner could afford.
“Where did you get that dress Calisto?” Curiosity prompted him to ask.
Her smile died and she turned dark blue eyes on him. “A gift from Wilhelm. The seamstress gave me many dresses. Several were contracted for me when they believed I’d prove useful to the village.”
“When King Lareth thought you’d prove useful?”
Her head lowered.
“Is he the one who gave you the dresses?” He peered down at her with astute green eyes.
Was he trying to seduce her?
She blew a long breath. “Some of them. This one.” She gestured down her body.
He was. And she’s ashamed to admit it.
It changes nothing. But I’ll need to be wary of him.
She was looking pensively up at him.
Wondering if I’m judging her.
I’m not. Feeling a need to lighten the mood, he grinned brightly.
“It suits you. Quite beautiful.” Taking her hand, he gave her a twirl to appreciate the full effect of the gown.
She laughed as he turned her. Her gown tossed through the grass and threw small white flowers up around them. She braced a hand on Strongman’s back. Smiling up at Raese.
Like a wild wind fey.
“You’re stunning.”
She must’ve noticed the intensity in his eyes. “How are you seeing your water monster now, Raese?”
“She may be the most beautiful creature I’ve ever had the good fortune to see.”
“You sound a lovesick fool!” She teased.
I’m not joking, Calisto.
“Perhaps I am…”
Her teasing look was overtaken by surprise. “I thought we’d vowed to be honest with each other. To not play at flattery.”
I’m not.
“That’s precisely what I’m doing. Exposing my vulnerability by doing just that. I fear, My Queen, that you make me weak.”
She gave him a long look and must’ve heard the truth in his words.
He gave a quick nod and saw her mounted back up on the dappled gray. “Let’s get you to the ball.”
“And how do you propose to keep the folk from tormenting me?”
“I’ll make clear you’re with me.” He retrieved the patch from his pocket and put it firmly in place over one eye.
“Quite dashing.” She flirted.
He looked over his shoulder to waggle dark brows at her.