The Heart of a Wielder (Book One of The Wielders Trilogy) ✔️

Chapter Twelve

Maren was the happiest she had been since coming to the palace. She was finally riding Snowdrop (astride) in the fields near the palace. It felt fantastic to be back on a horse after so long.

She and Snowdrop were still getting accustomed to one another, so she kept the horse to a brisk trot as they traveled the perimeters of the fields. Snowdrop was a joy to ride—she was well-trained and highly responsive—but Maren would have been equally content atop a slow mule or bucking stallion. The freedom she felt while riding was like a balm to her soul after so long in such difficult circumstances.

She had promised Mr. Gregory that she would keep the ride relatively short, so she contented herself to a few loops around fields before returning to the stables.

It was the time of day when late afternoon and early evening blended together, and it appeared that Mr. Gregory and his assistants had retired for the day. She was somewhat surprised, but didn't mind. Maren was actually pleased he finally trusted her to care for Snowdrop without supervision.

She was supposed to have dinner with Prince Donovan that night, so she would need to work quickly, though. She was putting up the saddle when a voice startled her.

"Good evening, Lady Maren."

Maren jumped in surprise.

"Oh, Your Highness," she said, turning and seeing Prince Kieran. She bobbed a curtsy. 

She had absolutely no idea what the Prince was doing in the stables at this particular hour. It was the first time she had ever been alone with him, and it made her uneasy.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

She would've liked to have asked him the same question, as the reason for his presence was far less obvious.

"I went for a ride, Your Highness, I'm just finishing up with the tack," she said.

"I see," he said, surveying her. He was clearly scrutinizing her attire.

"You ride astride," he observed.

"Yes, Your Highness," she said. "I'm not accustomed to a sidesaddle."

"Hmmm," he said, still staring at her.

It made her feel very uncomfortable. She knew women did not generally wear trousers, but he was staring like she was the first woman he'd ever seen wearing them.

"I do hope you'll excuse me, Your Highness, I need to brush her down," she said, gesturing at Snowdrop.

"Is there not a groom for that?" he asked.

Maren smiled, "I believe they've left for the day, Your Highness, but I don't mind caring for her myself."

"I see," he said again. He continued to stare. Maren felt like running from the stables, but she knew that would probably cause more problems with Prince Kieran.

"Please proceed," he said. "I'll wait until you're finished, then walk you back to the palace."

Maren smiled and nodded and hoped her unease didn't show on her face. She walked to Snowdrop's stall and began brushing her. Thankfully, Prince Kieran did not see fit to follow her into the stall and instead stood outside of it.

"I thought you'd like to know, your advice to move all the prisoners to the Capital ended up being most fruitful," Prince Kieran said.

Maren made a noise indicating her interest, but did not look up from the horse. She had tried very hard not to think about that particular conversation with Prince Kieran, and did not enjoy being reminded of it.