Loyalty Divided

Chapter Twenty

Evangeline stirred, her eyes fluttering open as the early morning light filtered through the window of the small room she shared with Arthur. The room was bathed in a soft, golden glow, the kind of light that promises a peaceful start to the day. She stretched out her hand, reaching for the warmth she had fallen asleep next to, only to find the space beside her empty and cold. Her fingers brushed against the cool, rumpled sheets, and she sighed softly.

Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and looked around. The room was simple but cozy, with a small wooden dresser and a couple of chairs by the window. Arthur's satchel and bandolier were draped over one of the chairs, a small reminder of his presence. She glanced at the door, half expecting him to walk back in at any moment, but the house was quiet, the gang still asleep or just beginning to stir.

Curiosity and a touch of anxiety swirled within her. She wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, savoring its warmth for a moment longer before standing up. She stepped out of the room into the dimly lit hallway, her footsteps silent on the worn wooden floor. The house creaked softly in the early morning stillness, the only sounds the faint rustling of the wind outside and the occasional murmur from the other rooms.

Evangeline made her way to the front room, peering out the window. Through the frosted glass, she spotted Arthur in the small corral outside, tending to the horses. His back was to her, his movements steady and purposeful as he brushed down one of the horses. The sight of him, so focused and diligent, brought a sense of calm washing over her. Copper sniffed around the horses, being wary of their hooves.

She slipped on her boots and wool gloves and pulled on a coat and her hat, bracing herself for the cold. As she stepped outside, the crisp morning air bit at her cheeks, but the sun's gentle warmth promised a clear, beautiful day. She made her way to the corral, the snow crunching softly beneath her boots. The sky was a pale blue, streaked with the soft hues of dawn, and the world seemed to hold its breath in the serene stillness.

Arthur looked up as she approached, a small smile playing on his lips. "Morning, Evangeline," he greeted, his voice warm and inviting.

"Morning, Arthur," she replied, her breath visible in the cold air. "You were up early."

He nodded, turning back to the horse he was tending. "Figured I'd get a head start on the chores. Besides, the horses needed some attention."

Evangeline stepped closer, watching him work. His movements were confident and sure, a reflection of the strength and reliability she had come to admire in him. She reached out, gently running her hand along the horse's neck, feeling the soft, warm coat beneath her fingers. The horse nickered softly, leaning into her touch. She glanced around the corral and spotted her own horse, Storm, a magnificent black mare with a sleek, shiny coat. Storm was grazing contentedly, her breath puffing out in white clouds. Evangeline smiled and made her way over to Storm, her boots crunching in the snow.

"Hey there, Storm," she murmured, reaching out to stroke her neck. The horse lifted her head and nuzzled her hand, her dark eyes reflecting trust and affection. She ran her fingers through her mane, feeling the silky strands against her skin. The bond she shared with Storm was special, built on mutual respect and care.

Arthur watched her with a soft smile, appreciating the sight of Evangeline with her horse. "She's a good one," he said, nodding toward Storm. "Strong, loyal. Just like her owner."

Evangeline blushed slightly, glancing back at Arthur. "Thank you, Arthur. She's been my rock through a lot of tough times."

Arthur stepped closer, his presence comforting and steady. "You take good care of her. It's clear she trusts you."

She continued to stroke Storm's neck, her movements gentle and soothing. "I try to. She's more than just a horse to me. She's... a friend."

Arthur nodded, understanding the depth of her sentiment. "Horses have a way of doing that. Becoming more than just animals. They become family."