Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 34: Beneath the surface

Scarlett

The sun rays fell on the horses in the rings, their coats glowing as they neighed and moved about.

The stable staff were busy, brushing the horses with care, while others wrapped red cloths around the horses' legs, protecting them as they prepared for the day's run. The afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the estate, filtering through the leaves and creating patterns that danced across the ground.

I stood by the fence, watching Lord Darius as he rode Obsidian, the sight of him on the powerful horse capturing my attention.

The horse moved with a grace that belied its size, each powerful stride sending ripples of muscle down its sleek, black coat. There was a bond between them that was undeniable, a silent understanding that spoke of years spent together.

I couldn't deny the flutter of excitement in my chest as I watched them, but it wasn't just about the horse. Lord Darius himself was a force of nature, commanding and confident, his presence magnetic.

It was undeniable.

I had to understand him better, to see more of the man behind the lord.

As if sensing my gaze, he glanced in my direction, a smile playing on his lips. He guided Obsidian toward me, the horse's hooves barely making a sound as they trotted across the ground.

"Ready for your lesson, my dear?" he asked, his voice warm and teasing as he brought Obsidian to a stop in front of me.

"Yes, my lord. I'm ready," I nodded, my heart racing a little faster than usual.

He dismounted with an easy grace, his boots landing softly on the ground. With a quick, practiced movement, he was by my side, his hand outstretched to help me onto the horse. I hesitated for a moment, my eyes flicking between him and Obsidian. The horse was enormous up close, its size both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

"Don't worry," he said, his voice gentle as he noticed my apprehension.

"Obsidian is as gentle as they come, especially with those he likes."

There was something in his tone, a hint of something deeper, that made me wonder if he was talking about more than just the horse. I took his hand, and he hoisted me onto the saddle with surprising ease. Once I was seated, he moved to stand beside me, his hand resting lightly on my leg to steady me.

"Hold on to the reins," he instructed and so I did.

"Just like this," he continued, guiding my hands to the leather straps.

As Obsidian began to move, letting out a soft neigh, I gave a startled laugh, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, this was my first time riding a horse on my own.

"Obsidian responds best to a gentle touch," Darius said, his hand covering mine on the reins as he guided the horse through a turn.

"He's strong, but he doesn't need force. Just like people, he reacts better to understanding than to control."

I glanced down at him, catching the serious look in his eyes. There was a deeper meaning in his words, something that resonated with my own thoughts about him. But before I could ponder it further, we came to a stop near the stables.

"Let's take care of him now," Darius said, helping me dismount.

I stumbled slightly as my feet hit the ground, but he was there, steadying me with a firm hand on my arm. The brief contact sent another wave of warmth through me, and I quickly pulled away, trying to maintain my composure.

We walked Obsidian to the stable, and I watched as Lord Darius began to remove the saddle and bridle. Despite having caretakers for the horses, Lord Darius insisted on tending to Obsidian himself. His movements were efficient and practiced, each action carried out with a sense of care and precision. I couldn't help but notice the way his muscles flexed under his rolled-up sleeves, the veins in his forearms standing out as he worked. There was something mesmerizing about the way he moved, a quiet strength that seemed to draw me in without effort.