Chapter 59

The barn was still one of her favorite places to visit, though Kit didn’t spend nearly as much time there as she used to. Still, as she walked along on Reeve’s arm, inhaling the scent of the horses, hay, and early summer day, she was happy to have the opportunity to show him around. She wore a deep green gown made of lighter fabric since the day had turned out to be warm. The change in seasons was certainly upon them, though the weather never got extremely hot at Wrenbrook, and the rains had not come as they usually did this time of year. Some of the councilwomen were betting on later inclement weather. Kit had never shown too much interest in what the clouds chose to do, but she would be disappointed if poor weather ruined many of the events her mother had planned for the next few weeks.

Reeve looked handsome in the dark red and silver of his land, Erast Hollow. He was quite a bit taller than her, his shoulders not nearly as broad as Cassius’s but still well-toned. His eyes were dark. A heavy look set about them most of the time, but as they stopped near the first stall to pet one of the dappled mares, she saw the weight lift from him, and he even laughed a bit.

“This is one of my favorites,” Kit said, stroking the horse lovingly on the nose. “Her name is Smoke. She’s incredibly fast, despite her short stature.”

“She’s absolutely lovely,” Reeve commented, admiring her coat. “How old is she?”

Kit had to stop and think. She had memories of riding Smoke when she was a girl, but not a small child. “Ten, perhaps? Maybe not quite so old.”

“I can see why you would like her so much. She reminds me a bit of one of my grandfather’s horses, called Speedy. As you can imagine, he was quite fast.”

A chuckle escaped her lips loud enough to get a whinny out of Smoke, which made them both laugh even harder. Kit wasn’t sure what it was about Reeve’s statement she found so humorous, but she thought it might be the dry manner in which he delivered the joke. “It seems your grandfather was a wise man.” It took her a moment to get the statement out, once she’d calmed herself from laughing.

“He was. We also had an ebony stallion named… Blacky.”

Again, Reeve seemed so serious when he spoke, Kit found herself nearly doubled over laughing. She was so relieved to find she enjoyed his company, she began to let the weight of the last few days leave her.

Once she quieted down, they walked along, petting the horses and feeding them strands of hay. “Tell me about your family,” Kit insisted, admiring how gentle Reeve was with each of the horses. He seemed to know the animals’ temperaments well, and even some of the wilder horses allowed his gentle touch.

“I grew up on a horse ranch, but there were plenty of other animals. My family has been training horses for generations, mostly for the army but for others as well. My grandfather is very talented. Some call him a horse whisperer, and he raised me to listen to horses and communicate with them.”

His words reminded her of Eli to a degree. His father had also been magical with the horses, having trained all of her mother’s riding horses for many years. Eli had a way with the creatures as well but had had other interests that took him away from the barn.

Kit didn’t want her feelings for Reeve to be connected to Eli, so she asked, “Tell me about the other animals.”

A shadow crossed over Reeve’s eyes for a few moments, and he took a deep breath or two, still walking but slower, his eyes on the ground. “We raised all sorts of farm animals. Chickens, pigs, cows, bighorn sheep.” He shuddered slightly at the mention of the last animal, and Kit wondered if the sheep had anything to do with the scars beneath his tunic. “I also had rabbits, which my mother allowed me to keep as pets. And a dog named Ruff.”

“Ruff?” Kit giggled again, covering her mouth with her hand. “Did your grandfather name him?”

Reeve smiled, a sheepish look overtaking his handsome face. “No, I did. I suppose I received many talents from my grandfather.” He inhaled and held it for a second before blowing it out, making Kit laugh again. “But seriously, Ruff was a wonderful dog. I miss him.”

“Did something happen to him?” Kit asked, leaning in and putting her free hand on his arm as well.

“Yes, but I don’t like to talk about it.” He hung his head again, and Kit decided to let it go. If she ever thought he felt comfortable enough, she might try asking him someday, but for now, it was enough that he’d shared part of his life with her.

They paused in front of the stall housing her mother’s favorite riding horse, a powerful black beast named Warrior. Kit knew this stallion was quite standoffish and usually wouldn’t even come over to the gate to see her, but he marched right to them and let Reeve pat his nose. “That’s quite impressive,” she said, not daring to ruin the moment by trying to place her own hand on the horse.

“He’s much gentler than he lets on,” Reeve replied. “He only wants to appear strong because your mother demands it.”

Kit’s forehead crinkled. “How did you even know this was my mother’s horse?”

He smiled and gave a slight shrug. “I just did. I can tell.”

Kit shook her head. “You’re amazing, Reeve from Erast Hollow. I would’ve never guessed you had such hidden talents.”

The color climbed up his neck, turning his face a slight shade of red. “I am glad to hear you feel my gifts are useful, Your Majesty.”

Warrior whinnied and walked away, as if he knew he was invading their privacy. Kit stepped even closer to Reeve and took hold of the front of his jerkin. He turned to face her, his hands hesitating in the air before he placed them on her hips. “I am eager to see what other talents you have,” she whispered, hoping she didn’t scare him off like a skittish colt.

One side of his mouth pulled up slightly and then broke into a smile. “I am looking forward to showing you.” He leaned in, and Kit raised herself on her tiptoes as he brought his lips down to meet her. His mouth was a wisp, hardly contacting her at all at first, drawing her in. He was slow and careful, almost teasing, as he moved like a gentle rain, picking up the pace slightly, his kiss growing more intense until it was a deluge and Kit found herself pressing her body against his, drawing in raspy breaths and fighting to keep her knees. His arms were around her, and she was thankful for it. Though his mouth never left hers, never strayed down her neck or even to her earlobe, Kit’s entire body was illuminated with heat.

She lost track of time, but when he pulled back, her lips were swollen, and her lungs longed for a deep breath, which she sucked in as smoothly as possible. “Forgive me if I’ve overstepped myself,” Reeve said, his head still bowed so that their foreheads nearly touched. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long….”

Though unaware of whether he meant since he’d arrived or if he’d spied her from afar years ago, Kit decided it didn’t matter. “I’m so glad that you did.”

“I know that I’m not like the others, Princes Katrinetta. I am often withdrawn and would rather spend my time with animals than people when given a chance. But with you, I’m different. I find myself wanting to be in the company of others, particularly in your presence. You make me feel alive in a way I’ve never experienced before.” His face was pink again, as if he wasn’t sure whether or not he’d said too much.

Kit smiled up at him. “I look forward to getting to know you better, Reeve. I feel as if I’ve known you for longer than just a few days. You are different than the others, but in a good way.” She hoped her glowing face was enough to let him know he had nothing to fear.

The sound of footsteps behind them had her taking a step back, and looking over her shoulder, she saw Avinia approaching. “Pardon the interruption, Princess, but your mother would like a word with you before the ball.”

“Yes, of course.” Kit turned back to Reeve. “I fear I must go.”

“I understand. Thank you for the tour. And please, save a dance for me.”

She didn’t even have to think about it. “I will.” She smiled at him one more time, wanting to kiss him again but choosing to spare her cousin the embarrassment. With the feel of his lips on hers, she turned and walked back toward the castle imagining she’d never look at horses the same way again.