The Priestess and the Thief Kindred Tales 30 - Evangeline Anderson Page 0,75
the first place! But I can’t give him up now without at least riding him in public once.”
“I understand.” Elli nodded. “You made a big deal over buying him and now you need your nobles to see you ride him.”
“Of course I do!” the Crown Prince exclaimed. “Why, I would be the laughingstock of my own Court if it became known that I’m not able—that is…if it became know that Demon is unable to be ridden.”
Elli nodded again, as sympathetically as she could.
“What would you like me to do, Your Majesty?” she asked.
“We’ve a parade planned for tomorrow,” the Crown Prince said. He ran a hand through his hair, took a deep breath, and seemed to calm himself. “The Grand Parade, which will mark the anniversary of our arrival on Pok,” he went on. “I, of course, must ride at the head of the procession. And I wish to confer a singular honor on you, my dear.” He looked at Elli earnestly with his bulging eyes. “I shall allow you to lead my mount—Demon—through the streets of Capital City for the full parade.”
“Meaning you think he’ll behave if Ellilah is holding his reins and you’re afraid he’ll throw you or flame you if she’s not,” Roke said dryly.
The Crown Prince flushed an ugly purple and glared up at the big warrior.
“Of course not! I am proposing to confer a great honor on your Heart’s Companion, Sir! And to give her a chance to earn a piece of our precious Healing Lattice in the offing.”
“I’m most gratified, Your Highness and very grateful for the honor you’re bestowing on me,” Elli said quickly. “I would be honored to lead Demon in the Grand Parade. And of course, if I hold the reins, that will leave your own hands free to wave to the adoring crowd,” she added, thinking that it was an especially clever touch.
She was right—the Crown Prince puffed up with pride at her words.
“Of course! I must have my hands free to wave—otherwise I would, of course, hold the reins and guide Demon myself.”
“Of course you would,” Elli said, smiling. “And, Your Highness…” She hesitated delicately, hoping he would be in a receptive mood now.
“Yes, my dear?” The Crown Prince smiled at her expansively.
“Might I suggest that after this Grand Parade, Demon should be put out to stud?” Elli asked. “It’s just that he’s really not well suited for riding. But I know if you bred him with some of your more docile does, he would sire fawns that would make wonderful mounts in the future,” she added quickly.
“Hmm…” The Crown Prince frowned thoughtfully, considering her words. “Is that your official advice as a Zorel Entrancer?”
“It is,” Elli said, nodding firmly. “And,” she added, having a sudden inspiration. “You can tell everyone in the Court that I said he’s too dangerous to ride and that only you have been able to mount him and tame him and no one else dares to try. That’s why he must go to stud after the Grand Parade.”
“My dear, you are simply full of good ideas!” The Crown Prince smiled at her and clapped his beringed hands together excitedly. “That is simply perfect.”
“I’m so glad you approve, Your Majesty,” Elli said, smiling. “So then…after the parade tomorrow…?” She let the sentence trail off hopefully.
“Yes, my dear—after a successful showing in the Grand Parade tomorrow, you will have earned the right to earn a piece of the Healing Lattice.” the Crown Prince nodded magnanimously, as though conferring an honor on her. “Oh, and in the meantime, you might start spreading the word that Demon is so dangerous that he will be retired to stud after the parade tomorrow—with me his one and only rider.”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Elli nodded graciously. Behind the Prince’s shoulder, she could see Roke making a sour face as though he wanted to say something. Quickly, she gave the big warrior a short, sharp shake of her head. There was no point in antagonizing the Crown Prince, especially when he was in such a good mood.
“Good! Then, it’s settled.” The Prince clapped his hands together once more and nodded. “Now, let us go to Supper together. And perhaps tonight, I shall honor you after all, my dear.”
At this, Roke uttered a low growl and came to stand possessively in front of Elli, so that she had to peek out from behind his side.
“Pray, don’t worry Sir Roke,” the Crown Prince said, frowning. “I have already promised that your Heart’s Companion will