a break from the swords and sweat. She’s probably exhausted,” Rowan cut in, trying to divert the two from arguing further.
Tarek gave a curt nod and stopped when he got next to me. “Don’t let a silly engagement you don’t want prevent you from doing what’s necessary,” he said softly so only I could hear him. “Time is drawing nearer for a serious retaliatory attack from Zaros. Don’t get starry-eyed now, Princess.”
He marched away before I could answer, leaving me to feel bad about leaving practice early. He was right, though. I expected an attack any time. I wasn’t too certain on how everything worked in Winterset as far as warring went, but I’d bet my house back home that the little attacks on the smaller villages were nothing more than a nice distraction from the bigger picture. My strange visions made me believe that. Well, that and common sense.
On the other hand, Kellin had said he was taking me to work on my wielding. That would probably drain me even more than sword play did.
“I’m going to go work with the soldiers,” Soran said, glancing at me.
“You’re not coming with us?” I asked, surprised.
“No, I don’t believe I will.” He shot Kellin a look. Clearly, they must have had a discussion about this earlier. “I think it would be best if you spent some time with your fiancé without your big brother hanging around.”
My face heated as Kellin put his arm around me again. My brother smiled reassuringly at me. I stared as he walked toward the men on the field without a backward glance at us.
“Will we be working here?” I asked, clearing my throat nervously.
“No,” Kellin answered, taking my hand and leading me off the field.
Aside from the gardens, bits of the castle, and the training grounds, I’d never been anywhere else, so I was surprised when we walked in silence to the stables. Kellin went to a stall and emerged with the most magnificent white horse I’d ever seen.
“Wow. It’s beautiful.” I exclaimed, eyeing the majestic creature.
“Her name is Starfall.” He smiled, patting the horse. The horse returned his affections with a nuzzle. Kellin laughed softly. “She’s one of the best horses in the entire realm. I’m biased of course.”
“I believe that she is,” I replied, still in awe of the creature.
She sniffed my ear, making me giggle.
“She likes you,” he mused, giving her another pat. “I thought we could go for a ride.
Maybe I could show you some of your kingdom.”
“Really?” I squealed, excited at the idea of going beyond the castle walls.
“I’ll take that as a yes, you’re interested,” Kellin laughed.
I nodded eagerly, overjoyed at the opportunity. He quickly saddled Starfall and pulled me onto her back in front of him. He wrapped his arms around me, holding the reins. I was grateful for the security of his hold. I’d never been on a horse in my life and didn’t know what to expect.
“Be calm,” Kellin murmured to me. “You’re safe with me, Ana.”
I relaxed against him, and he nudged Starfall forward. She walked easily out of the barn, toward the castle exit. Men already stood with the gates open, clearly expecting us to be leaving. Kellin nodded at them as we passed through the gates. I breathed a sigh of relief. I half expected them to stop us because I wasn’t allowed outside the gates or something.
Starfall broke into a trot and carried us down a dirt road away from the vast metropolis of Dar’ish. I grinned as I took in the brilliant colors of all the trees and foliage in Winterset. The place was fascinating. Some of its trees had leaves in varying shades of green, blue, purple, pink, red, and orange. They were scattered throughout the kingdom. Some bore large, luscious looking fruits. Others had ornate flowers with massive petals.
“It’s so beautiful,” I breathed out, watching the scenery pass by.
“Much of the southern kingdoms are like this. It’s a lot like Earth Realm in most spots throughout Winterset, though. Many of the colorful plants are native to the eastern and southern kingdoms. The northern kingdoms tend to be white with snow, like Earth Realm, while the western kingdoms are more desert areas.”
“And the courts?”
“Southern and Eastern kingdoms are where one can find the spring, summer, and light courts. Dar’ish is the capitol of the summer court. Asmite of the light court. Bornia for spring. Xanathar is where one would find autumn. Lor’lak, shadow. Peloria is where the winter court is.”
“And Ascaria?”
“Hidden.”
“But