Page 24 of A Wise Prince

“She doesn’t look anything like her photos,” Logan says to me as he claps me on the back. “She’s hot. Good luck with that one.”

I shake my head and we go about the duties of removing the tack.

Kathryn

“Thanks,” I say as Anna hands me an ice pack. My hip has a huge bump and bruise, but aside from a few minor scratches, I’m no worse for wear.

“You’re welcome. Did you at least have a good ride?”

I laugh. “Up until I almost galloped over a cliff, yes.”

Anna’s hand flies to her mouth. “Didn’t Auggie warn you?”

I laugh again. “He tried, but I was too busy flying across the field.”

Anna grins. “He took you up to the hill?”

I nod. “It’s beautiful here.”

Anna nods. “I love it here. Even after…” She trails off, a sad look on her face.

I pat her leg. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

She tosses her hand at me. “No, it’s OK. Did you get a cookie yet?” she asks, abruptly changing the topic.

“Yes. Tessa is amazing!” I squeal.

“Yep, her cookies are the best. Well, all her food is the best. Really, she’s the best.”

I laugh. “What else can we do around here?” I ask.

Anna winks at me. “Finish icing that, then I will show you.”

“OK…do I get a hint?”

Anna laughs. “No. Do you have anything you can change into?”

I look down at my riding clothes. “Are you saying my riding clothes don’t work for the next activity?”

“Well…” Anna opens my suitcase and starts perusing. I study her. She’s very beautiful and slightly smaller than me. I’m not giant myself, but she’s like…a fairy, a very naughty fairy. She turns to me with a mischievous grin.

“What?”

“I think we need to play hide-and-go-drink,” she announces.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“It’s a little drinking game my brothers invented.”

“A drinking game?” I raise my eyebrows.

Anna giggles and I know right then that I’m going to be good friends with this woman.

“Come on, here are some play clothes,” she says as she throws me a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater. “I’m gonna change, too. I’ll meet you down in the dining room. We can grab some food before we round up the troops.”

“Troops?”

“Yep. It’s better to play with a lot of people.”

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