Page 23 of The Mirror and the Curse

“Good. Then he can’t butt in and spoil our fun.”

He blinked in surprise before a shy, eager look filled his eyes. He reached across the table for her hand and knocked over a pepper mill. “Oops. Sorry about that.”

“Never mind it.” Eddi took his hand and smiled up at him.

His smile in return nearly blinded her, and he gently squeezed her fingers. “You look really pretty today,” he stated, then pinked again and rushed on. “How’s it going with training White here? Have you been flying in the mountains every day?”

Eddi blinked, kicking herself a little. She’d half-expected an invitation to the Summer Ball or a declaration of love. Still, this was Fidelio, and he was holding her hand. It was progress.

She cleared her throat, and her hand relaxed in his. “Flying in the mountains is amazing, and White and I are learning a lot. We still haven’t connected the way I hope to, but I do think we’re getting closer. Honestly, I had no idea how intelligent and, well,magicalfterotá are. Magical in good ways.”

“Terro-what?” Fidelio’s bunched brows indicated confusion.

“Fterotá. I think it sounds so much cooler than just ‘winged horses.’”

One bushy brow went up, the other went down. “Okaaaay.” Then his face lit up. “Once Ruggero gets here, I can practice with you every day. Think how much fun we’ll have exploring these mountains on our horses.”

“There are limits and regulations,” Eddi cautioned. “When is Ruggero coming?”

“When all the others do—two weeks from today. I figured there was no point in bringing him before the Summer Ball, and Raquel will be away the week after. You and I can pack in some fun times now, before the grind begins.” Releasing her hand, he pushed back his chair. “Speaking of fun, why are we sitting here? C’mon and show me the stables.” He leaped to his feet and offered her a hand.

They spent nearly an hour touring the new stable together, then walked the stable grounds and made plans. Now that Fidelio was here, Eddi could more easily envision how the summer of practice together as a group might look. His exuberance and laughter were contagious.

“So, where’s this Kai person you’re taking lessons from?” Fidelio asked while they watched a mounted summer staffer vanish in the dust behind a long string of guests on horseback headed west.

“Around now he’s most likely in the main barn, going over paperwork or lining up the next trail ride,” Eddi said. “You’ve undoubtedly seen him before. He’s worked here since we were kids. I’ll have to properly introduce you sometime.”

“Why not now?” The prince turned those big brown eyes on her.

“Okay.” With a little shrug, she led the way, feeling oddly reluctant to mix these social worlds. Once inside the barn, she called, “Kai, are you in here?”

He poked his head out of the tack room, his hair sweaty and rumpled as if he’d just removed a riding helmet. “What’s up, Eddi?” Glancing at Fidelio, he gave a polite nod.

“Do you have a minute? Prince Fidelio requested to meet you.”

“Sure.” He stepped down into the breezeway. Eddi wasn’t sure how to read his expression, but he didn’t seem annoyed.

After she made the introductions and they shook hands, both men took a step back and appeared to evaluate each other. Fidelio must be nearly a foot taller, yet he seemed nervous. Almost intimidated.

“So, you’re teaching Princess Eddi to communicate better with her winged horse?” Fidelio asked.

Kai inclined his head slightly. “I am, Your Highness.”

“How do you go about teaching something like that?”

“I’m still figuring that part out.”

“You mean . . . you’ve never taught anyone how to do this before?” Fidelio sounded incredulous.

“No one ever hired me to try it before.”

“How will you know when it works?”

“When my customer is satisfied.”

Fidelio laughed, then looked puzzled. “Wait. You’re serious?” He turned to Eddi, his thick brows bunched. “Has it worked yet?”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “I’ve had only three lessons. He’s teaching me how to communicate with White while we’re in flight too.”

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