Page 28 of The Mirror and the Curse

“Then let’s cover one topic at a time. Last time we talked, you were all excited about taking your winged horse to the resort with you and getting some sort of training from Kai. How’s that going?”

“It’s awesome!” Instantly energized, Eddi sat bolt upright in the seat. “Yesterday at my lesson, White obeyed two mental commands from me. I didn’t use any hand motions or verbal commands, so I know he sensed and interpreted my thoughts.”

“Wow, thatiscool. And it’s only your second week there. So, you’re enjoying your time with Kai?”

“Very much. I mean, most of the time he’s working, but last week I hung out at the stables a bit—you know, to help White adjust—so I pitched in with chores here and there, and Kai and I hung out some.” For the next several minutes Eddi related her adventures in detail, including the ibex and the threat to dump a load of manure on her shoes, omitting only the six-pack sighting.

“You haven’t sounded this happy in years, girl. Do you two ever talk about other things? Besides horses, I mean.”

“Obviously, since I’m sitting in his car. It’s a sport sedan in great condition. Deep blue with a tan interior. Not pristine, but still clean and comfortable. And I didn’t have to move the seat or the steering wheel, since we’re about the same height when I don’t wear heels.”

After a pause, Beatrice commented, “Sounds to me like you’re having a wonderful summer.”

Hearing the smile in her friend’s voice, Eddi said, “I know, I’m gushing. But I can’t really talk about my training and flying with anyone else.”

“Not even with Prince Fidelio? I thought he was your best flying buddy.”

“Well, yeah, he is. He showed up Monday, and we had a fun morning together. He’s bringing Ruggero next week, and he wants me to start flying with him in the mornings.”

“What’s wrong about that?”

“Nothing,” Eddi protested.

“Then why did your voice go all tense and fakey?”

“It didn’t! I’m . . . well . . . Fidelio thinks Kai is cheating me with my lessons. I know he’s not, but Fidelio just . . . I’m not explaining this very well.”

“Hmm. Maybe the prince views Kai as competition for your attention and time.”

“I spend time with lots of other friends. Fidelio and I hang out with the usual crowd together, and I don’t complain when he goes off with other people.”

“Okay, now I have to ask if Raquel is there.”

Eddi scrunched down in the seat. “Yes. She came Monday, right after he got here.” The frustration spewed out in a flood of words. “He spends as much time with her as he does with me. Maybe more. The night before last, he ate dinner with her and then sat with her during a movie. Last night he had dinner with me, and she glared at me across the room the whole time. I can hardly enjoy our times together, because I never know when he might ditch me for her.”

“That can’t be pleasant.”

“It stinks. I guess he has every right to like us both, but more and more I wish he’d just decide. I thought he’d picked me after the Stakes race, and sometimes he talks to me as if I’m special and acts all possessive . . . but for all I know he does the same thing to her. He’s so sweet and naïve . . . I know he doesn’t mean to hurt me. But he does. I’m sick of being teased about his attentions one day and pitied the next.”

“Is Raquel bringing her winged horse?”

“Yes, a week after the ball; and three other riders are bringing theirs. I know their names, but that’s about it. Raquel knows just about everyone in the racing world. Fidelio keeps talking about how much fun we’ll all have training together, but I’m starting to dread it.”

“Maybe you should go back to hanging out around the stables. Your voice sounded happy when you talked about Kai and your flights and the wild winged horses.”

“I’m happy when I’m with Fidelio too . . . We have wonderful times together. Except when he’s arguing about White or Kai.”

“Or wandering off with Raquel.”

“I know you think Fidelio isn’t right for me. I probably make him sound like a jerk with all my complaining, but sometimes I’m the one being ornery and stubborn.”

“Say it isn’t so.”

“Shut up! But seriously, Bea, Fidelio is a great guy. I just . . . I wish he liked Kai better.”

“I suspect he’s jealous.”

“I wish! I get the feeling Kai intimidates him or something. Which is silly; Kai’s at least a foot shorter.”

---