Page 49 of The Mirror and the Curse

“Thank you so much.” Seeing brownies no longer freaked Eddi out, thanks to Howurl and Miria. She was learning to view them as people, not magical creatures, and having dwarf blood didn’t seem quite so embarrassing anymore. “These lunches smell lovely.”

Sira nodded soberly. “I slipped in a few extra shortening biscuits.”

Eddi jogged back down the drive, waving to acquaintances. Most guests were unaware that more flying horses would arrive today. Their procession down to the stables would cause a sensation, she was certain.

Maybe she should have dressed up more for the occasion. Not to impress Raquel—that would be impossible—but the other three riders were strangers to her. She knew them by name but couldn’t recall ever speaking with any of them.

Two double horse vans and a multitude of other vehicles had appeared in the car park by the time she arrived, and loud, cheerful voices told her she’d missed the greetings. Ruggero and Tirador already waited in the car park, and a slender jet-black horse with ear tips that curled inward descended a ramp behind his trainer. He belonged to Lady Karishma Singh of Jharigaon, a quiet young woman with magnetic dark eyes. She and her exotic horse had won several races and might provide tough competition in the Cup.

The next horse down the ramp was a lithe bay roan with fiery eyes and iridescent black wings, the mount of Prince Emenike of Nsukka. Winged horses around the world resembled the ordinary horses of their region, a fact Eddi found fascinating.

Unlike the others, Prince Emenike noticed Eddi and bowed, smiling in his reserved yet friendly manner. “Your Highness, I hear you are to ride again in this year’s Cup, this time on your own steed.”

Eddi grinned in return. “I am! It’s hard to believe it’s only a month away. I look forward to training with all of you. Where is the fifth horse?”

Emenike chuckled. “Thunderbull chose to fly here from the airport. His horse has a wild soul, as does the rider.”

Even as the prince spoke, Eddi saw Raquel fling her arms around Fidelio’s neck, then link her arm through his. He didn’t hug her back, but his face had that dazed, gratified, helpless expression Eddi was learning to despise, and he made no move to extricate himself from her grasp.

“Let’s all head down to the stables,” Raquel suggested loudly, taking charge. “Chayton will be here soon. The stable we’ll use is decent but nothing special. No rooms in it for our grooms and trainers, but they can share some of the empty staff cabins. I’ll point them out as we pass.”

To Eddi’s private relief, Geoff Bryant, a member of the castle staff, appeared a few minutes later and wrested control of the situation from Raquel before the girl knew what happened. Nevertheless, Eddi found herself the odd person out. As they all entered the gates, leaving their staff and servants to lead their mounts and unpack all the gear and luggage, Eddi stood aside, then fell in last of all.

The procession was already down the hill and approaching the stable complex when a whinny in the sky sent Eddi whirling around just in time to see a patchy dun fterotó with dusty-looking black wings spiral down into the road right behind her. The rider wore a proper helmet, flight suit, and parachute pack, and she instantly recognized the horse, which was even smaller and wirier than Lady Karishma’s steed.

The newcomer pulled off his helmet and shook out shaggy black hair. “Hello there.” His dark eyes narrowed. “You’re the purple princess whose horse took a nap, right?”

“And you won the Sangiovese Stakes,” Eddi returned. “Sorry I don’t remember your name, but welcome to Faraway Castle. I’m Princess Eddi, but you can leave off the title.”

“Thanks, Eddi. I’m Chayton Thunderbull of Dakota, and this is Jackrabbit. You can call us Chay and Jack.” He patted his horse’s shoulder. “We’ve been storming the race circuit and plan to win the Triple Crown this year. Got the first two in our pocket. Only the Cup remains to be claimed. Right, Jack?”

The horse nodded, pinned back his ears, and did a standing leap-in-place that made Eddi’s jaw drop. “How did you make him do that?”

“That’s his signature move. He always gives me warning though.”

“Impressive.” Feeling dazed, Eddi studied the pair, definite oddballs in the posh world of flying-horse racing.

“He can fly, but he likes jumping too. He hates to wear wing-wraps, so we fly most places when we travel. Did have to take an airliner from North Onterrica to Illyr, but since we arrived on the continent last spring, we’ve flown to every race event on our own.”

Chay dropped to the ground and immediately divested the horse of his saddle band. Jackrabbit shook himself with a great flapping of wings and mane, then lifted his head and whinnied as if to announce his arrival.

A silvery whinny came in reply; Eddi recognized Flurry’s voice. Then White’s deeper whinny rang out, and Eddi saw him and Flurry hop a fence into the nearest pasture, their eyes and ears intent on the lineup of newcomers.

“That’s your white colt, right?” Chay asked.

“Yes. The filly is wild, but she flies with one of my friends.”

“Interesting. I haven’t met any other sky-talkers in Illyr.” Chay gave Eddi another, friendlier smile. “Jack is wild too. We more-or-less belong to each other. I’m guessing you know what that means.”

“Do you mean . . .? Does ‘sky-talkers’ mean that you communicate with him mentally?”

He slightly inclined his head, brows raised.

“I’m just learning to do it with White, my horse. Kai taught me how. He’s Flurry’s person. The filly with White, I mean.” She pointed at the pair.

“I see.” Chay’s dark gaze fixed on Eddi’s face with evident appreciation. “I’m glad I decided to come early and practice with you.”

Oh. Great. As if she didn’t have too many men in her life already. Best to just ignore his flirtation attempts. “The stable’s topnotch. Jackrabbit will be comfortable.”

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