Page 71 of The Mirror and the Curse

His hangdog expression softened her slightly. “Fidelio, we tried being a couple, and it was a dismal failure. Please accept that and move on.”

The announcer had been talking all that time, but when “It’s number seven, Spring Flurry!” came through the loudspeakers, Eddi whipped around to face the viewing screens. “Spring Flurry making her move at the two-mile marker.”

Before Eddi’s mesmerized eyes, the dappled filly put on a flash of speed and passed the pretty sorrel. Flurry’s ears were back, her neck extended, and her eyes wide with determination.

“Spring Flurry is gaining on the leader!” Even the announcer sounded excited.

The cameras showed the leader, a lean bay with long tapering wings—King Koldo’s entry. Flurry gained on her steadily, her nose even with the bay’s tail, then hindquarters, then wings. In this position, they swept into the last turn with Flurry on the inside.

Eddi screamed Kai’s name and Flurry’s, unaware of anything but the on-screen drama. Then the racers appeared between the nearest peaks.

Behind her, White gave a ringing neigh. Flurry couldn’t possibly have heard his voice at that distance, above the wind and the crowd noise, and yet . . . maybe she did! With a final burst of effort, she inched up on the bay . . .

The crowd roared, drowning out the announcer as the pair crossed the finish line neck and neck. The sorrel filly followed close behind with the rest of the field on her tail. A hush fell over the field as the races circled, preparing to land. Eddi couldn’t drag her eyes away from the dappled black horse with silvery wings.

Then, still photos from both sides and several angles appeared on all the screens, each one revealing Flurry’s black face extended in front. Eddi jumped off the chair and went wild, hopping and spinning in circles. “She won! They won! They did it!” She ran to White just up the slope and threw her arms around his neck. “Did you see them, White?”

The great fterotó stood very tall and still, his dark eyes shining. The emotion she sensed from him made Eddi’s eyes burn. “They’re both wonderful, aren’t they?” she said quietly.

Fidelio’s deep voice spoke from just behind her. “Eddi.” Surprised, she turned to look into his sorrowful eyes as he said, “You’re in love with Kai. I guessed it at the ball but hoped I could make you forget . . .”

With her hand on White’s shoulder, Eddi gave her head a resolute shake and pointed at his face. “No more moping, Fidelio. Stop kicking yourself and get your head in gear. It’s nearly time to mount up for the Cup race.”

He blinked several times and swallowed hard, but then his jaw set, his shoulders straightened, and resolve replaced his hangdog look. “You’re right. We must all do our best.” Giving Eddi a nod, he picked up the chair and returned to his pavilion.

When White and Eddi rushed into their pavilion, Annette was already holding up the parachute pack. Eddi shrugged into the harness, and while she buckled straps, Annette flung the new saddle band over White’s back and prepared him for the race.

White seemed concerned about Eddi, and she admitted she was rattled after that encounter with her old friend. If anything, his kiss had confirmed that she was not in love with Fidelio. Not that his kiss was disgusting, just . . . nothing in her had responded. At least, not in a positive way.

While they finished preparing, Eddi kept an ear out, hoping Kai might return before she had to join the post parade. But what would she say or do if he did? Boldly declare her love? Leap into his arms and kiss him the way Fidelio had kissed her? Even the idea made her face go hot. What if he gave her the same treatment she’d given the prince? What if he gently yet firmly pushed her away, saying they’d always been good friends and should just enjoy those memories? Kai was too kind to tease her about it, but she could easily picture how the exasperated arch of his brow would cancel the patient tone of his voice. For all she knew, he could be interested in another girl—a dwarf girl or a staff member.

Whatever. She had to go through with this race, if only for White’s sake. When she reached for her horse’s mind, she found determination and confidence . . . and eagerness to impress Flurry. That bit made her smile. If she wasn’t greatly mistaken, those two had developed a deep bond. But what would happen when she had to take White back home to Bilbao?

“Ladies and gentlemen, let me direct your attention to the central field where contestants will soon line up for the big event, the fiftieth flight of the Faraway Castle Cup!” Even as the announcer’s voice echoed from surrounding hillsides, a roar rose from the crowd, and Eddi’s heart skipped a beat.

“I’d better mount up,” she said, turning to Annette.

But the pavilion’s flap flew open, and Geoff Bryant stepped inside. “Good afternoon, Your Highness.” He gave Annette one speaking look, and the girl slipped outside.

“What’s going on?” Eddi inquired sharply.

Intense eyes fixed on her face. “Sorry about the interruption, but it’s important.” He waved a hand her way, and Eddi felt something like a pop go off in her pack. “Yep, I guessed there would be another one,” he said.

“Another what?” Eddi gasped, trying to look over her shoulder.

“It was a timed distraction potion; nothing dangerous. I found a few others in your gear earlier. I’ve found no spells or potions on the other contestants, but that doesn’t guarantee your safety. Your assailant may have unsuspected ways of hiding weapons. Very resourceful and inventive, I must say.”

“Butwhy? Do you know who’s been doing all this?” Eddi asked cautiously.

Without meeting her gaze, he twitched one brow. “Hmm, just in case . . .” He lifted two hands toward her, walked around White, hands extended as if he unwound a ribbon to bind her to her horse, then crossed behind Eddi, stopped, and briefly manipulated empty air.

“What are you doing?”

“Placing a layer of protection in case there’s a direct attack during the race.” He smiled. “There, now that should stop even a bomb blast. You’d better get out there.”

Feeling distant from reality, Eddi stepped outside with White at her heels. Annette, who’d waited beside the door, gave her a curious look. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine, I think.”

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