Page 84 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“Very astute guesswork. I am indeed. I am Frederick.”
“Second eldest?” she guessed.
“Third. Kristoff is before me.”
She nodded. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said as they walked through the room where she had overheard his conversation. No one occupied it now. Then, at the other end, just as the servant had described, a set of double doors invited her to step outside. “Thank you, again, for showing me to the stables.”
He stood tall as they walked through the doors, his eyes dark as coal, his jaw clipped, and his face more... stern-looking than Marc’s. “Do you enjoy riding?”
“I do, very much, and my horse is here. We have newly arrived today, and I wanted to check on her.”
“Very good. You’ve brought her from England?”
“Wales first. And yes. I’m hoping she’s settled in.”
“We have the most excellent stablemaster, so while she might be missing her mistress, she is receiving the best of care.”
Rhi nodded. “Thank you. That is very reassuring. Do you think I might ride her?”
“Anytime you’d like. The only thing keeping you from doing precisely as you please around here is an occasional meeting you will be forced to attend.” He grimaced. “Unfortunately, some of us tend to have a lot of those.”
“I imagine so. Do you know when the next one I’ll be needed to attend might be?”
“Probably not until tomorrow, actually. I have heard from more than one source that you are not to be disturbed until then.”
“Ah yes, I was meant to rest. But here I am.”
“Not much for resting?” His mouth quirked up in a knowing grin.
“Not really.” She took in her surroundings as they followed the path the servant had described. “I find that everything here is so pleasing to look at. Oldenburg is most excellent at creating a beautiful space, which nature provided and you have cultivated. Naturally and by design, this country is glorious to behold.”
“That’s quite a compliment.” Prince Frederick bowed his head. “You fit in well in that regard.” His mouth twitched.
“I thank you for the compliment, Prince Frederick.”
“You and Oldenburg seem well-matched.”
The day was lovely, sunny, and cool with a soft breeze. “Is the weather always this perfect?”
“No. Unfortunately, at times, we find it stormy and windy, especially so close to the water. Other times it is hot, as hot as the desert. And then cold as well. Perhaps Oldenburg makes a practice of showing off the extremes.” He laughed. “But this time of year, nearly every day is perfect. I’m pleased to have an excuse to be outside. Would you mind if I accompanied you on your ride?”
“No, that would be nice.” And she found that she did appreciate the company. “I’m not used to being alone. Even as an only child, I sought out others.”
“Then, I’m pleased to help you feel more at home.”
They approached a large stable, almost the size of a home.
As soon as they entered, two stablehands approached, and Prince Frederick nodded. “We are looking for Miss Davies’s horse. She should have arrived today by ship. And if you could saddle Morning Star for me?”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Both stablehands ran.
“Your servants are so helpful.”
“It is considered a great honor and is a well-paid position to serve in any manner at the palace.”
Within minutes, they brought out Firestorm. She whinnied and kicked up her feet and hurried forward to stick her muzzle into Rhi’s dress. “Did you miss me, girl?” She wrapped her arms around the horse’s neck and just held her. “You smell like heaven.”
Firestorm nickered and bumped up against Rhi.
