Page 7 of Slippers and Thorns
A quick sideways glance revealed that Oliver’s eyebrow had dropped below its normal position, and the slightest frown now stretched his mouth. He said nothing, however.
“We’re leaving for Ralnor in a couple of days,” Michael said, attempting to justify himself despite his guard’s lack of verbal rebuke. “I’ll make it up to her then.”
Oliver shook his head slightly. “You have a lot to make up.”
And that was the problem with having a guard who had watched him since he was two years old. The others were much less likely to scold him.
“I have responsibilities, Oliver,” Michael scowled. “I can’t ignore them simply because I want to.”
“I never said you should.”
Sighing, Michael reached for the doorknob at the castle. “I don’t know what you want me to do, Oliver.”
His guard simply looked at him.
“Thank you, Oliver, for your great assistance.” He paused in the open doorway. “Are you coming in, or were you just walking me to the door this time?”
“Keeping you company, Your Highness.” Oliver bowed slightly as he stepped backward. “Best wishes for your meeting.” He took two steps away, then stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Tell the princess hello.”
Michael watched him leave with a raised eyebrow. Since when did Oliver ask him to pass along messages to Arabella?
By the time he’d washed off the grime from training and donned fresh clothes, he’d forgotten about his conversation with Oliver. Thoughts of the upcoming trip to Ralnor rolled through his mind, though, as he strolled down the hallway.
Justin had been right the other day; the upcoming trip would be a welcome break. Bearing the weight of the future crown was a heavy burden, not just for him, but for his wife, as well. It had been too long since they had had time to themselves, and he was hoping to find some during the three-day journey and upcoming stay.
Was it strange to miss someone in his own home?
CHAPTER 3
Ella
E
lla inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent of the forest around her. Birds sang merrily, and she could see small animals darting through the shafts of light cutting through the overhanging branches. It was so much more peaceful than Hartford. Shadow, Ella’s sweet bay mare, trotted smoothly next to Chief, Michael’s taller chestnut gelding.
“You look happy,” Michael observed. She looked up at him. It was slight, but he had a natural smile on his lips for once. “Glad to be on Shadow again?”
Ella nodded. “Yes, it’s been far too long since I rode. I missed it.” She inhaled again, smiling. Letting her head fall back, she watched the patches of blue sky winking at her through the leaves overhead. “And I feel so much freer out here in Finley Forest than in King’s Forest. I never make it this far during my rides.”
“Why haven’t you ridden more recently?” he asked, glancing over at her. “I wasn’t aware you had been too busy.”
The memory of him wiping flour off of her cheek in the west wing made her face heat slightly, but she took a breath and let it out slowly, consciously relaxing her muscles with it. As she calmed, the heat faded.
Still, she kept her eyes fixed on the road ahead so she wouldn’t have to meet his gaze as she replied. “It’s not as fun to ride by myself.”
“By yourself?” Out of the corner of her eye, she could see one of his eyebrows raise slightly. “What do you mean? You always have a maid and one of your guards, do you not?”
I’d rather ride with you. Ella didn’t say the words aloud, not wanting to sound needy. “It’s not the same.” She made a face. “Besides, riding at home means riding sidesaddle. Ugh.”
“Even with your outfit?”
Ella followed his gaze down to the outfit he had commissioned especially for her after their wedding. It was more like two half-full skirts sewn together than trousers, so it looked like a dress when she stood and walked but allowed her to ride straddling her horse without needing to hike up her dress or accidentally reveal anything underneath. “I do appreciate the style, but you obviously don’t spend enough time with the female members of your court.” His eyebrow raised higher. “At least, not when I’ve been wearing this,” she clarified.
“What do you mean?”
Sighing, Ella replied, “It’s better than a dress, but it’s still considered rather scandalous. Or maybe it’s just that anything other than sidesaddle is considered highly un-ladylike.” She rolled her eyes and added, “Or that they seize any opportunity to criticize me.”
Michael frowned, his forehead furrowing slightly. “They still criticize you? You’re my wife.”
