ETAN

He rode for hours—not at pace. Once his horse had spent his pent-up energy, they continued at a more leisurely pace. But Etan barely saw the beautiful hills and woods, giving his mount rein and trusting him to follow the path. All he could think about was Ayleth, and how he would approach first his own father, then hers.

His father would be horrified, he knew. But willing to try, he thought. His mother would be frightened. But he was fairly sure once they got over their shock, they would see his vision for the future and help him and Ayleth try to achieve it.

Her parents, however…

What pressure could he bring to bear that would convince them to allow the union? How far would her parents go to stop it?

To approach them in private, which would give them time to overcome the shock and speak plainly? Or to do so in public? Once the Peace Accord was signed, there would be pressure from the other Kingdoms to sustain it. The penalties for breaching the Accord were significant. Zenithra was the most powerful Kingdom on the continent, but surely even they couldn't break a thousand years of tradition just for a scandal?

Etan frowned.

Or could they?

He would ask Borsche what he thought. The man seemed to know everyone's thoughts half the time. Perhaps he would have some insight on the best way to go about this.

Etan was still deep in thought, and over a mile from the castle when his horse's ears began to flicker back and forth—a sign that someone was approaching.

A moment later, Etan turned at the sound of hoofbeats on the hollow ground from an intersecting path at his right. Soon he was treated to the sight of Lady Playn, and another woman, each with a guard mounted at their heels, approaching at the trot.

"Good day, Lord Summit!" Lady Playn called, her eyes bright and twinkling. They reached the meeting of paths before him, and she pulled her horse to a halt, waiting, and smiling. The woman with her didn't look nearly as pleased, her mouth pinched to thin lines as if she'd just tasted lemon.

"Good day, Lady Playn," he said politely. "And… I don't believe I've met your companion?"

Sarya Playn turned to the woman at her side. "Oh! Lady Joyse, please meet Lord Etan Summit. We have danced once or twice during the festival."

"Pleased to meet you," the woman said in a flat, colorless voice.

"The honor is mine," Etan said with a wicked smile when the woman looked anything but pleased.

Sarya grinned at him. "Have you had a good ride?"

"Yes, it was exactly what I needed today, to let the horse have his head and be alone."

"I'm glad to hear it," she said, seeming genuinely pleased, and nudging her horse to walk alongside Etan's as he passed. "We, too, enjoyed an hour out, though not with the solitude. That must have been nice."

Etan nodded. "The Festival is a wonderful season and I'm glad to be here. But I find the constant noise and company a little tiring."

"Me as well," she said with a soft smile. "Perhaps one day we could take a ride together—if I were with you, I doubt I'd need the guard." She said the words so casually, and yet there was a gleam in her eye.

Etan hesitated. It was usual for the man to do the inviting to ride-out together, but he wouldn't complain. And he needed something to keep others from paying too much attention to his and Ayleth's relationship.

"That would be lovely. Perhaps tomorrow?" he said.

"I will look forward to it, greatly," Sarya said. Her friend didn't look at them, but sniffed, making her thoughts on the matter plain. Sarya rolled her eyes and Etan grinned.

"Have you enjoyed the Festival, then?" Etan asked a moment later.

"Mostly," she replied. She sat her horse nicely, but seemed as if she were always just about to tip forward and bid her horse to run. Perhaps she had as much patience for this place as Etan did. "Like you, I find the constant crowds a little wearisome. But I look forward to finding peace on the Continent—and of course, enjoy the company of the other heirs. It is a unique time."

"It is, indeed."

They chatted lightly for the entire ride back to the castle. Etan didn't miss the look Sarya's companion shot to one of the guards when Sarya mentioned the fight and Etan's tone changed. But he ignored it. Sarya Playn was a lovely woman, a good rider, and clearly lonely. He could do worse for a casual companion that would keep the hounds off his trail.

When they finally made it back to the stable, Sarya dismounted and handed her reins to the guard. Despite her long face, she cut a striking figure in her riding habit.

Etan wished he could have seen Ayleth here, striding around, probably teasing the stable hands, and feeding the horses apples when no one was watching. Speaking of striking figures…

"Are you well, Sir?" Sarya's voice was lower and tight with concern.

Etan blinked. He'd been standing there, like a fool, holding his animal's reins while the stableboy waited to be given them.

"Very sorry," Etan muttered. "Only tired, I haven't slept well recently."

Sarya nodded, then waited for him to hand the horse over to the boy before turning to face him. Her companion stood at the side of the yard, waiting impatiently, both guards standing near her, but glaring at Etan.

"I hope you do not find me too forward, Etan," Sarya said quietly. "But I see that we are somewhat forced to… increase the pace, as it were, given the very few weeks we have here together. So please, forgive my haste, but this may be my only opportunity to speak with you alone."

Etan's eyebrows popped up. "Please feel free to speak your mind, Sarya," he said.

She smiled. "I look forward to riding with you tomorrow, and I want you to know that. Because I admire you, sir," she said boldly. "I admire the way you handled yourself in the Ring, I admire your manners, and your strength. And I am afraid I do not hold the… regard for the Zenithrans that many of my counterparts do."

Etan dipped his chin in agreement, but his heartrate increased. What was she angling at.

"I want you to know," she said quietly, with a glance over her shoulder to ensure her companion couldn't overhear, "that were we to find some kind of… alliance… that would please me greatly."

Etan held her gaze for a moment, measuring the best way forward. Then he cleared his throat. "Do the people of Playn, perhaps, understand that my people are not savages?" he asked carefully.

Sarya gave a tight smile. "Many do. Not all. But… I was not speaking of Politics, Etan," she said quietly.

When he gaped, she smiled and gave him a quick curtsey. "I look forward to seeing you in the morning. Good day, Lord Summit," she said in a voice intended to carry to the rest of the yard.

Etan scratched out a bow and bid her farewell. But found he was still struggling with the surprise even after she had joined her companion and they'd left the yard.

He appreciated her forthrightness, and he could definitely use the opportunity it offered to cover for his activities in the coming days. But… would it be fair to her to believe he courted her when his heart was already taken?

This would bear much consideration. And quickly. Apparently he was riding out with her tomorrow.