There was a loud neighing behind him and Stefanos felt himself pushed hard. He bounced off of Phaedra and jumped out of the way just as Acheron's massive head darted in to nudge him again.
"Is he trying to bite me?" Stefanos laughed, rubbing his shoulder.
Kyniska chuckled, though she seemed acutely interested in this behaviour. "I don't believe it."
"What?"
"He's playing with you," Kyniska came around to stand with Stefanos before the big Acheron. "What is it boy? You like this Argive?" Kyniska asked, her face breaking into a smile so lovely that Stefanos never thought to see one like it again.
Acheron nudged both of them, and they each reached up to stroke his forehead at the same time, Stefanos' hand covering Kyniska's.
Their eyes locked, and to his surprise, the princess did not p
