ZOE

CHAPTER 01

She woke up and looked out the window, still half-asleep. It was still night, so she tried to fall asleep again, but it didn’t work. She sat up in bed and stretched. For a moment, she didn’t know what to do—but then a smile spread across her face.

She went to the closet and took out a pair of brown pants and a white shirt. She changed clothes in a flash and pulled her hair into a ponytail. Carefully, she opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Quietly, like a mouse, she made her way to the stables. When she grabbed the handle, the door opened with a slight creak. All the horses neighed softly—she must have woken them up, but it didn’t bother her much.

She walked through the spacious stable to the back, where a beautiful stallion stood in the last stall. Zoe smiled and stroked his mane. The horse neighed happily. She led him out of the stable and swung onto his back. He had no saddle or bridle, but she didn’t mind—she liked riding bareback.

She spurred him on, and the horse took off. She didn’t have to worry about anyone seeing them because her horse was as black as night—that’s why he was called Dark. She didn’t even need to guide him; he already knew where to go—into the forest.

As soon as they arrived, Zoe smiled. Suddenly, Dark neighed nervously. Zoe looked around but didn’t see anyone, though she, too, heard something. She told herself it must be some forest animal and that she didn’t need to be afraid.

They rode for about five more minutes, and Zoe soon forgot about the sound that had startled them. When they reached the lake in the middle of the forest, she jumped off Dark and said, “I’ll stay here. Go wherever you want. If I need you, I’ll whistle.” She stroked his neck gently. Dark looked at her as if to say, I understand, then trotted away.

Zoe didn’t wait any longer. She took off her clothes and jumped into the water. It was pleasantly cool, and Zoe felt at home again. She had been swimming for nearly an hour when she suddenly heard leaves rustling and twigs snapping nearby. Fear gripped her.

She thought it might be a wolf—but then realized a wolf wouldn’t make such loud noises. Zoe took a deep breath and dove underwater. After what felt like an eternity—though it was only about two minutes—she had to come up for air.

She surfaced and screamed, “Aaaaaaaaaah!” as a tall male figure stepped out from behind the trees.

Since Zoe was naturally bold and had a good sense of humor, she shouted at the stranger, though her voice trembled slightly:

“Are you normal or what? Aren’t you some kind of pervert—spying on me like this?”

The stranger just smiled and said nothing.

“Get out!” she ordered, but he stood there, still smiling.

So what, Zoe thought. If he’s looking at me, why can’t I look at him too?

Even in the dark, her eyes had adjusted well enough to see him clearly. He was tall and lean, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes—and he was quite handsome, even sexy. She caught herself staring for a moment longer than she should have. Then she snapped out of it and repeated her demand, this time more softly. The stranger finally turned and left.

Zoe climbed out of the water and quickly dressed. She whistled for Dark, who arrived almost immediately. She mounted him and urged him toward home.

When they reached the estate, Zoe led Dark back into the stable, then ran to her room to change into more proper clothing.

Zoe was the daughter of a wealthy merchant who had been on leave for some time. She lived with her father and the household servants on a large but cozy estate. Zoe loved her father more than anything in the world, and he felt the same. Her father’s name was Tadeo.

Zoe’s mother, Ellen, was still alive but had divorced Tadeo about five years earlier. Zoe had been eleven at the time—it was hard for both her and her father. Her mother later married another rich man who lived in the city. Zoe, however, never liked her stepfather—she found him strange.

Someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Zoe said sweetly.

Her father entered.

“Dad!” she exclaimed, running to hug him.

Tadeo looked around the room, a smile playing on his lips. “Zoe, did you go out swimming again?”

“Yes,” she admitted.

“And judging by how wet your clothes are, you were there for quite a while.”

“I was there for about two hours,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “And I really enjoyed it.”

“Zoe, Zoe,” he said, shaking his head. “Aren’t you smart enough to know it’s dangerous to go swimming at such a late hour?”

“But Dad, nothing happened to me! Anyway, why did you come?” she asked quickly, trying to change the subject.

“Oh, that,” Tadeo said, remembering. “We’re hiring a new stable boy today. The previous one left to spend more time with his family, and I let him go. Please, Zoe, come over later—it’s important. I want you to help me choose him. You’re young and open-minded.”

“But Dad, I can’t! I might say something silly—you know me.”

“Please, Zoe,” he insisted with a wink. “You’re great, even if you are a bit cheeky. The candidate will arrive after lunch.”

“Is he the only one?” Zoe asked.

“Yes, dear. It’s a hard and responsible job. I’m surprised anyone applied at all.”

“Alright, I’ll be there,” Zoe promised with a bright smile.