Chapter 4
The next day dawned clear and unseasonably warm—one of those rare early-winter gifts that lured one into thinking that, just maybe, autumn had decided to return. As a result, instead of going to weapons training after class, Neeve, Kian, and I went out riding.
I spared a thought for Trisk but knew I needn’t worry about feeding her—she knew how to fend for herself. Still, I was sorry I wouldn’t get a chance to try coaxing her to me again. We were making such progress.
But the warm sunlight beckoned, as gold as Parnesian francas, and as full of promise. After lunch, Neeve and I donned our riding clothes and went to meet Kian at the stables.
He was waiting for us, the sun bright on his hair, smiling as if he hadn’t a care in the world. His blue coat brought out the hue of his ey
