Destroy Him

Chapter Eight —

.

He had come to check on his favourite horse, expecting to find her in her usual stall. Instead, he was rather surprised to discover that someone was already mounted upon her.

His again."

"I see you remember me."

"Unfortunately."

A slight amusement touched his expression.

"I trust your journey through the palace corridors has been less eventful since our last encounter."

"Quite. I her with a hint of amusement.

"Quite a spirited opinion. Though I believe you have a similar opinion of gentlemen."

Jasvella turned her attention towards him.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I

"And

Jasvella looked down at the animal, then back at him.

"Well, she is rather lovely. Quite spirited, too."

"She has a mind of her own. Stubborn, occasionally temperamental, and not particularly fond of strangers."

"How fortunate, then, that she seems to have taken a liking to me."

Ivan raised an eyebrow.

"I wouldn't be too certain of that. Nora is not easily impressed."

"Perhaps she simply has better judgment than her owner."

He gave a quiet chuckle, seemingly amused by her audacity.

"You speak rather confidently about a horse you've only just met.

"And you speak rather possessively about one. I daresay she is perfectly capable of making up her own mind about whom she likes."

"

He smiled faintly.

"It seems we have discovered that we share more than a disagreement."

"I wouldn't be too eager to celebrate."

A quiet chuckle escaped him.

"You know, madam, we have now encountered each other twice, and I believe it is only proper that we make formal introductions. My name is Ferd."

"Ferd?"

"Yes. And yours?"

She regarded him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

"I believe that is precisely why I asked."

"Then I suppose you shall have to find out."

Ivan raised an eyebrow.

"You intend to keep me guessing?"

"I rather enjoy a little mystery. Besides, you seem quite capable of finding your way around."

"And what if I should prefer to hear it from you?"

"Then you may be disappointed, Ferd."

She turned her attention back to Nora, leaving him to regard her with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

Clearly, this young woman had no intention of making anything easy for him.

Jasvella adjusted her hold on the reins, a playful smile lingering on her lips.

"Well, Ferd, it has been an interesting encounter. I daresay we may meet again."

Before he could offer a reply, she pressed her heels gently against Nora's sides. The horse responded immediately, moving forward at a steady trot.

Ivan remained where he stood, watching as Jasvella rode away, her copper waves catching the light as they disappeared further into the stable grounds.

A faint smile touched his lips.

The young woman was certainly an unusual one.