by Alexa Aston
He glanced up again to the dais, empty except for Lord Michael. None of the family’s women had arrived for the meal in the great hall. Kenric supposed they chose to dine together in the solar and catch up on their news. He should be relieved by not having to keep his glance away from Avelyn Le Cler’s fine figure, but her absence actually made him restless.
Kenric had thrust the beauty from his mind that morning, though he was finding it harder to do as time passed. Avelyn drew his eyes when she was in his presence, much as a magnet did. When she was gone, his thoughts constantly turned to her.
And nights?
Falling asleep proved to be an arduous task. Where once he’d been a man who dropped quickly into sleep, nowadays his thoughts lingered on the image he conjured up in his mind. Kenric longed to take Avelyn into his arms again and feel his lips upon hers. He desired her ample breasts pressing into his chest.
He slammed a hand down on the table in frustration. Reaching for his ale, he downed what remained in the cup in a single swallow. He refused to meet the eyes of those soldiers seated around him, for he feared he would appear as a love-struck fool.
Kenric glanced around the table and saw that most of the trenchers were bare and the seats around him empty. He stood and stepped away from the trestle table as a servant came and began to clear the remnants away.
“Sir Kenric—a word?”
Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Lord Michael beckoning him. He headed to meet him.
“You wish to speak with me, my lord?”
Michael Devereux hesitated. The very action was so unlike his liege lord that Kenric took a small step back. Then the nobleman nodded to himself as if he came to some decision.
“Lady Elysande has need of you this afternoon. Report to her in the solar. She will elaborate upon your duties.”
“Aye, my lord.”
Kenric strode from the great hall, certain that the countess needed something regarding her beloved horses. He had never seen anyone—man or woman—as horse mad as Elysande Devereux. It wouldn’t have surprised him if she gave birth to a horse and proclaimed it the most splendid creature on earth. As her time to deliver drew near, she’d asked Kenric to be her eyes and ears in the stables since she wasn’t there as often. Now that he’d been back at Sandbourne for a day, she probably wanted a detailed report from him regarding the state of the stables.
He reached the solar and knocked. He entered when commanded and found Lady Mary and Lady Orella on their feet, making their goodbyes. Both noblewomen gave him a smile as they exited. Kenric closed the door behind them and presented himself to the countess.
“Lord Michael said that you had need of me this afternoon, my lady. How may I be of service?”
Her lips pursed as if she were secretly amused. “Please, have a seat, Sir Kenric.”
He did as requested and waited.
“I hope you’re keeping an eye on all of the horses for me as I asked,” she began. “It’s hard for me to spend as much time with them as I would like.”
“Every horse is doing well since my return, my lady, save for one. Sir Martin’s horse was found to have a pebble in the crevice of its hoof when we arrived. The stone’s been removed. Martin and the groomsmen will keep a watch on it.”
“See that they do.” She thought a moment. “If it remains tender after tomorrow, I’ll inspect it myself and decide what should be done.”
“Very well.”
She quickly inhaled a breath of air and shifted in her chair. Stroking her belly, she said, “This one can kick as strong as any horse I have met.”
Kenric watched as her cotehardie moved, the material poking out as if someone hid under it and nudged it playfully. He’d never noticed this about a woman due to give birth and stared in fascination.
“The babe can put on quite a show at times,” she said, as her gown jumped again. “When awake, it can kick until I’m weary. But we have other matters to discuss.”
“I am at your service, my lady.”
“I wish for you to teach my sister how to ride a horse.”
This time he felt as if he had been kicked.
“You . . . wish me to teach . . . Lady Avelyn? To ride?”
“I do,” she said, nodding firmly. “I believe everyone in the country should know how to do so. Avelyn has expressed little interest. Until now.” Her eyes gleamed. Kenric wondered if she suspected—or knew—of what had passed between him and Avelyn.
“She is a tiny thing and horses are incredibly large beasts. I think she’s always been intimidated by their size. But Avelyn admitted to me that she has become fond of your horse.”
“Firefall? She . . . likes Firefall?”
Lady Elysande smiled. “She does, indeed. She said the horse was well behaved and that she trusted him when she sat atop him. And she trusts you, as well. Avelyn thinks you’re a fine horseman, my lord. So when she expressed interest in finally learning how to ride, I thought you would be the perfect tutor for her.”
“But it could take many hours—”
She waved his words away. “I’m not concerned with how long it takes, only that she’s taught correctly and feels comfortable. I agree that you’re the one who could teach her how enjoyable riding is. Naturally, you’ll be excused from training this afternoon to begin your lessons together at once.”
She gripped the arms of her chair and pushed herself against them in order to rise. “I think that Starlight would be the perfect mount for her. She has a sweet temperament and her mouth is not overly sensitive. Do you agree?”
Kenric rose. “Starlight is an excellent choice for a beginner, my lady.”
“We can see how Avelyn fares today. Report back to me regarding her progress. ’Tis one thing to ride in front of you on the way back from London and quite another to sit astride and learn to control a horse. She may be very sore by tomorrow. So we’ll see if you need to work with her each day or every other day.”
He started to protest, not wishing to miss the time training with his friends, then caught himself. Why should he speak up and prevent the one thing he wanted more than anything in the world?
Time alone with Avelyn Le Cler.
Kenric wanted it desperately, but he didn’t think any good would come of it. Still, it would give him the perfect excuse to spend part of his day with the woman who haunted his dreams and drove him to distraction. Besides, she’d be returning to London at summer’s end. Why not enjoy her company till then?
“I’d be honored to tutor Lady Avelyn in riding,” he said.
“Excellent. I thought you’d say as much.” The countess gave him a long look. “My sister means the world to me. She is my closest friend, as well as my kin. I’m trusting her well-being with you, Sir Kenric.”
“I won’t disappoint you, Lady Elysande. I promise she will become a confident rider.”
The noblewoman smiled. “She’s confident in many things, my lord. Avelyn awaits you in the stables.”
He bowed his head and made his way from the solar and out of the keep. The blood roared in his ears with each step he took that brought him closer to the stables. To be alone with Avelyn seemed like manna from heaven and Kenric swore not to waste a moment of it.
Entering the stables, he greeted a groomsman as he made his way to Starlight’s stall. Avelyn stood stroking the horse between her ears, outlining the white star that rested there against the black of her coat. One glance told Kenric that the groom had almost finished readying the horse.
“Greetings, my lady.”
“And to you, my lord.”
She dropped her hand and faced him. Kenric saw that she wore one of the riding gowns that Lady Elysande favored when she rode. It was cut so the sleeves were tight against the arms and wrists, but the skirts ballooned out in order to give freedom to ride astride. He glanced down and saw the cotehardie dragged the ground by several inches.
Avelyn caught him doing so and laughed. “This is something Elysande gave me to wear. She said my hands wil
l be most important and that I needed to be able to see them. I had to hem the sleeves since they dipped below my fingers. I didn’t have time to cut off and hem the gown to my height, though.” She smiled. “I fear I’m a strict seamstress and couldn’t have abided a poor job.”
She gripped the cotehardie and lifted it. “It won’t matter once I’m seated atop Starlight. Elysande said if my feet are in the stirrups properly, my gown hanging over my feet won’t matter. But after today’s lesson, I’ll retreat to my room and make sure it doesn’t drag the ground when we ride the next time.” Avelyn laughed. “It was cumbersome making my way from the keep to the stables without tripping over it.”
“Your sister is right. Once atop the horse, you’ll be fine.”
The groom opened the stall door and led the horse past them. They turned and followed him, though Avelyn struggled with the gown. They reached the open area just outside the stables and the stableman handed Kenric Starlight’s reins.
“Normally, I would teach you to saddle your own horse, but I fear you’re too small to lift the heavy saddle. In the future, though, you’ll be the one to lead Starlight outside.” He grinned. “Once you’re properly attired.”
“Must we always come outside for me to mount her?”
“That’s a good question. A horse can become frightened and try to bolt if you climb on in a confined area.”
“So if I lead her myself, we can both become used to each other.”
“Aye. I’ll also teach you to check the girth before you mount, but we’ll save that, too.” He handed her the reins. “Take these in your left hand. Gather them with a tuft of the mane.”
She did so and reached with her right hand to turn the stirrup.
“Good. That’s the next step. Now hold here on the back of the saddle with your right hand so that you’re steady. Place your left foot in the stirrup. Let the ball of your foot rest comfortably on the bottom. Your right leg is balancing your weight now.”
Avelyn did as instructed.
“I’ll help you, but I want you to spring forward as I lift you.”
“And toss my leg over,” she added.
He nodded. “The last thing is to ease down. Don’t drop your weight heavily, for you might startle your horse. Think of yourself as a feather, floating down from the sky to land in the saddle. Ready?”
With a push, she took off. She weighed very little, so lifting her caused no problem. Avelyn threw her leg over and came down gently, settling in nicely.
“Perfect. Starlight could not have asked for a better mount from you.”
She grinned. Kenric could tell she was pleased with herself.
“Keep holding the reins gently and leave a bit of the mane in your hands. That will tell Starlight that you know you are the one in charge.”
“And what will you be doing?” He heard a bit of nervousness in her voice.
“I’m going to adjust your stirrups. Don’t look down while I do so. In fact, never look down. If you do, you can’t see where you’re going. And with your head down and bent, ’twill stiffen your spine. Any stiffness in your body makes it more difficult for Starlight to carry you.”
“’Tis good to know.”
He saw her gaze steadily to the front and quickly adjusted the stirrups. “And as far as where you look? Keep your chin up and your eyes forward.”
Kenric let her sit a few minutes to grow comfortable atop Starlight and also allow the horse to become used to a new rider.
Then he said, “Close your eyes.”
“Oh!” Her eyes went wide at his command. She bit her bottom lip then squeezed her eyes tightly shut.
“No,” he said gently. “Relax. Just accustom yourself to Starlight.”
Avelyn did as he asked. He allowed her to stay that way for a while.
“Now, with your eyes closed, I want you to think on this. When in the saddle, you should be able to draw a straight line. Start at your ear. Move it down to your shoulder. Then to your hip. And finally, your heel. Can you see it?”
She nodded. “I can. I can feel it,” she said eagerly.
“Open your eyes. Next time, I’ll take you out riding Firefall, so you can see my example. You want to keep your shoulders even and your back upright and straight.”
He studied her. “Very good. Never round your shoulders, especially on a long ride, for you’ll regret it the next day.”
Kenric thought a moment. “I can’t see your toes because of your gown. Point them toward the sky.”
“Why?”
“If you keep your heels down and toes up, that absorbs some of the shock of the ride.”
“And keeps my feet from slipping,” she noted. “I can already tell I’m more anchored by doing so.”
“Good. Now release Starlight’s mane, but keep the reins in your hand.” He reached and moved her hands closer to her body. “Keep them here, in front of the pommel. They must remain steady. If not, you’ll jab Starlight’s mouth with the bit.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to hurt her.”
“Then stay aware of your hands at all times.”
“I will,” Avelyn promised.
“Let’s work on how to hold the reins. Let go a moment.” Kenric took the reins. “Now make a fist with both hands. That’s right. Pass through the reins with your wrists sideways. Thumbs on top. Smallest finger on the outside.”
“Like this?”
He nodded. “And remember that Starlight will bob her head up and down as she walks. You must accommodate her movement by readjusting constantly.”
“How do I do that?” she asked, curiosity written across her face.
“Allow your arms to hang down at your sides, then they can swing subtly, back and forth. Just don’t let the reins slide through your fingers. Once we give her a chance to trot, she’ll lift her head slightly. You’ll have to balance and adjust again as she moves.”
Avelyn shook her head. “You’ve already told me a half-dozen things to do and we haven’t even moved a step forward. How will I ever remember all of this?”
“With practice,” he said glibly and found his insides flutter as her sweet laughter sounded through the open air. He wished he could bottle it so that he could take it out and drink deeply from it.
“I think you’re ready for me to lead you about,” he told her. “I won’t take the reins unless I sense you’re in trouble.”
Kenric saw a bit of doubt in her eyes, but she gave him a brave nod. He took a few steps away from her and said, “Follow me.”
Though he wanted to turn and make sure Avelyn was fine, he wanted her to believe in herself. She already had much to remember. If he constantly glanced over his shoulder, she would start focusing on him and not what she had just learned. So he walked at a leisurely pace through the inner bailey. His ears told him that Starlight followed as he started, stopped, and moved in different directions.
It also surprised him that she hummed softly. Kenric had no idea why she did so.
After some minutes, he led them back to the front of the stables. Finally turning to face her, he saw the glee on her face.
“I did it!” she proclaimed. “All by myself.”
“What did you learn as you followed me?”
Avelyn thought a moment. “That I can’t clench my body. I had to let my legs dangle from my hips. She was very sensitive to any movement from me.”
“Good. What else?”
“To always listen to my sister. At least where horses are concerned.”
Kenric cocked his head. “I’m confused, my lady.”
She laughed. “Elysande said you would tell me many things and that I would have a tendency to concentrate so hard that I might hold my breath. She said that would confuse Starlight because it would make me tense. So she told me to hum a tune under my breath. I could still concentrate on what needed to be done, but I’d be more relaxed as I focused.”
Kenric grinned. “Lady Elysande is a wise woman when it comes to horses.” He paused. “Have you had eno
ugh for one day?”
“No,” she said. “I want to go round the bailey another time.”
“I’ll admit that you’re a quick learner. I’ll lead you around again if you think you’re up to the challenge,” he tossed out.
He took off again, this time his stride longer and his pace quicker, wanting to provide her an opportunity to push herself. He increased his speed until he trotted along. Kenric threw a glance over his shoulder, wanting to check on her.
The sight that greeted him almost stopped him in his tracks.
Avelyn’s cheeks were flushed. Her sky blue eyes sparkled with pleasure. Wisps of honey blond hair had escaped her braid and curled about her face. Kenric wanted nothing more than to pull her from her horse and kiss her till the sun set.
“Don’t stop,” she called, making her way to pass him.
He fell in next to the horse and stayed with it until Avelyn brought them to a halt back at the stables. He signaled a groom to come and take the horse. She handed the reins to the man.
“Last lesson for today,” Kenric said. “Grip the mane as before and bring your leg over toward me. I’ll catch your waist, but you can slide your body along Starlight’s left side till you touch the ground. Ready?”
“Aye.” She did as instructed. His hands captured her small waist and eased her to the ground. He didn’t want to release her but, already, she tugged away from him.
“Good girl,” she cooed to Starlight. Avelyn reached into her pocket and removed an apple. She placed it in her palm and brought it to the horse, who took it. Avelyn leaned over and pressed a kiss along Starlight’s neck.
Kenric felt a stab of jealousy and shook his head. How could he be jealous of a horse?
She called a farewell as the groom led the horse away and turned to him, her eyes bright.
“I could tighten my legs slightly, and she knew to go faster,” Avelyn said, excitement lacing her words. “Oh, I wish I’d known how much fun riding is. No wonder Elysande enjoys it so much.”