Free Messenger in the Mist by Aubrie Dionne

walked through open glass doors to a private, walled garden where a fountain streamed water in the moonlight.
    At first, he thought he spied a fairy come to dance in the beams of translucent radiance, or a beautiful ghost of the night, lingering in a place where she once sat as a young woman. Then, as he walked closer in silent steps, he recognized the white rider from the day’s events. She wore a simple white gown. Tiptoeing around the base of the fountain, she seemed as if she’d broken free of the mob as well, an escapee of the roaring laughter above their heads in the ballroom.
    Valen called out to her just as she turned to slip back inside. “Congratulations on winning the race today.”
    The girl whirled around like she’d been caught and, seeing that it was a teasing young man and not a castle official, relaxed her tensed shoulders, her hair streaming down in white waves of glittering light. “Thank you.”
    “That’s quite a horse you’ve got.”
    She smiled as if he’d mentioned a dear friend and the muscles in her face eased. “Windracer comes from a line of the finest horses bred for their massive size and speed. Throughout generations, the horse farmers of Evenspark have managed to perfect an animal that can run miles without tiring and outlive the average lifespan of any ordinary horse.”
    Valen took a step toward her. “But there’s more to it. It takes an exceptional rider as well.”
    Her head tilted down and her white hair fell in front of her eyes. “I’ve worked hard for many years, training day and night.”
    “I’m sure you have. You ride with such ease and grace.”
    The girl rounded the fountain, meeting Valen halfway. “It has always been my dream to ride in the Interkingdom Carriers.”
    “Now it looks as though you’ve done it. They will take you in right away.”
    “I certainly hope so.” She raised a small hand and placed delicate strands of her hair behind her ear. Valen resisted the urge to stare. He admired her modesty. She was so humble for such an experienced rider and champion, and for such a beauty of a girl.
    A question brimmed in his thoughts. “If it means so much to you, then why did you jeopardize the race?”
    The girl did not flinch or turn away insulted. Instead, she held his gaze firmly and responded, “I did not want the healers to risk their lives retrieving her. There was not enough time before the oncoming riders. I had to make a decision.”
    Valen considered her answer. He was highly impressed that she would put the welfare of another in front of her own dreams. Ravencliff’s elite did not encourage philanthropy. “Fate has rewarded you. It must be your destiny.”
    The girl laughed lightly, like he’d told a joke she’d heard all too often. She stepped toward him, making his heart race. “You make your own destiny.”
    “I only wish that were so.” Valen thought of all the heavy expectations of his impending position as the future king of Ravencliff. “For some of us, it is preplanned.” He couldn’t believe he’d told his innermost fears and personal challenges to this strange young specter of the night.
    The girl studied him, as if she could peer through his crumbling facade and see the true shape of his inner being. Her head cocked to the side, her eyes glinting silver. “That’s what the rulers want you to think.”
    With those earth-shattering words, she turned and disappeared into the burning light of the chandeliers.
    Valen was blindsided. Coming from her, he almost believed it. Never had he thought he held his own future in his hands. The king dictated his destiny each day of his life, strategically planning his every task from the moment he could talk for optimum results. Royal princes had no say in the matter. How could the rider assume he was so free?
    Looking down at his attire, Valen realized he’d shed all of the garments of his station, leaving only his red-and-black tunic and vest. The woman had no idea she spoke to a