Free Tethered (The Avenlore Series) by Tasha Van Der Hyde

of them splitting off from the procession and riding quickly ahead.  His age seemed to be of no consequence to the others as they obeyed without question.  I judged him to be a few years older than me, Maybe twenty-one or twenty two.  
    Even my father looked at him with pride and admiration.  Right now, in the role of Captain of the Knights, Nikolas owned his authority.  He was one of those people, a born leader.
    Liam’s breath at my ear pulled me from my thoughts.  “It truly is a beautiful horse.”  I could hear the smile in his voice. 
    “Well, stars are beautiful, but that doesn’t make it a good idea for me to try and ride one.”  I felt this was a perfectly valid point.
    He chuckled a little before continuing.  “ A well-bred horse is a fine gift.  He only meant to please you.”  His words were delivered in a kind, yet matter of fact way.
    I tucked my hair behind my ear and let out a sigh.  “I know.  I wish I could’ve been more excited.  I’m afraid of them, I’m afraid of this one.”  I pointed to the horse beneath me.  “I only continue to ride him because he has a proven record, so far, of not trying to throw me off or, you know, eat me or something.  And that other horse is spirited.”  The last word came out like a curse.  I didn’t bother to mention that riding Liam’s horse had the added bonus of his close proximity.
    Liam laughed again.  “I’d say she does indeed suit you then.”
    “Har-Har.  I’m not a danger to anyone.”  I stated the obvious.
    “I beg to differ.  You kicked me or do you not remember?”  I could hear the smile again.
    “ Apples and oranges.  What’s your horse’s name, anyway?”  I asked as I lightly touched the beasts black mane. 
    “I call him Rogue.” 
    I turned to look at him.  “Is that what you are as well?  A rogue?”  His eyebrows inched up his head and I grinned. 
    Suddenly, I felt very self-conscio us, like I was being watched.  Looking around, I realized we had an audience.  Multiple pairs of eyes were zoned in on us watching our exchange with expressions that varied from indifference to curiosity to disapproval. 
    Then, there was Nikolas, who looked as if he was attempting to bore a hole through Liam’s head using only his eyes. 
    Liam must’ve noticed too because I felt his body tense.
    Nikolas caught me watching and turned away, but took his time about it.
    Fortunately, my father was oblivious to the three of us and chatted happily to a Knight riding beside him.   He would occasionally glance back, like he was checking to see if I was still there, but he’d missed the intense gazes being fired about.  I appreciated the way he was willing to give me space and allow me to acclimate to this new world filled with new people and new family and new problems. 
    Not everyone would have been so patient, but he was and I liked him more each minute for that.  
    I felt a concentrated stare again and looked to Nikolas.  When I met with his bright blue eyes, a strange sensation passed through me, like something pulling me in his direction.  His eyes flicked to Liam. 
    There was a question that had been weighing on my mind and I had to ask.  “Do you and Nikolas know each other?” 
    “Not at all, though, I’ve heard of him.  Until today I’d never had the…pleasure of making his acquaintance.”  He gripped the reins tightly and clicked at the horse, who responded by picking up his pace by marginally until we’d pulled ahead of Nikolas and his heated glares.
    “Why were the two of you arguing anyway?”  I said, turning to glance at him.
    “When you fainted, I tried to explain that you were having some difficulty adjusting to so many changes at once.  King Elias seemed understanding, Nikolas did not.  He was rather…upset that I had not divulged your lineage and status in our realm.” 
    “Hmm.  He seems to have taken an awfully strong dislike to you, being as how he doesn’t know you and