Free King of the Isles by Debbie Mazzuca Page A

apprehension at riding the big beast was having a similar effect on her.
    “There’s no need to be afraid, Evangeline. Bowen is the most docile of mounts, and despite his deformity, he’s as fine a steed as mine.”
    Evangeline’s snort of derision was mimicked by Bowen. The steed apparently as offended by Fallyn’s reference to his stunted wing as Evangeline was to her friend’s assumption she was afraid. She wasn’t afraid. For the love of Fae, she was the most powerful wizard in the realm. And it most certainly would not bode well for her if word got out she had fears.
    Of its own accord, her gaze slid to Lachlan, who appeared to be sending her father on his way. She returned her attention to Fallyn. “You misunderstood me. I simply thought it would be a good idea for one of us to scout out the area first.”
    “Mm-hmm.” Fallyn arched a dark brow as though she didn’t believe her. “Here, perhaps this will make you more comfortable.” With a flick of her finger, she dressed Evangeline in clothing similar to her own—form-fitting trews and a white tunic—then did the same for Aurora.
    Unaccustomed to anything but the loose robes favored by the Fae, Evangeline plucked self-consciously at the crisp white shirt with the deep V that exposed the tops of her breasts. She heard a sharp intake of breath and glanced up to see Lachlan raking her from head to toe with a predatory look in his amber gaze. A look so like his father’s that before her eyes, his features morphed into Arwan’s. She stumbled backward. Lachlan’s gaze locked with hers.
    With a muttered oath, he pivoted abruptly on his heel and barked, “Mount up.”
    “Evangeline?”
    At the note of worry in Fallyn’s voice, Evangeline sucked in a steadying breath and plastered a confident smile on her face before turning to her friend. From Fallyn’s expression, the smile must have appeared more maniacal than confident. “Thank you, Fallyn. I’m certain these clothes will help immensely. I shall just ... just ...” She studied the steed, trying to figure out how she was to mount him.
    Aurora, fairly vibrating with excitement, placed her foot in the device hanging below Bowen’s belly then took hold of the leather piece jutting from the top of the saddle to easily mount the big beast. As her legs were much longer than the little seer’s, Evangeline didn’t see how she would have a problem doing the same.
    “You may want to mount up, Evangeline. His Royal Highness appears ready to move out,” Fallyn advised, striding to where her steed waited at the edge of the clearing.
    Evangeline stuck her foot in the steel triangle hanging from the leather strap, looking up when Aurora giggled. “What?” Evangeline asked crankily.
    “That’s the wrong foot,” the child said, clapping a hand to her mouth. Aurora’s narrow shoulders shook with mirth.
    Muttering her opinion of know-it-all children under her breath, Evangeline flicked her finger and landed with a thud behind Aurora. She barely had a chance to make herself comfortable when Lachlan took the lead at the front of their small party of fifty or so warriors and motioned for the riders to follow him.
    Evangeline clung to Aurora, ducking to avoid the branches that slapped at them as Bowen galloped through the forest. With a mighty whoosh, his powerful wing swept up and they lifted off the ground. Skimming over the treetops, Evangeline made the mistake of looking down. Her stomach gave a sickening lurch. She closed her eyes, tightening her hold on Aurora. The higher they flew, the harder she held on until she heard Aurora’s squeak of protest.
    Evangeline gave herself a mental slap. She was being ridiculous. She was no longer a child who did not know how to wield her magick. Cautiously, she opened her eyes and unclenched her fingers, releasing Aurora’s tunic. Methodically, she smoothed the wrinkled fabric, then calmly placed her hands at the child’s waist.
    There, you see, you’re perfectly fine