The next morning, Lara approached the stables with a hesitant step, her cloak fluttering slightly with each motion. Her bodyguard waited outside as she entered. The morning mist curled around her boots. Then she caught sight of him, Thornak, standing next to a black horse speaking softly to it, a striking figure against the pale dawn. The dark stallion looked like a beast carved from shadow, still and powerful. But it was the man himself who stole her breath.
She didn't understand his interest in her, or the way her heart gave an odd twist. The way warmth bloomed in her chest just seeing him waiting. It was foolish. It had to be. He was a king, brutal, commanding, otherworldly and she was a mere wolfless wolf. Nothing about him should've felt safe or familiar. And yet…
As she stepped closer, her palms felt clammy despite the cold, her stomach tightening with each heartbeat. Her thoughts tangled as she tried to compose herself, should she speak first? Bow? Would it be strange to smile?
Then his eyes found her.
Thornak's breath caught in his throat.
She wore a simple riding dress of deep gray, cinched at the waist, the fabric flowing with quiet elegance. Her golden curls had been drawn back from her face, loosely tied to keep them out of her eyes, though a few strands had escaped and caught the early light. She looked effortlessly radiant, grounded, unassuming, and utterly captivating.
A primal tug stirred deep in his chest. Jax surged beneath the surface, restless and possessive.
Mine.
The king didn't move for a long moment, staring with quiet intensity as she neared. He didn't speak until he was sure his voice would sound steady. Even then, the gravel in it held something raw.
"You are here."
Lara offered a curtsey. "Thank you for inviting me, Your Majesty."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "No titles out here," he said. "Not when we ride. Just Thornak. Or Thorn, if you prefer."
Lara hesitated, startled by the familiarity. "As you wish your majesty…."
"Thorn." He injected and she gave a shy smile.
He led a tall, dark-coated mare toward her. "This is Nyra. She responds best to calm hands and a steady heart. She'll know if you're afraid."
She stepped forward, letting Nyra sniff her hand before brushing her fingers over the mare's velvety nose. "Hello, girl," she whispered.
She didn't miss the way Thornak watched her, curiously, intensely, like she was something he didn't quite understand yet but wanted to.
She climbed into the saddle with practiced, if careful, movements. Her posture was straight, even as her fingers fumbled slightly at the reins. She felt his eyes on her and flushed, but didn't look away.
"You ride well," he observed as they trotted out of the courtyard and onto the forest path. The dawn light spilled through the canopy above, casting dappled gold on the trail.
"I'm not perfect," she replied, her voice modest but steady. "But I'm trying."
He gave her a sidelong glance. "Perfection is boring. I prefer honesty. And you have courage. That's rarer."
They rode in silence for a time, the rhythmic sound of hooves mixing with birdsong. Lara focused on the path ahead, but part of her was acutely aware of him, his presence, his gaze, the weight of something unspoken that seemed to grow between them with every step.
As they reached a clearing where the morning light spilled through the canopy, Thornak slowed his pace, giving Lara time to adjust and catch up beside him. Her cheeks were pink from the breeze and the ride, but her posture was more relaxed now, and she seemed at ease in a way he hadn't seen before.
"You handle Nyra well," he said, glancing sideways at her. "Most riders take weeks before she lets them steer her without a fight."
"I just tried not to annoy her," Lara said, her fingers gently stroking Nyra's neck. "She reminds me of someone."
Thornak turned his head slightly, eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Someone I know?"
"She only listens when she wants to. Answers when it suits her. Proud. A little intimidating."
A slow smirk curved across his face. "Are you comparing me to a horse?"
Lara blinked, then let out a quiet laugh. "I didn't name names, Your Majesty."
Thornak chuckled, deep and amused. "Mm. So I am the proud, intimidating creature in this scenario."
"I said a little intimidating," she corrected, giving him a teasing glance before looking away again.
Thornak laughed, the sound rumbling and warm.
They slowed as the stables came into view in the distance. Thornak reined in slightly, giving her a thoughtful glance. "Tell me, Lara… have you ever raced?"
She looked over, startled. "Raced? No, I mean, I've ridden fast, but..."
"Then let's change that."
He gave her no further warning. His horse surged forward with a thunderous gallop, hooves pounding the earth.
Lara gasped. "That's not fair!"
But Nyra, sensing her rider's excitement, leapt into action before she could second-guess herself.
Wind tore past her face as the trees blurred, the world narrowing to hoofbeats, breath, and the distant silhouette of Thornak ahead. Lara leaned forward, gripping tight, her laughter spilling out despite herself.
She didn't catch him. Not quite.
Thornak was waiting at the stable gate when she arrived, just moments behind. His grin was fierce and triumphant.
"You cheated," she said, breathless, brushing windswept curls from her face.
"I gave you a chance," he said, dismounting with a lazy shrug. "Next time, try to keep up."
She slid off Nyra, boots hitting the ground hard. "Next time, I'll surprise you."
As Lara handed Nyra's reins to a stablehand and dusted off the hem of her riding dress, a soft voice, sweet as honey over steel, called out from the other end of the stable archway.
"There you are."
Lara turned to see Lady Selene, gliding toward them, her pale lavender cloak catching the morning light. Her hair was perfectly pinned, not a single strand out of place, and her eyes flicked from Lara to Thornak with practiced ease.
"My King," she said, offering a graceful nod. "I didn't know you were riding this morning."
Thornak returned her greeting with a courteous dip of his head. "It was a last-minute decision."
Selene's eyes lingered on Lara just a beat too long before she smiled. "I see. I hope the ride was… comfortable."
"It was," Thornak said. "Lara did well."
Lara lowered her gaze slightly, offering a polite, neutral smile, even as she felt Selene's cool interest pressing against her skin like frost.
Selene folded her hands. "A lovely mare, Nyra. Though not always easy. She's known to misbehave for those who lack confidence."
"She was well-matched," Thornak said, glancing toward Lara.
Selene's lips tightened just barely, the faintest crack in her flawless veneer. "I had hoped we might ride together this morning, as we once did. There's a new trail the steward spoke of through the east glen."
"Perhaps another day," Thornak said evenly. "The morning's already passed, and Lara likely needs to rest."
Selene blinked once, then smiled again. "Of course."
She stepped aside, allowing them room to pass. "I'll see you at the midday court session?"
"You will," Thornak replied, then turned toward Lara. "Shall we?"
Lara gave a respectful nod to Selene, murmuring, "My lady," as they passed.
Selene inclined her head in return, but her eyes lingered on their retreating figures, cool, unreadable, and quietly seething.