I stopped and turned toward him. For the first time, I saw his face clearly.
His horse snorted, pawing at the ground, restless,but its rider stood calm and composed, his gaze unreadable.
He was tall, his hair long and black as midnight, his skin pale and smooth like carved ivory.
But it was his eyes that caught me Amber-gold, sharp yet calm, framed by long lashes and arched brows that gave him an air of quiet power.
He tilted his head slightly. "You look like someone who hasn't eaten or slept in days."
I crossed my arms, keeping a safe distance. "I'm fine."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Of course. Every lone traveler drowning in exhaustion says the same."
"I'm not lost," I snapped. "And I don't need your help."
He raised a hand in mock surrender. "My apologies. I only meant to offer company. Roads like these are less cruel when shared."
"And I'm supposed to trust you?" I asked, my tone flat.
"That will have to be your choice, my lady."
"You already rode past me without a glance. Why come back now?"
"You seemed like a lost traveler."
His voice was calm...too calm,the kind that could soothe or deceive. My instincts whispered caution, yet something about him drew me in. Dangerous, yes, but not recklessly so. His danger was quiet, coiled beneath his composure.
He studied me a moment longer before stepping closer. "What's your name?"
I hesitated. Names have power, Grandmother used to say. Never give yours away lightly.
"And how is that your concern?" I asked, my voice steady despite the chill crawling up my spine.
He looked down the road, then back at me. "The nearest city is half a day's ride. If that's your direction, I can take you. We'll reach before nightfall. What do you say?"
My grip tightened around the sword at my hip. "If I ride with you, what will you want in return?"
He chuckled,low, amused. "A fair question. Maybe… just a story."
"A story?"
"Yes. Something to make the journey less dull."
He extended his hand,an invitation and a warning all at once. "What do you say, my lady?"
I took a slow breath and reached for his hand. It was warm, steady.
He smiled faintly. "Get on."
The horse reared slightly as he mounted behind me, and soon we were racing down the road, the wind tearing through my hair, the forest fading into a blur of green and shadow.
We rode in silence. I wondered if he even cared for the story he'd asked for or if it was just a way to test me.
By the time the sky deepened into night, faint lights flickered ahead the first sign of a city.
"My lady still hasn't told me her name," he said, breaking the silence.
"Is that necessary?"
"Names are where story begin"he replied. "You owe me one, remember?"
So that was it. He was still after my name. Maybe I shouldn't have trusted him at all.
"And how is that connected to the story I'm supposed to tell?"
"Of course it's connected" he said softly "And every story with someone who dares to tell it".
"That wasn't the promise," I said sharply. "You only said I should tell a story."
He smiled faintly. "And now I'm telling you the kind I prefer. Surely I'm allowed a little preference."
"I'm afraid mine isn't an interesting one," I murmured, my voice trembling despite myself.
"Seems interesting enough to me. Do you mind?"
I exhaled softly. "Thalia. That's my name."
"Thalia," he repeated, tasting the word. "A beautiful name."
"And yours?"
"Orpheus."
"Orpheus," I echoed. "What does it mean?"
"I'm sure you don't want to know."
"Why not?"
"It's not a pleasant story," he said, pointing toward the distant gates. "We're here. You can stay at my place for the night."
I nodded. I didn't want to argue if he changed his mind, I'd be stranded.
The gates creaked open, revealing a world I'd only read about.I couldn't help but stare in awe. Towers rose high into the night, gleaming under the moonlight. Guards stood at attention, their armor polished like silver. Even without the sun, it was clear this was a noble's estate.
"Do you... live here?" I whispered.
"Yes," he said simply, dismounting before offering his hand.
A guard approached, bowing deeply. "Welcome back, Your Majesty." Then he took the horse away.
I froze, staring at Orpheus in disbelief.
"Your Majesty?" I echoed.