Jinayah pivoted lightly, to the beat of her own music. She dipped into a graceful curtsy, and back up again. It seemed she had heard him coming, and didn’t seem surprised. Her brown eyes sparkled with mirth. “Beautiful, indeed, Prince Erick.” She gestured to the sturdy, calm horse beside her. “You must have an excellent eye for horses. This is Blossom, my second favorite.”

Blossom snorted as if offended at coming in second, tossing her braided mane. Jinayah giggled behind a hand, rubbing the mare’s nose with fondness. “Oh, come now. Don’t be like that. You would be tops if you were fast. When I don’t want to be fast, you are the champion.” She reached into a pocket of her tunic and fished up a cut chunk of apple, which she held out to Blossom.

“Forgive me, my friend?” The treat was sniffed and accepted in due course, and the Princess smiled warmly before returning her attention to the Prince. Her sharp gaze swept over him in a quick way, and it would be quite unclear what she was seeing. Was it the warrior who was looking him over, or the woman?

“You seem a little less pale. I’m glad to see that.”