Through the Eyes of a Fae
chapter 15

Kora’s new horse, who she named Oginalii (Oh-gun-ALL-ee) was a lively horse, and sturdy. His name meant my friend in Royce’s native tongue. He seemed giddy to hit the open road, and Kora could not help it. She kicked him into a gallop and let him loose. Her hair streamed behind her as she rose in the saddle and leaned down, laughter spilling from her. What a rush! He was so fast, hooves pounding the ground. She heard another horse from behind and turned to see Ben gaining on her, wearing a smile of his own. His golden stallion Agalisgv (A-ga-LEE-s-ga) was just as beautiful. His coat gleamed in the sunlight. They raced up the road, each taking turns gaining ground. Soon more hoofbeats were heard, and they were joined by Ludis, Royce, and even Stella. One more horse, and the king himself, drew up next to them. They were acting like children, and for the moment, it did not matter. The horses raced, and the friends called to each other, teasing, and laughing. Stopping on the crest of a hill, Kora tried to catch her breath, patting Oginalii’s side and whispering soothing words. She was grinning and looking at her friends. When had she last rode like this? Just for joy, with anyone? Her father’s face came into her mind, and her smile faltered. Father and her best friend Ikalla had taught her to ride, they were the good in her life and her brother. Her time with the tribes in the jungle, they had taught her to ride, hunt, and fight. They showed her the meaning of being Fae. Her smile turned sad as she looked at the sky. They had died too soon, giving it all, hoping that she would carry on and bring the Fae back to the world. She shook herself, not wanting gloomy thoughts to ruin the moment. Malik approached her, His buckskin stallion dark with sweat.

“Why so gloomy?” Hearing Malik take such a casual tone started a laugh from her, she could see that him being casual was awkward for him too. He smiled ruefully.

“I don’t really talk to anyone unless I’m doing the king thing, but I am a person too, you know.” Malik pointed to her, and she nodded. She understood what he meant. She, too, had felt the pressure of ruling. They watched Royce as he pranced around Stella, teasing and poking her on the side while she turned this way and that, laughing and trying to catch his hand. Ludis, using her magic, flung a small stone at his back, causing Utana to buck and take off, and both girls wailed with mirth. Ben was a little way away, watching. He saw everything, all the while watching Kora. Malik looked from Kora to Ben and back.

" I have never seen him this way before. And we’ve been friends since infancy.”

“I just wish I had something to offer him. I have nothing here. No family, no money-no connections. I really am just not a good match. And I am broken inside.” Kora’s voice was bitter, and she looked away to hide the tears that had formed. Malik looked at Ludis, her face smiling as she watched Royce walking back with Utana, hollering about getting mud on his breeches.

“I don’t think it’s about what we can offer. It’s just about love.” Malik mused, and then blushed slightly. Here he was, talking about love to a woman he barely knew. But he looked at Kora, and he saw a level of understanding there. She knew what it was like to be wanted for nothing other than what she had to offer and understood his confusion at someone wanting nothing from him but his heart. And the fear - yes, he saw that too in her eyes. The mutual fear of handing something so precious over. If you give yourself to another, what is left for you? They wanted them, and the implications of that made his stomach feel weak.

“I’d rather face a drake.” Kora muttered, and this startled a laugh from the king. Indeed, so would he. The vicious monster would be much easier to handle.

“Come, let us join our companions before we are accused of plotting.” Malik headed down the hill, Kora behind him.