So Rudiger had spent the last couple hours getting all the horses ready. He was told by Fra-Atl that there was a possibility all of them might be called on. However, Borisin was the important one. The Queen wanted to be riding him when she greeted the Youth Guard. He had groaned when Fra-Atl told him she also wanted to do it without a handler at her side.


    Yeah, you can trust me. Of course you can trust me.


    I’ll make sure she looks like a reasonably competent but inexperienced rider. But don’t worry. If she makes any big mistakes, I’ll compensate to make sure nothing bad happens.


    Oh, forget about it. It’s not that bad, though you look utterly ridiculous at times. I just want you to recognise you’re a hypocrite.


    Hah! That’s an understatement.


    you can.”


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Not sure you’re close enough to hear me right now, Borisin said.


    I hear you, buddy, Rudiger replied.


    These priests are idiots when it comes to horses. Did you see that? Any other horse would have kicked her for doing that. I should have, too, but it would’ve spooked the stupid cat. See? I’m behaving.


    Thanks, buddy.


    She’s completely forgetting everything in her distress, Borisin said.


    Just take her inside, Rudiger said.


    Yeah, all right. And I was so looking forward to my big parade at the end of the ceremony.


    No you weren’t.


    Yeah, you got me.