Nightshade couches onto the stable floor. Her big black eyes stare at me in a way that says ‘climb on.’
My body buzzes with excitement. I quickly slip onto into Nightshade; her back feels warm and steady below me as she rises to her feet. The next moment, Nightshade begins walking toward the stable doors. A sense of calm and ease washes over me. I feel as if I’ve ridden on her all my life. Grinning, I loop my fingers through her mane and whisper in a low voice. “Take me to the thrax.” She rears on her hind legs.
Cissy frowns. “Not yet, Myla. You’re supposed to wear a gown!”
Nightshade gallops toward the stable exit. I look over my shoulder and wave. “I’ll figure something out!”
I’m pretty sure Cissy screams something at me, but I can’t hear her. Okay, maybe I could hear her if I tried, but I’m riding a freaking horse! Nightshade’s muscles shift beneath me in drum-roll rhythm. The wind whirls across my face, roars in my ears and dances through my long auburn hair. It’s nothing less than glorious.
Nightshade and I pound over the rolling hills behind the Ryder mansion. Exhilaration bubbles through my bloodstream. We thrum across vast fields of high grass. After a short ride, her pace starts to slow.
A trio of purple tents appears on the horizon. They’re all large and held in place by sturdy poles, more like circus tents than camping stuff. A line of tall pine trees looms to their right. Nightshade slows to a halt.
“Are we here, Night?”
The horse nickers.
I release my fingers from her mane, slide down the horse’s barrel and pick my way toward the nearest tent. Everything looks deserted. A girl in a yellow gown steps out from the line of trees. She’s tall and willowy with long blonde hair.
I wave my arms. “Hello, there!”
The girl stops, eyeing me from head to toe. “Are you lost too? I’ve lived here for months and I still can’t find my way around. This place is huge.”
I step closer. “Yes, I’m lost. Kind of.”
She grins. “Forgive my bad manners.” She curtsies. “I’m Lady Avery. Who are you?” She blinks her large eyes, one green and one brown.
“I’m Myla.” I stare at her for a moment. “You look familiar.”
“I’m the younger sister of the Great Scala Heir.”
“Yeah, that’s it.” I flash my most winning smile. “I’m looking for Prince Lincoln. I have an important message for him.”
She shifts her weight onto her right leg. “He’s at a thrax-only event. You’re not supposed to go unless you’re invited.” She scans my black fighting suit. “And unless you’re wearing proper dress.”
“Of course, I was invited to today’s…” I look at her encouragingly.
“Battle practice with the young Lords?”
Not a bright one, that Avery.
“Exactly. That’s totally what I was invited to. And I got an official exception for the dress thing.”
Avery frowns. “I’ve never heard of an official exception.”
“I have a skin condition. This suit was, uh, prescribed by my doctor.” I hold out my hand. “You should stand back. It’s kind of contagious.”
“Oh, my!”
“Where’s the practice again?”
“That way.” She points to a rocky hill across from the tall pines. “I’m heading there myself. Now that my sister’s the Scala Heir, I’m the Great Lady for the House of Acca.” She beams and tosses her hair. “Isn’t that wonderful?”
I plaster my smile back on. “It sure is.” I take off at a run. “I’ll see you there!”
“Okay. Goodbye, Myla!”
I speed up the rocky incline, my heart thudding with anticipation. I summit the small hill and scope out the ground below. A flat patch of green field opens before me. Lincoln stands in its center, surrounded by four men in velvet tunics of bronze, yellow, purple, and blue. They all look in their late teens. The Queen waits on the sidelines, motionless and regal in her black velvet gown. The Great Ladies encircle her, still wearing their multi-colored dresses from the initiation. Adair has changed into a simple white robe.
In the center of the field, Lincoln flips a wooden practice sword in his hand. Raising his arm high, he demonstrates a slicing technique to the young Lords. Everyone’s attention is focused on the lesson. I picture what’ll happen once I introduce myself. My mouth winds into a semi-evil grin.
Now’s my chance.
I stride down the rocky hill and raise my arm high. “Hello, there! I have a message for the–”
The Acca Lord shakes his blonde head. “A demon! I shall protect you, my Prince!” He races toward me, arms outstretched.
I watch my opponent, shaking my head in disbelief. This is his total plan? Run up and grab me? That’s way too easy. I wait until he’s close, then leap up into the air and kick my heels forward. My boots connect with his chest. The Acca Lord tumbles onto his ass, gasping for breath. I somersault backwards, land on my feet and keep walking.