“Meaning you think he’ll behave if Ellilah is holding his reins and you’re afraid he’ll throw you or flame you if she’s not,” Roke said dryly.
The Crown Prince flushed an ugly purple and glared up at the big warrior.
“Of course not! I am proposing to confer a great honor on your Heart’s Companion, Sir! And to give her a chance to earn a piece of our precious Healing Lattice in the offing.”
“I’m most gratified, Your Highness and very grateful for the honor you’re bestowing on me,” Elli said quickly. “I would be honored to lead Demon in the Grand Parade. And of course, if I hold the reins, that will leave your own hands free to wave to the adoring crowd,” she added, thinking that it was an especially clever touch.
She was right—the Crown Prince puffed up with pride at her words.
“Of course! I must have my hands free to wave—otherwise I would, of course, hold the reins and guide Demon myself.”
“Of course you would,” Elli said, smiling. “And, Your Highness…” She hesitated delicately, hoping he would be in a receptive mood now.
“Yes, my dear?” The Crown Prince smiled at her expansively.
“Might I suggest that after this Grand Parade, Demon should be put out to stud?” Elli asked. “It’s just that he’s really not well suited for riding. But I know if you bred him with some of your more docile does, he would sire fawns that would make wonderful mounts in the future,” she added quickly.
“Hmm…” The Crown Prince frowned thoughtfully, considering her words. “Is that your official advice as a Zorel Entrancer?”
“It is,” Elli said, nodding firmly. “And,” she added, having a sudden inspiration. “You can tell everyone in the Court that I said he’s too dangerous to ride and that only you have been able to mount him and tame him and no one else dares to try. That’s why he must go to stud after the Grand Parade.”
“My dear, you are simply full of good ideas!” The Crown Prince smiled at her and clapped his beringed hands together excitedly. “That is simply perfect.”
“I’m so glad you approve, Your Majesty,” Elli said, smiling. “So then…after the parade tomorrow…?” She let the sentence trail off hopefully.
“Yes, my dear—after a successful showing in the Grand Parade tomorrow, you will have earned the right to earn a piece of the Healing Lattice.” the Crown Prince nodded magnanimously, as though conferring an honor on her. “Oh, and in the meantime, you might start spreading the word that Demon is so dangerous that he will be retired to stud after the parade tomorrow—with me his one and only rider.”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Elli nodded graciously. Behind the Prince’s shoulder, she could see Roke making a sour face as though he wanted to say something. Quickly, she gave the big warrior a short, sharp shake of her head. There was no point in antagonizing the Crown Prince, especially when he was in such a good mood.
“Good! Then, it’s settled.” The Prince clapped his hands together once more and nodded. “Now, let us go to Supper together. And perhaps tonight, I shall honor you after all, my dear.”
At this, Roke uttered a low growl and came to stand possessively in front of Elli, so that she had to peek out from behind his side.
“Pray, don’t worry Sir Roke,” the Crown Prince said, frowning. “I have already promised that your Heart’s Companion will not serve as my Bride of the Night. There are other ways to honor those who deserve it, you know.”
“I’m sure there are, Your Majesty,” Elli said quickly, stepping out from behind Roke. “Forgive my, er, Heart’s Companion—he’s just very protective, that’s all.”
“Yes…” The Crown Prince looked at Roke speculatively. “So I’ve noticed. Well…” He clapped his hands together a third time. “Shall we go? Supper awaits and I find myself with a healthy appetite.” This time it was Elli his pale, bulging eyes ran over, which made her want to step behind Roke again.
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Roke said stiffly. He hooked his arm through Elli’s before the Prince could offer his own and nodded. “We would be honored to go with you to Supper.”
“Very good then.” The Prince gave them a slightly sour smile and then preceded them out of the inner sanctum.
As they left, Elli cast one last glance at the towering crystal tree and its glittering rainbow branches. Hopefully by this time tomorrow she would have a tiny piece of it in her possession and then she could go back to the Mother Ship and…
And what? whispered a little voice in her head. And go back to a life you don’t really like, let alone love? Go back to the dull existence of a priestess and never see Roke or ever train a single zorel again?
None of that matters, Elli told herself firmly. All that matters is getting a piece of the Lattice and healing the old Priestess Superior. I’ll worry about everything else after I accomplish that.