“Done.”
Torin lowered the plaid, folded it in half, measuring its length, then wrapped it around my waist. “Hold it.”
I held still while he searched a bag for a leather strap, and cinched it firmly around me. The extra fabric folded over the top. He drew one side up and over my shoulder. When he stepped back, his brow lifted in quiet approval.
He fastened his cloak around my shoulders with a brooch, pinning both plaid and cloak together. “Yer dress inna perfect, but nae one will question it now.”
“Yeah, but how do I look?” I asked.
“Like a bonny Scottish lass.”
“Thank you.”
Torin scoopedup Dude and tucked him neatly into one of the saddlebags on Ferrari, the smaller horse.
“Can you please check the vessel again?”
He pulled it from a bag and looked down on it.
He shook his head and returned it.
I said, “I am very very disappointed.”
“I ken.” He patted Lambo’s flank and tipped his chin at me. “Climb on.”
I set my foot in the stirrup, and Torin gave me a nudge upward. He grunted with the effort, which made me feelungainly and ridiculous — like I was nothing but a burden. A pain in his arse.
I was.
Once I settled into the saddle, the horse stamped sideways. My balance lurched, and panic surged.
“Oh — oh no, it’s going to?—!”
I clutched at the horse’s mane and neck as it tossed its head back. I shrieked, already half sliding from the saddle.
Torin’s hand shot up, gripping my thigh hard as his other hand yanked the reins. The horse came to a brusque halt. “Nae, Princess, daena fall.”
“It tried to throw me off!”
“Tis Lambo. Lambo dinna want tae throw ye. He only wanted tae show ye how eager he is tae go.”
“I want down. I don’t want to ride him. I’ll walk.”
I lay draped over the horse’s neck, arms clamped tight, eyes shut. I wanted down. I needed down. But I didn’t dare let go.
“Let me down.”
Torin’s hand firmly held my thigh, the reins were gripped tight in his other. “Nae, Princess. I should hae held him steady when ye were up alone. But as ye told me the other day when I was in yer car — ye said,I promise ye will be okay.Ye were right. But this is more urgent. Those men may return. We must leave.”
My eyes stayed closed, holding on with all my might, my cheek pressed against the horse’s mane. “What do I do?”
“Ye are balanced. Just rise up. I will hold ontae ye.”
I nodded and opened my eyes. His face was very close to mine, steady and unflinching. “Promise?”
“Aye, Princess.”
I slowly loosened my grip on the horse’s neck and pushed myself upright. My hands trembling, I clutched the saddle horn instead.
