Danger Recognised: Day 14

Word Count: 84,020

Summary of Events:

Éoin and Viceroy Constyre visited the Queen Mother, who'd been thrown into the dungeons for removing the royal crown from Alina's head; they were both frustrated by her adamant denial that her actions had been wrong, even if she confessed to doing them. Alina and King Siegfried dictated out an agreement between Zeig and Aifos regarding the attack on Zeig, both committing to find out if the wrongdoers were from their respective nation and giving permission for the attackers to be killed without retaliation if they struck again. Having nothing else to do for the day, Éoin gave Alina riding lessons, and he was more than impressed with her seemingly natural ability to ride a horse . . .

Excerpt of the Day:

"Aside from your ride at Carey Derwent you've never ridden a horse before," Éoin said.

"No," Queen Alina replied. "I haven't."

"I'll confess," Éoin said. "I find that hard to believe."

"Why?" Queen Alina asked, sounding almost distressed.

"You do not by any means look like this is only the second time you've been on a horse," Éoin replied. "It seems practically second nature to you to be on a horse."

"Well, he is walking," Queen Alina said.

"Maybe it comes from being of the Royal House," Éoin said. "As Generals of the Army, all the Kings have needed exceptional riding skills, and all have been renowned for their horsemanship. Maybe it is that long history of excellent horsemen in your family which gives you such a natural appearance and confidence on a horse."

"I wouldn't think something like that would be predisposed to a family lineage like facial features, stature, or even disease susceptibility," Queen Alina said.

"I wouldn't either," Éoin agreed. "But I wouldn't necessarily count against it being possible either, considering how confident you seem. As he's done nothing to make you nervous, nor need he be fought with, and you've had experience riding a horse of similar calm temperament, though, it could be that as well."

"I shouldn't like to go any faster," Queen Alina said.

"I shan't make you," Éoin replied. "We'll just do walking patterns, halts, and reversals."

Queen Alina nodded.

"Halt there," Éoin said when Queen Alina reached the corner again. "Now pull back on the reins gently and make him reverse, only a few steps are necessary. When he's reversed enough release the back pressure."

Éoin watched as she did so. He believed Queen Alina's assertions that she'd never been taught how to ride, but he had to confess that her calm and confidence were exemplary, he wondered if she didn't just have a keen mind that picked up on things quickly which caused her to look and behave far more experienced than she truly was.

Of course, Éoin too had been told he was a natural at riding horses, but he'd grown up with them, and even as young as four years of age Father had been seating him astride a horse and leading him around.

From what he knew, Queen Alina had lacked that sort of experience, but then again, maybe she had ridden a horse on King Alfred's lap a time or two and retained those memories of her father's calm confidence in the saddle — Éoin had been told King Alfred XXI had been a veritable master horseman.

Who knew what it was? Éoin had to admit that it was nothing short of fascinating, maybe he'd invite her out on a hunt next year, and maybe they could even hunt with falcons if she learned how — which he could easily teach her too.