"Why did you bring me back here?" The question was not directed at a human, since no person stood near her, but at the gods. She knew something was about to happen; she could feel excitement tingling in her bones.
Warm arms appeared around her waist; she looked up, and saw Numair behind her. "What are you doing?"
"Thinking."
"Master Numair, the King wants to see you, now."
Numair looked down at Daine. She smiled, untangled herself from his grip, and flapped her hands towards the door. "You go. I want to see how Cloud is."
"Are you sure, sweet?"
"It's a difficult decision, but I think I made the right choice."
He grinned at her sarcasm. "I'll see you at supper."
"Love you."
"Love you, too." He blew her a kiss, and then turned to follow the servant. Daine smiled, feeling oddly comforted by the words. Briskly, she walked down the stairs, through the courtyard, through the corridor and into the secret entrance to the stables.
Stefan was there. "How ye doin'?"
"Fine, thank you. How's Cloud?"
"Same as always."
Daine grinned. "I'll take over here for a while. You go for a ride."
The grateful smile he gave her warmed her heart. "Ye sure?" he asked.
"The horses need it." Cloud snorted.
Might think of me.
"I'll take you for a ride later." Her words were absent-minded; she was concentrating on the buzz of excitement building inside her. "Cloud, I think something bad's about to happen."
A flash of light blinded her vision. "Cloud, run!" she screamed. The gleaming light was followed by a death-like darkness.
She thought she heard a voice whisper; "Ready or not, here I am."
--
K, the build-up is looking to be more exciting than the event! Next chapter, and you should find out who the mystery man is. Please, don't be disappointed!
