Despite the heavy riding of the two hunts, Flora’s gelding was still full of energy. He flitted around constantly, trying to go back into a run. The group rode back at a leisurely trot, and Flora had to continuously half halt him to keep him from bolting all the way home.

The trek home took longer than it had to get out, seeing as they weren’t in an all out sprint this time. It was nice, although it would be better if her horse wasn’t so eager to run, but Flora enjoyed the peaceful afternoon. She was instructed to ride closer to the front of the assembly this time, and many of the lords and nobles congratulated her. After several rounds of “well done” and “congratulations” followed by many “thank you’s” the group fell into an easy conversation. Flora had little interest in the latest gossip and upcoming parties. She instead settled on watching the world around her. The sun was hanging in the lower half of the sky, a lazy red casting the world in shades of yellow and orange. Birds fluttered about and called to each other, the long grass waving in the wind and the trees rustled their leaves in response.

Flora relished in the sweet smell of spring grass, the wind carrying it to her. As she watched the fields around her, she noticed that Leon was in a quiet conversation with both Dante and King Erick. Her stomach fluttered, worried that they might be reconsidering their decision to make her the Beast Master. She looked down to the silver badge on her coat. It was decorated with a beast of every make. The creature had the front paws of a predator, hind hooves like a goat, horns like a deer, the tail of a lion, a face like a boar, and feathered wings. It really was a beast to master all beasts. It wasn’t much compared to the old livery collars that used to be held by members of office, but Flora knew that Leon had stopped wearing his years ago, preferring the smaller badge in its place. In fact, several others had followed suit, making it the new standard. I’m sure it also costs a lot less to make a small badge rather than an oversized necklace. Flora quietly thought to herself.

“Admiring your new trinket?” The sound of Dante’s amused voice jerked Flora out of her thoughts as she turned to look at him. He was grinning at her, his face a lazy expression of amusement. “The glamour of it will wear off eventually. Probably with the first stack of papers on your desk.” Dante said with a sly grin. This time, Flora did not hide her scowl. It only caused Dante’s smile to grow. “Don’t say I didn’t warn ‘ya.” He replied, turning back to Leon and King Erick. The latter of the two had turned to look at Flora, and she felt pinned beneath his stare. Why does he keep looking at me like that? Maybe they really are reconsidering their decision. How often does a human with no magical skills to speak off earn something like this? Maybe they will replace me with someone gifted with animal magic, or a shifter, or someone with both like old Leon. Flora’s panic started to rise, and she had to force herself to bite it down with a clench of her jaw. King Erick said nothing before turning back to Dante and Leon.

Flora loosed a breath she didn’t realize she was holding and was glad to continue the ride home in silence.

The sun was low in the sky when they arrived back at the castle grounds. Several farm hands were already out and about, some of whom were coming over to take the horses from the nobles. Flora pulled up her gelding and made to dismount when the King called out to her.

“Don’t get off just yet, you’ll be putting your horse up in the Royal Stables.” He told her, leaving her lost for words. Not only have I received one of the King’s horses, but I will be keeping him with the rest? In the Royal Stables? Now that surprised her, as Leon had always kept his old palomino in this stable, and Dante usually kept his dapple grey mare with the rest of the soldiers’ and guards’ horses. Out of the three stables on the castle grounds, Flora had never considered that her horse could be stabled with the King’s horses.

Excitement and anxiety fizzed through her as Flora followed King Erich to the royal stables. They passed through the inner gates of the castle grounds, leading into a smaller but no less impressive expanse of grassy fields. In the center lay the castle itself, an ancient and mysterious thing. It had been built in ages past, and had stood the test of time. It stood over the city on the top of the hill, and to Flora it provided a sense of security. To know that someone was always watching out for you, and to be kept in the safety of the walls gave a comfort that was hard to find in a world of monsters and beasts.

The stables were to the right, and Flora’s horse began to prance beneath her, excited to be so close to home. And he only just started to behave so well. Flora thought as her heart sank. If the King saw her now, would he take it all away? Would he finally decide that she was the wrong choice?

As if he could sense her thoughts, Erick turned around to face Flora. Flora tensed as she expected a quick reprimand, but he said nothing. He simply gave her that same contemplative look from earlier before turning back around without a single word. Flora moaned internally, fearing that each step closer to the stable would be another step closer to being told to go back and that it was all a mistake.

Except that didn’t happen.

Flora quietly followed King Erick, and it wasn’t long before they arrived at the stables. From up close it was more grand than any stable she could imagine. The high walls and angled roof created an imposing image, with its large paneled windows and lamps set around the building and on the walls. It was the one place she never worked, which she never really cared for since it was the most likely place for shifters and magic users to be in. At least Leon granted me that one favor, but I still don’t know how I feel being around so many of them. Flora thought with a slight shiver, anxiety worming its way deeper into her heart.

Erick nimbly jumped down from his horse and grabbed the mare’s reins. “I hope you don’t mind, I usually take care of my own horse.” He told Flora, turning to face her. She wasn’t really sure how to respond. Is he asking for permission? Is he warning me not to touch his horses?

“Oh, of course. I mean- not at all. Er-” Flora tried to politely respond but quickly cut herself off before further embarrassment. Erick replied with a small smile, nothing like the wolfish grin of Dante but something more subtle and gentle. Flora felt her whole face heat up and she tried to hide it as she got off her gelding and grabbed his reins.

“It’s nice to see Condor doing so well, I was starting to worry no one would ever be able to ride him.” Erick informed her, leading his mare into the barn. “I was getting ready to sell him, but Dante insisted you could do it.” He finished over his shoulder. Flora didn’t respond at first, processing all of the information as she led the gelding - Condor - into the barn.

The inside of the barn was gorgeous. The walls were set with bright red brick just up to the waist, where it changed to a smooth white plaster. Wooden beams with ornate lamps supported the high ceiling where Flora could look up and see into some of the loft. The stalls were immaculate, and many horses poked their heads through the iron wrought bars in curiosity.

“I suppose he’s probably glad to stay here with his mother.” Erick continued, looking up at his mare with a warm gaze and gave her a gentle pat. So not only has he gifted me a horse, but a horse bred from his stable. I really need to keep this job. Flora thought bitterly, determination settling hard like a rock in her stomach.

“I’m sure he is.” Flora replied, trying to sound cheerful in an attempt to hide her anxiety at the growing possibility of losing her job. How could a human with no magical inclinations even compare to those who were gifted, let alone a shifter? Erick gave her an appreciative smile before returning to his mare, taking off her tack and setting her to the cross ties.

“There’s another set of ties on the other end of the aisle.” Erick said over his shoulder, hauling the mare’s tack on one shoulder before carrying it away. Flora wasn’t sure how she felt being left alone in the aisle way, however brief it might be. Erick’s presence had a strange sort of comfort, especially in a place as new and as grand as this. Before she could give it much more thought, Condor pulled on the reins and pawed at the cement floor, which Flora noticed was patterned similarly to the other barn.

“Alright, alright.” Flora said resolutely, leading Condor down the aisle as she looked for the cross ties. It wasn’t long before she found them, grabbing a halter and slipping the bit out of Condor’s mouth.

She quietly got to work taking care of Condor, taking off his tack and setting it on the rack next to her. She found a brush and began cleaning him. She fell into the rhythm of something she had done countless times before, relying on muscle memory as she contemplated the events of the day. It all happened so fast, and she honestly expected them to pick someone else. Maybe someone with the gift of animal or nature magic, or a well respected shifter. Of course she was honored, as this was something Flora had worked very hard on, but somehow it felt too easy. Condor was much better behaved once he got to run, and all the animals were animals she knew and worked with. I suppose that was the test, to see how well I can train animals. But still…

Flora’s thoughts wandered, and she hadn’t noticed that King Erick had returned until he was right there, grabbing Condor’s tack, and he was all too close to her for her comfort.

“I’m so sorry Your Majesty, I’ll get that out of your way.” Flora hurriedly reached to grab the tack and rack she had set it on, but Erick didn’t move, and she only ended up interlocking their arms, hands brushing as they both held the saddle rack. “Oh, um, I’ll just-” Flora began, her face flushing and skin heating.

“It’s fine.” King Erick replied, a gentle smile pulling the corners of his lips. “I don’t mind helping out. I can show you where the tack room is while we’re at it.” He finished, gently lifting the saddle rack out of Flora’s hands.

“Oh, right, okay.” Flora murmured, her stomach flipping as she followed Erick down the aisle and to the tack room. She looked over her shoulder to be sure that Condor was behaving, and saw that while he seemed antsy he had settled down enough to not pull on the cross ties. Satisfied with what she saw, Flora continued to follow Erick.

After showing Flora the tack room and to where Condor’s stall was, the two left the barn to find the sun setting low. The castle was set aglow in the light of twilight, hues of red and purple painting the sky and setting the world aflame in orange. Flora paused, using the moment to take it all in. A lot had happened today, but she put her worries and fears aside as she watched the sun set behind the castle walls. Erick stopped beside her, a few paces away, and said nothing. She didn’t know if she should appreciate that or be worried, but she pushed the thought away and just took a moment to breathe.

Flora could almost feel his stare as Erick watched her, his expression resuming its usually impassive tone. She gave him an embarrassed smile in return.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty, I was just enjoying the view.” Flora apologized hastily, remembering all too late that she should still be very worried about keeping in Erick’s good graces.

He gave her the briefest of smiles before replying. “I don’t mind.” He turned back to the castle and continued on his way. Flora quietly followed behind, taking in the last view of the sun as they headed towards the castle doors.

The large double doors of the castle were imposing, as ancient as the castle itself. Rumors were that these doors were made of the oldest ironwood tree in the region and carved by a master craftsman, and by the look of it, Flora believed them. The doors were stained dark by age, and were carved with the images of unicorns on both sides. The reliefs were cast in harsh shadows from the dying light of the sun and by the lamps on either side, making the unicorns look more like monsters. Flora couldn’t hide the shiver that ran down her spine as she followed King Erick through the double doors, the guards saluting him as they passed by. He gave them a brisk nod before continuing into the castle itself.

The sound of the doors closing shut behind her gave Flora a new kind of anxiety, not unlike when she first started working on the castle grounds three years ago. The doors shut with a sort of finality that should have made Flora feel better, but being in a new place with new responsibility came in full force and she had to focus on her breathing to keep herself grounded.

Taking in the castle around her, she admired what she saw. Well, now I can say that I get to see someplace better than a fancy barn. She thought as she let herself be distracted by her surroundings. The ancient floors were a smooth marble stone with carpets set in the same midnight blue as King Erick’s riding jacket and lined with a gold trim. The walls were decorated with paintings and hung with tapestries displaying members of the royal family.

In front of her were a pair of sweeping stairs that lead up to one point on the upper floor, and a pair of glass doors was set between them on the lower floor directly in front of her. On either side were long rolling hallways, decorated with more paintings and tapestries, and plenty of decorative tables, cushioned chairs, and potted plants. It was certainly more updated than the castle itself, showing that at least the people who lived here didn’t live in the middle ages anymore.

“I forget you’ve never been here before.” A familiar voice called out. Both Erick and Flora turned to see Dante strolling down from the right hall. He had changed out of his riding gear and back into his formal attire that marked him as the Captain of the Royal Guard. “You didn’t tell me that our little Flower would be moving in so soon! I could have been here to help.” Dante said with his usual smirk, clapping King Erick on the shoulder. There was no mistaking the scowl the King gave him, but if Dante saw then he didn’t care. “I could have helped you pack!” Dante said all too cheerily, looking at Flora. Erick’s scowl only deepened.