I sincerely hope I didn’t just get mixed up in something bad. Flora felt her anxiety rising as Dante heaved a sigh and went off to his new duties. Something tells me they don’t act like this around other people. Is that bad? Should I be worried? Flora had to swallow hard to stuff her feelings down as King Erick turned his attention on her.

He made an attempt to return to his usual impassive expression but failed as he broke into a soft laugh. “Sorry Flora, Dante and I are more like brothers, I didn’t mean to get you caught up in anything.” He explained, and Flora noticed that he seemed genuinely at ease, a far cry from their hunt just yesterday. “Shall we get going?” He asked, motioning towards the exit of the arena.

“Right, yes, of course! I mean, after you.” Flora stumbled to reply, nervous as she realized that she was yet again alone with the king. He gave her a soft smile and nod before leading the way out of the arena and to the barn. Flora noticed that he now walked with a limp, but didn’t dare make any comments on it.

Flora followed King Erick down the aisle of the barn before setting up his gelding - Odysseus - up on the cross ties. She quietly and efficiently removed his tack while Erick took a seat on a nearby bench. He said nothing as he watched her with his piercing stormy blue eyes, and Flora could feel heat rising to her face. She was worried she’d do something embarrassing, feeling as if he were scrutinizing her every move.

Eventually, Flora couldn’t stand the silence anymore and said something. “Is your Aunt Martha really that bad?” The moment she said it she instantly regretted it. Why was that the best thing I could say? You could have said anything and you asked that! Flora silently berated herself for her stupidity.

King Erick barked a loud laugh before responding. “While my Aunt may be an important member of my court, she is only valued for her position. She has a tendency to give us all a headache.” He replied, and the tension in his shoulders seemed to loosen almost imperceptibly.

Flora nearly sighed with relief that she hadn’t angered him. She still remembered the very real possibility of becoming a pile of ash. At least, that’s what she had been told. Dragons were quick to anger, and freely used their gift of fire. So why hadn’t he? Maybe it’s because he’s only been king for a few months. Flora thought, anxiety prickling the back of her mind.

“Here, let me help you with that.” King Erick got up and made to grab the saddle from Flora, but winced as he put weight on his leg. “On second thought, maybe I’ll grab the harness instead.” He corrected, refusing to sit and watch. Flora admired that he at least wanted to do things for himself, and knew it was not her place to stop him, but couldn’t stop the worry that the fall from Odysseus had hurt Erick more than he let on.

She agreed with gratitude and the two took the bundle of horse tack into the tack room. Flora was all too aware of King Erick at her back, unsure of how she should feel. It was an honor to be trusted by her king, but was also nerve wracking to be around a powerful dragon shifter. She pushed her feelings down as she helped put away Odysseus’ saddle and tack, hands fumbling with the twisted leather of the reins.

“Here,” Erick gently took the reins from her hands, his firm hands brushing hers as he fixed the reins and set them up on the rack. “They can be a little tricky sometimes.” He told her, a spark of amusement in his eyes. He knows you’re nervous and now he’ll know your embarrassed! Flora could feel her entire face turn red as she mumbled her thanks and began putting away the rest of Odysseus’ harness.

Maybe he’s secretly just as bad as Dante, and will find enjoyment out of this. Flora thought in resignation, as she couldn’t see why else the king would be amused by her fumbling like a newborn calf. She turned to leave after putting everything away, and found him waiting for her at the doorway to the tack room. He still hadn’t returned to being completely impassive as she had usually seen, but rather had the hint of a smile and amusement still glinting in his eyes. He looked ready to say something, but before he could a page came running in.

“Ah, Beast Master Acker, I’ve been looking for you.” The boy sounded slightly winded, as if he had searched the whole barn before finding her. “I was told to ask for your assistance in the cow barn. They didn’t tell me why, just to find you.” He finished.

Flora frowned, a million possibilities running through her mind. The cow barn was not nearly as grand as any of the horse barns, but still had its fair share of troubles. A cow could be lame, sick, or even calving at this time in the year. She sincerely hoped that calving was off the list for today, as it would require the most time and work. She turned to King Erick.

“Please forgive me, but I must be going.” Flora bowed, doing her best to be polite. She didn’t want to risk offense given he clearly had more to say, but he only shook his head as if to clear his thoughts.

“I understand, you may go.” He replied. And with that, Flora was dashing off back into the rain soaked world as she headed to the cow barn.