Erick led Flora out the front doors of the castle, and though she didn’t say anything he was aware of the blush that had grown across her face and neck. He didn’t react in an attempt to save her some dignity. Instead he led her to the royal stables where the horses would be ready, still holding her hand. He grimaced, knowing he would get words for it later. Most likely from Aunt Martha.

He didn’t let go of Flora’s hand until they arrived at the barn. He casually let go and continued on into the barn, trying not to look back as she paused. He could hear the humming of her mind as thoughts began to spin, and had to shut down his own mind to prevent himself from hearing what she was thinking. He knew most humans did not know the full extent of night magic, but he still made a mental note to teach her to be more protective of her thoughts.

In the barn he found Leon finishing up with tacking the horses, grumbling the whole time as he did. His own horse Penelope was all ready, and Flora’s Condor was nearly done. Erick noted in approval that Condor was much better behaved than he used to be.

“There you are!” Leon grumbled. “Took ya’ damn well long enough.” Leon continued to gripe as he patted down the horses and made his way over to Erick and Flora. He really is turning into an old curmudgeon. Erick thought with some humour. He kept his face neutral as he addressed the former Beast Master.

“I appreciate your help Master Blaire, and your brief return to your station to assist-” He was cut off by Leon’s barking cough.

“Save the formalities for the court Erick, I’m just doing my job.” Leon waved his hand dismissively. Erick overlooked the offense, and the improper way of speaking to him. There weren’t many around, and he knew that correcting Leon now would only be pointless and petty. Rolling his eyes Erick turned to Flora, who had been quietly waiting this whole time.

Erick didn’t say anything at first, noticing that Flora had clearly been lost in thought and was more than a little worried. It would be so easy to just look in and see what’s on her mind. He knew it was wrong, and shook his head as if to clear the thoughts from his mind.

“We’ll be traveling light, but we’ll make good time.” Erick stated. Flora only nodded as she assessed the horses. He also ran a quick eye over everything, finding it all in place. They carried a few packs and gear in the horse’s saddlebags. The largest pack was tied to the back of Penelope’s saddle, the one tent that they would be bringing. The bed rolls were stored on Condor’s saddle.

Erick could almost hear the question before Flora asked it. “Will this be enough? I mean, I know it’s only the two of us, and we are trying to be careful, I just want to make sure we’ve got it all.” Her voice quieted until it was only a whisper at the end. Erick knew he hadn’t given her a mean look, but his resting face wasn’t necessarily kind.

“We’ll be fine” Was all he told her before he took Penelope from Leon. Leon just gave a tired huff and held out the reins for Flora to take. She grabbed the leather with a quiet thank you and the two left the barn in silence.

“And don’t worry Flora!” Leon called out. “I’ll take care of that mutt for ya’!” Before she could respond Leon turned back and retreated into the barn.

Mounting on his horse, Erick quietly waited for Flora. Being much smaller than him, she had a harder time getting atop a horse without a mounting block. She did manage however, and soon the two were off at an even trot. Erick led Flora out the two gates of the castle grounds and towards their first farm for the Spring Inspection.

Flora sat quietly on Condor for the few hours it took them to leave the sprawling city behind. The country was humming with the buzz of bugs and birds as spring came into full bloom. To Flora it was all background noise, lost in her thoughts as she was.

Maybe he just thought I would need help through the castle halls. Flora thought, her thoughts once again returning to this morning when Erick had held her hand to lead her through the castle. He did look irritated after all. Perhaps I’m just a child in need of guidance. The thought sank like a stone in her stomach. The three years difference of twenty-three and twenty-six shouldn’t have made her feel so young, but somehow it did.

Erick was silent as always, stone faced as he rode just ahead of Flora. He knew the route, and Flora didn’t mind following her king. When her thoughts weren’t buzzing like a beehive, she took a moment to admire him. Not that she thought that much about him, but it was hard not to notice him and the many things about him as they rode through the country together.

The two rode on for most of the day like this, until Erick pulled to a slow stop near a campsite area next to the road. The old embers of a fire, a fence post for tying horses, and trampled grass all showed signs of a well used area. It was close to the middle of the day, and Flora was very glad for what Erick was about to say.

“We should stop to rest and eat, today will be one of our longest rides.” Okay, Flora was excited for the first part of what Erick had to say. She did not enjoy the idea of riding all day, but knew that was just part of the job when so many of the kingdom’s farms were spread out few and far between.

What he did next was more surprising, as both his antlers and small star disappeared as if they were never there. He must have seen the look on Flora’s face because he gave a wry smile before commenting. “It can be easy to spot a dragon by their horns. I’d prefer it if we weren’t seen and immediately recognized while on the road.” The answer was very practical, but still surprised Flora.

“Right, that makes sense.” She quietly replied as she dismounted Condor. Erick simply nodded in agreement as he took out an apple from his saddlebags. Flora did the same, reaching into the saddlebags in front of Condor’s saddle and found her own stash of food. There were plenty of rations from dried meat, to bread, to cheese wrapped in white cloth. Flora grabbed a similar apple as well as a slice of bread and cheese.

The two ate their small portions as the horses quietly grazed, or as much as they could with the bits still in their mouths. Erick still said nothing as he remounted, waiting for Flora to do the same. The two continued down the road as the sun slowly made its way over them and began to dip into the horizon.

How could he go all day in silence like this? How have I managed? I feel like I’ll go mad if we keep up like this the whole time. I guess he really could kill me with boredom. Flora was feeling pretty sunken until they finally came to a stop at another campsite. The sun was low on the horizon by now, the sky deepening in various shades of red.

“We’ll stay here for the night, should be safe enough.” King Erick commented as he got off Penelope and led her to the pence post. Flora followed suit.

“Will the one tent be big enough for the two of us?” Flora suddenly remembered that they had only brought the one, realizing she would be sleeping in the same space as him. Sleeping next to her king. The thought sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn’t tell if it was from fear or arousal. No, I am definitely not thinking of that. Not with the King. Besides, he’s probably still upset with me. The thought put a damper on her spirits as she tied Condor to the post. She couldn’t help but notice the look he gave her, almost quizzical and also curious, but he didn’t say anything. She looked away, her face blooming.

She let King Erick handle the tent while Flora found the small pot and rations of rice in the saddlebags on Condor. Setting them aside, Flora then took to work un-tacking the horses and setting the tack into neat bundles. Looking over her shoulder, she couldn’t help but admire Erick’s strong form as he continued to put up the tent. No, not thinking of that, remember? She scolded herself before returning to the campfire.

Flora struggled to get the fire going, despite having both wood and kindling laid our perfectly. She kept striking the steel and flint but the tiny sparks she produced did nothing to light the fire.

“Here, I’ll do it.” Suddenly Erick’s hands were on hers, taking the flint and steel and using them to start the fire. He got it on the first try, and Flora felt her face light up with embarrassment as she looked away and mumbled a polite thank you. King Erick replied with a soft laugh, a gentle and comforting thing. “Quite alright.” He said, handing the flint and steel back to Flora. She took them and stashed them away before returning to making the small meal. King Erick turned back to pitching the tent, and the two worked in silence.

It wasn’t long before Erick was done, and the rice Flora was cooking had finished. Erick produced two small rice bowls and two pairs of stebkan, or two long sticks used to eat with. Something that had been assimilated into their previously unicorn influenced culture from the dragon clans. These meal sticks weren’t articulately ornate, but were made with a dark wood and smooth finish that paired with the natural deep green of the bowls.

“Thank you.” Erick gestured to the food. “I always appreciate a well cooked meal.” He told her, a small smile with a hint of humour in his eyes.

“It’s just rice?” Flora partially stated, partially asked.

“You’d be surprised how many people can’t cook rice.” His smile broadened and his eyes danced at some memory that Flora was not privy to. Erick took a serving from the small pot and sat down to eat, Flora following just behind him.

“I haven’t actually gotten to thank you yet, for everything.” She said quietly, poking at her food. “Especially for putting up with me.” Her voice was barely a whisper as her heart raced. This was the moment she would find out if he really did want to get rid of her. She looked up when he didn’t answer right away, and saw a mix of emotions on his face.

“Flora, I… I don’t ‘put up’ with you. You’re doing fine.” He told her at last, setting his bowl down as he sat up straighter to address her. “You don’t have to thank me for that or for earning your new job. You earned that, despite what anyone else has to say about it.” Flora’s throat clogged, and she fought back the tears that threatened to fall. To hear such a compliment was one thing, but to hear it from her king meant even more to her than anything in the world.

Erick leaned over to wipe the tears that had broken and rolled down her face, his rough hands gentle on her skin. He gave her a sympathetic look. “I don’t know what else you could really thank me for, but you really did earn it.” He said quietly.

Flora took a steadying breath before continuing. “The clothes were also very nice. I know Esther said it was just part of the process, but the dress really is beautiful.” Her voice was quiet, but surprise lit up his eyes when she finished.

“I don’t remember-” Erick started before he was cut off by a noise nearby. A faint rustling that grew louder, as if something was coming from the woods that bordered the campsite. Condor spooked, pulling at the ropes that tied him to the post. Erick immediately jumped up, and it seemed as if the shadows past the fire grew darker, angrier, as the noise grew louder. Whatever was coming from the woods was large, and it was coming right for them.