The following day, Alex and William agreed to meet in the courtyard in front of the stables, both ready to depart.

The hunting ground was half a day's ride from the royal palace, and they would set out without an escort. By order of the king, the prince was to travel incognito to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

"Your Highness." Sven approached him, holding a sword he had retrieved from the armory. "Please be careful."

Alex took the weapon and tucked it into his belt. "We'll manage, I think."

Sven looked down. "You still have time to take me with you."

"Disobeying my father's orders? Absolutely not."

"I'm serious, Your Highness."

"Me too." Alex smiled at him. "Everything will be fine, but be ready for anything. If there's trouble, I'll find a way to let you know."

Sven nodded. Alex stroked Tempest's neck, and the horse neighed. The stallion seemed eager to stretch his legs and get going.

"How's the situation on the roads?"

"Fairly calm around the capital. The northern provinces are plagued by bandits. They target caravans, and some merchants say the attackers are foreigners. People from Xia."

"Sounds like a convenient excuse."

"I think so too. Someone might want to undermine Vellara's diplomatic position."

Alex sighed and tightened the girth. The last thing he wanted was to fall in front of the mage.

"The mage has arrived," Sven murmured.

William approached with his usual detached expression. He wore a doublet and a pair of riding pants with boots, and his long black hair was tied in a braid.

Alex flinched. He was striking, with the small beauty mark under his eye and that sharp gaze of his. "You're… good."

"I thought these clothes would be more suitable for riding. Was I wrong?"

"No, you chose well. I was just surprised."

The mage nodded, slung his bag over his shoulder, and shot a doubtful look at the mare the stable hand had prepared for him.

"Do I get up there?"

"Yes. Can you ride?"

"No, but I suppose it won't be too difficult."

Alex suppressed a smile and gestured to the animal. "Give it a try."

William furrowed his brow, placed a hand on the saddle, and tried to hoist himself up. The mare shifted. He followed her movement and tried again, without success.

"Put your foot in the stirrup!" called Alex, grinning.

Sven shook his head. "Your Highness, you shouldn't tease him."

William shot the prince a glare and tried again. The mare sidestepped suddenly, and the mage fell to the ground with his foot stuck in the stirrup.

Alex burst out laughing. "By the spirits, you're unbelievable!"

"Stop it!" snapped William.

The prince felt a pang of guilt and stopped laughing. The mage looked truly uncomfortable; maybe he had gone too far. He stepped closer, freed William's trapped foot, and offered a hand.

"I didn't mean to tease you. Are you hurt?"

William looked away, ignored the hand, and got up, brushing off his clothes. "I'm fine."

Alex let his arm drop and felt like a complete idiot. The mage had made it clear he didn't want to be touched, but the prince had forgotten again.

He scratched the back of his neck. "I'll have a mounting block brought over."

"I can manage on my own if you explain it to me."

Alex sighed and showed him how to get onto the horse. William listened carefully and followed his instructions without batting an eye.

On the third try, he managed to mount and dismount on his own. He'd even gotten the hang of guiding the horse.

Alex had to admit he was capable. Not only was he excellent at irritating important people, but he also learned quickly. The mage was something of a genius. And that made him feel even more inept.

Once William got used to the mare, Alex mounted, and the two set off on their journey.

The day was perfect for riding. The sun warmed Alex's skin, lifting his spirits.

If he had been alone, he would have urged Tempest into a gallop and let himself be carried by the rhythm of his hooves and the wind through his hair. He would have savored that fleeting sense of flight.

But unfortunately, he wasn't alone.

He glanced over his shoulder. “How’s it going?”

William looked away. “Fine.”

“That mare has a good temperament; she shouldn’t give you trouble.”

“Yours seems unruly.”

“Tempest is very stubborn.” Alex smirked. “Just like you.”

The mage pressed his lips together and didn’t reply.

“Where’s your familiar?” asked Alex.

“In my grimoire.”

“And the grimoire?”

“In my bag.”

Alex bit his lip and held back a sharp retort. The mage was exasperating even in a normal conversation.

That mission had not gotten off to the best start.