A shiver ripples through me and I laugh, leaning into his shoulder. “How can you live among such beauty and not be awestruck by it?”
“Perhaps”—he leans in close, brushing his lips against my cheekbone—“because I have seen something of far greater beauty.”
I flush and lean into his touch.
I’m going to be sick.
His lips are soft as they explore my neck. I laugh and pull away, rubbing at the spot where he touched the sensitive skin near my ear. “I thought we were taking a tour of your home.”
“There is time for that later.” His voice has deepened, growing hoarse. I can feel the pressure against my back increase as he leans in closer.
I hear a whinny from nearby and rise up. “Is that a horse? Do you have those here?”
Aloysius offers me a tight smile along with his hand. “I suppose a tour is what I promised. Let me show you.”
He leads me down a winding path through a dense patch of weeping trees. Nestled inside is a large white wooden building, filled with row after row of stalls. The animals within the stalls remind me of the horses I’ve seen back on Earth, but these animals look more like a fairytale creature.
Large, flowing wings unfold by their sides as they stomp their black hoofs into the ground. The shiny silver animal nearest to me has a mane as dark as night, braided with sparkling silver and purple threads. Its back is adorned with a beautiful hand-woven blanket. The rest of the animal is a match to a horse in every way.
“What are these animals called?” It nuzzles against my hand, sniffing in search of a treat.
Aloysius reaches into a bag that hangs from the stall door and hands me a bright-purple fruit, its skin glossy and cool to the touch. “This is an Inara. They are found only on Calisted and our surrounding moons. We have searched the stars and never come across another creature like these. I named my ship after them.” I turn to look at him, confused. “Pegasus, from Greek mythology.”
I glance back at the animal. “I never heard of that before.”
“Really?” He reaches out and pets the animal as I feed it the fruit. Warm juices run over my fingers as it bites through half of it and the returns for the rest. “I suppose there is much I could tell you about Earth.”
I smile and twirl my fingers through the Inara’s hair. “I would like that.”
“Would you like to take a ride with me tomorrow? I know a perfect place that we could go.” His gaze shifts down the long row of stalls and he smiles as he takes my hand in his, ignoring the sticky residue of the fruit. “Pick any one and it is yours.”
“Really?” My eyes widen with wonder. “May I have this one, then?”
Boy, he sure knows how to lay it on thick.
My future husband laughs, nodding in consent. “I had thought she might be your first choice. Her name is Edana, which means fire. I think the two of you will get along just fine.”
“Hello, Edana,” I coo, pressing my hand to her nose. “I know we will be the best of friends.”
“Tomorrow we will meet after breakfast. You will love the beach. The oceans are quite spectacular and the view… Well, you’ll have to see it to understand.”
I arrive at the stables early, hoping to surprise Aloysius. Secretly, I want to spend some time by myself with Edana. She is beautiful in the sunlight, her coat sparkling like a multi-faceted precious stone.
She is soft as silk and warm beneath the dappled sunlight. The sound of hooves catches my attention, and I glance up to see Aloysius approaching, already in his saddle. His mount is strong and nearly a hand taller than Edana. Muscle ripples beneath a sheen of black. “He is beautiful, my king,” I gush, forgetting to use his name as I rush forward to stroke him.
Aloysius fondly pats his mount’s flank. “This is Eron. His name means mountain of strength.”
“I can see why,” I laugh, stepping away. “He suits you well, my king.”
“Darling, please call me Aloysius.”
I grimace, realizing my mistake. “I’m sorry. It just seems so informal and I barely know you.”
He reaches down and brushes his hand along my cheek. “You will know me better than any woman has before. Come. Let’s ride.”
I whoop with glee as I swing up into Edana’s saddle, amazed at how natural it feels. I gallop behind Aloysius, using what little instruction he gave me the night before to steer. In all fairness, Edana does all of the work. I’m merely along for the ride.
After ten minutes at a hard gallop, we reach the far wall. At the sound of our approach, the gate begins to swing open and we race through without slowing. Trees line the dirt path, blurring past as I feel the strength and agility of Edana between my legs. My dress billows around me, flapping wildly in the wind.