Tarot by Marissa Kennerson

Author:Marissa Kennerson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2019-02-19T05:00:00+00:00

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Later that morning, after a breakfast that she barely touched, Anna went to work at the stables, her assigned task for the day. She was surprised to find Daniel there when she arrived. Her first instinct when she saw him was to tell him about the waves that had almost crushed her at the cove just a few hours before. But the power and speed with which the storm came and went had unsettled her, and the idea of broaching the topic with the king of Cups was daunting. She was sure James would tell him anyway.

“Why do you do this job?” Anna asked Daniel, distracting herself from thoughts of her strange morning. “You could have other people take care of the animals.” She couldn’t imagine the Hierophant King caring for his own horse.

Daniel glanced up from the glossy brown steed he was grooming. “I like their energy. If you’re patient enough to bond with an animal, it lasts for life. And the way they communicate is fascinating.” He gently patted the horse. “They say so much with their eyes and their movements.”

Anna was brushing a big white mare with long lashes and dark, serene eyes. The horse’s ears twitched and her tail swished as Anna dragged the brush across her back.

“I also believe physical work keeps you grounded.” Daniel tucked a lock of shoulder-length hair behind his ear.

“But you and Lara have so much responsibility.”

Daniel nodded. “Everyone does. Responsibility should be shared.” Daniel tossed the brush into a nearby bucket. “Ready to ride?”

They saddled up two horses, and Daniel helped Anna climb onto hers.

“Let’s ride over to South Farm today and check on the new crops. We’ll take it slow until you feel more comfortable. She’s a gentle horse, you’ll be all right.”

Anna’s thighs trembled against the horse’s sides. She watched Daniel hop onto his horse with ease.

“We’ll take the path through the jungle over to the other side of the island.”

“Are there parts of Cups you haven’t completely explored?” Anna asked as they began walking the horses. She tried to steady herself on the saddle, but her body rocked forward and backward with every step.

“Topper and I have explored every inch.” Daniel steered his reins to the left and nodded at Anna for her to do the same. “Sit up straight and keep your thighs firm, Anna. You’re doing great.” He gave her a smile of encouragement.

“Did you want to go with him when he left for Pentacles?” Anna asked. If she kept talking she wouldn’t have to think about all the things that could go wrong being up this high on a large animal she didn’t know how to control.

“You’re full of questions,” Daniel said, not unkindly. “Let’s pick up the pace.” He pressed his legs into the horse’s sides, pushing down and forward with his hips. In response, the horse began to trot.

Anna hesitated, holding tight to the reins. Then she mimicked Daniel’s movements and, to her surprise, her horse broke into a light trot.

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