The Borderlands Princess: Book 1 of the Stone Circle Series by Ophelia Wells Langley

Author:Ophelia Wells Langley [Langley, Ophelia Wells]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798986297330
Publisher: OWL Publications LLC
Published: 2022-11-28T05:00:00+00:00

I reach down to pat Doone’s mane, crooning Geannie’s lullaby quietly into her ears to soothe her. Tristan walks around us, checking the straps and then adjusts the stirrups.

In a low voice, he says, “Careful, Princess. Doone needs a wide berth while riding, she is only familiar with one other horse here.”

I nod curtly, fully aware that eyes and ears are on me. “Thank you for the adjustment, Tristan.”

He nods and backs away, walking back to the stables. Two of the king’s guards in plain clothing saddle up, their swords the only indication that they are here for our protection.

The king sits, adjusting in his saddle. “I keep forgetting how uncomfortable it is to ride a horse.”

“Oh?” I ask, almost adding that I know about portal magic, but I think better of it and keep my mouth shut.

“Yes, we Fae have other means of travel.” He says. “Though it will feel nice to get out of the grounds.”

“It is a beautiful day,” I say. Then, adding innocently, I ask, “What other means of travel do the Fae have, Your Highness?”

“Ah, well. Perhaps it is something I should show you one day. It might be too much of a shock since you have never seen magic in practice before.”

“Very wise, sir.” One of his guards pipes in, eyeing me as he brings his horse up to mine.

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Rhys.”

The guard nods, “Apologies, Your Highness.”

“Fall in,” The King shouts at the guards and he clicks his tongue, leading his horse through the gates.

I kick Doone and follow in the king’s path. We wend our way through parts of the Northern Forest; the king adding commentary to certain place markers as we canter under towering trees and criss-cross over small streams. We turn southward, exiting the woods and start descending along a narrow path cut into the bluff. Though I keep expecting Doone to spook since we are between the king and the guards, she navigates us downhill with ease, and I wonder if Tristan knows horses as well as he thinks he does.

I glance up a few times, awestruck at the view from this height. Patchwork farmlands, clusters of homes, and minor roads webbing between them. Pastoral calm permeates my vision and I take a deep breath, feeling only a slight pain in my ribs. How can there be violent Fae with a life like this?

We switchback down the bluff, nearing the end and I dare a glance up, shocked that we rode down such a steep trail in such a short time. The castle walls tower above, a looming fortress to any who reach the bottom of this cliff.

The king waits until Doone pulls up to his flank. He turns to me, asking, “Impressive, isn’t it?”

“Very much so, Your Highness. The views from up there, though, are absolutely incredible.”

He nods. “I’m pleased you know how to ride. My sister used to love to ride in the afternoons through the countryside. She’d say it has the best light for…” His voice fades, eyes clouding over as he looks in the distance.

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