Chapter Seventeen

They’d done it. They’d really done it. He and Apollo had won. Already people were begging for Apollo’s offspring. But some of Colton’s excitement was dimmed by the chance Sebastian might still be keeping that light-trousers Eugene Collis as his paramour.

If Colton hadn’t known they’d been lovers in the past and seen them talking today, he might’ve discounted it. But he couldn’t erase the uncertainty from his mind. It gnawed at his heart and ego. Sometimes he could almost think Sebastian cared for him, and other times, like now, gaining Sebastian’s love seemed hopeless. First, there was the Regelence birthmark on his thigh, then his upbringing and now this. How many other things was Sebastian hiding from him? How could Colton get Sebastian to open up?

“I thought we’d celebrate your victory.”

Colton turned.

Sebastian walked into the study with a bottle, two glasses and a corkscrew. “We needed something special to toast your win.” He held up the bottle. “A thirty-six-year-old Bordeaux, reputed to be the best.” He grinned. “And it better be for the price.”

So that’s where he’d gone, to get wine. Colton breathed a sigh of relief, but what came out of his mouth was, “Is Eugene Collis still your lover?”

Sebastian froze.

Biting his lip, Colton sat in the chair in front of the fireplace. He wasn’t sure he wanted the answer to his question, but he wouldn’t take it back. He’d never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and he wouldn’t do so now. The fact that a lot of husbands kept lovers, and he and Sebastian didn’t have a prior arrangement that they wouldn’t, did not lend him comfort. Colton wanted a marriage like his parents. Maybe he wanted too much.

“You saw me talking to him.”

Colton nodded.

“I’m sorry, Colton. I tried to avoid him, but he followed me.” Sebastian crossed to the mantel and set the bottle, corkscrew and glasses on it. He stepped in front of Colton and extended a hand. The wedding band on his finger glimmered in the firelight. His hand was steady as though he had nothing to hide.

At first Colton just stared into Sebastian’s dark blue eyes. “I saw you two together in Crestview’s garden the night of the ball.” Reluctantly, Colton took Sebastian’s hand and waited for the bad news to come.

Groaning, Sebastian pulled Colton to his feet. Sebastian cupped Colton’s jaw, ran his thumb over Colton’s cheek and smiled softly. “Eugene has not been my lover since that night. I broke things off with him the next day.” Sebastian’s gaze drifted to Colton’s lips. “The day I first kissed you. I haven’t been able to get you out of my head since then.” He feathered a kiss across Colton’s lips. “Last night when I went to find Benny with Rourke and Julian, Eugene was there and came on rather strong. I rebuffed him. This morning, Eugene sought me out to apologize. That was all there was to it. I’ve no interest in Eugene Collis or any other paramour. I’ve got something much better right here.” Sebastian’s steady gaze gave no doubts to what that something was.

Colton wrapped his hands around the back of Sebastian’s neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Sweeping his tongue inside his consort’s mouth, Colton poured every ounce of feeling into the kiss.

The fire crackled and painted the room in a warm glow. The dark curtains blocked out all other light. There was nothing but the two of them. No race, no paramour, no castle security or missing admiral…just them.

“You can trust me, love,” Sebastian whispered against his lips. “I don’t want anyone else. There will be no more paramours.”

Colton melted. This was more than he’d hoped for. He was making progress. One secret at a time. Sebastian may not be willing to open up about his childhood and upbringing yet, but at least he was willing to commit to their relationship. It was a start.

Colton’s mind quickly went to lust. Maybe it was the idea of eventually gaining Sebastian’s love. Whatever it was, need burned inside Colton. His cock filled. He wanted Sebastian now. Colton fumbled with the falls on Sebastian’s trousers until he got them open and shoved down the linen blocking his view.

Sebastian chuckled. “In a hurry, sweeting?” He cupped Colton through his pants.

Ah. Bucking into Sebastian’s hand, Colton gripped the lovely dick in front of him. It wasn’t hard yet but well on its way. He wanted it in his mouth. Could practically imagine the velvety softness against his lips. Tearing off his cravat, he got to his knees. He wanted to explore. To be inside Sebastian again. Colton wanted…everything. “Lay down.”

“Oh. Feeling rather dominant today, are you?” Sinking to his knees in front of the fireplace, Sebastian smirked at Colton.

He supposed he was. He had this overwhelming desire to claim and conquer. It must be leftover adrenaline from the race and his suspicions about Eugene Collis coursing through his veins.

“Does it bother you?” he asked.

“Not one bit.” Sebastian lay down on his side and propped his head on his hand. His cock was hard now. The way he lay there so casually with everything covered but his privates was exhilarating. It sent Colton’s adrenaline rush a bit higher and made Colton’s cock harder. Colton had to touch some more. Stake his claim.

Gripping Sebastian’s dick, Colton stroked how he himself liked. He loved the feel of Sebastian in his hand. So thick. It was strange feeling the sensations in his hand rather than his cock. Colton could practically feel what Sebastian was feeling.

Sebastian groaned and closed his eyes. Colton loved how Sebastian not only let Colton do as he wished but reveled in it.

He eased onto his side with his feet toward Sebastian’s head and closed his lips over the tip of Sebastian’s cock.

A shudder undulated through Sebastian’s body. “Oh galaxy, that feels wonderful.”

Using his hand as he had the first time he’d done this, Colton pleasured his consort. He wanted Sebastian to come before Colton took him. Colton wanted him squirming with desire, as he always seemed to make Colton do.

A caress brushed across his crotch. Just the barest touch. His breeches sawed against his erection a few times then cool air touched him. Colton glanced down as Sebastian pulled Colton’s prick through the hole in his smallclothes. Oh galaxy, yes. Please.

Even though Colton wanted it, expected it even, there were no words for the ecstasy that slithered through him as Sebastian sucked Colton’s cock. Anticipation of the next caress sizzled in Colton’s belly. If Colton didn’t concentrate on something else, he’d never make himself last until he was inside his consort’s amazing arse.

Focusing on fulfilling his husband, Colton tightened his grip on each upstroke when his mouth held only the head. He gathered more and more saliva, easing his hand’s way. Except… Stupid shirt. The billowy sleeve kept getting in the way, absorbing the moisture where it touched. He sat up, dispatched of his waistcoat and shirt. Resuming his position, he took Sebastian in hand again. A tiny bead of precome seeped from the slit, beckoning Colton to continue.

Swiping his tongue across the tip, he gently squeezed Sebastian’s testicles.

Sebastian moaned around Colton’s cock, gripped Colton’s hip and held him steady. Sebastian set to work at the same time Colton did. Together they licked, sucked and caressed one another.

It wasn’t long until Colton had Sebastian pulsing his hips back and forth. Colton had already learned Sebastian’s signs. He was close. Colton felt the thread of tension flow through Sebastian’s body. His thrusts became smaller, choppier. Sebastian worked his mouth and hand harder, quicker, with more pressure.

Colton tapped Sebastian on the hip but didn’t release his cock. Wait. Stop. Please. I don’t want to— Come filled his mouth and his own climax neared. He jerked his hips backward, trying to get away from the intense pleasure, but it was too late. He’d passed the point of no return. As Sebastian’s legs relaxed and his movements became less forceful, he grabbed Colton’s cock.

Colton came, moaning around his husband’s dick.

Sebastian’s hand slid over him and milked him dry.

Colton collapsed, letting go of Sebastian. Colton wrapped his arm around Sebastian’s thigh and rested his head against Sebastian’s trouser-covered hip. Mashing his cheek against the warm, wet column of flesh he’d just released, Colton sighed.

A tongue swiped over the head of his cock and a chuckle drifted down to him. Sebastian patted Colton’s bottom and sat up.

Blinking his eyes open, Colton yawned. “That wasn’t exactly what I planned but it was rather—” He burst into laughter.

Sebastian’s dark blue waistcoat was no longer pristine. A glob of semen ran down the right side. There was a wet spot on his shirt as well.

“Oh. I’m so sorry. I tried to warn you.”

Sebastian chuckled and pushed himself to his feet. “Think nothing of it. Why don’t you get dressed while I go clean up, and we’ll uncork the wine. We still have to celebrate.”

Rolling to his back, Colton stretched his arms over his head.

“Mmm… We’ll try that again after we’ve had some wine.” Sebastian’s gaze skimmed Colton’s chest as Sebastian tucked himself back in his trousers. He stood there several seconds just looking his fill, with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face.

Colton smiled and pushed himself onto his elbows. His whole body flushed, and his cock tried to perk up again but couldn’t quite manage. Mentally, though, he was raring to go another round. He was quickly becoming addicted to this kind of attention. Perhaps he was easy after all. Who knew?

“Tempting as you are, you’ll have to wait a bit.” Sebastian held out his hand.

Taking the assist, Colton stood. He nuzzled his face into the crook of Sebastian’s neck, cursing the cravat but enjoying the scent all the same.

Sebastian lifted Colton’s chin and stared at him for several long seconds. His gaze touched everywhere. Sebastian kissed Colton on the lips. “I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be right here. Waiting.”

As Sebastian used the tiny washroom attached to his study, Colton pulled his shirt over his head and tied the laces at the throat. There was no hope for his cravat, so he tossed it on the chair along with his morning coat and waistcoat. It was not unheard of for men to walk around in shirtsleeves in their own homes, especially when no unmarried men or ladies were present. He tucked in his shirt and fastened the falls on his trousers. Just as he stuck his foot in his boot, Berkley spoke.

“Your Highness, one of the royal guards is here with a message for Lord Wentworth. Shall I send him in?”

“Yes, Berkley, send him in.” Colton hurried into his other boot. Goodness, he was too sated to move that fast. It made his head spin.

The door opened and one of the guards, Peterson, walked in. He wore plain clothes instead of his uniform. He bowed to Colton. “Your Highness.”

“Hello, Peterson.”

Peterson smiled and glanced around the room. “I’ve a message for the captain. Is he available?” In his hand, he held a vellum note folded over with a purple wax seal.

Colton held out his hand. “I’ll see that he gets it.”

Peterson hesitated and his forehead wrinkled.

Stepping forward, Colton chuckled. “Really, Peterson, I’m quite trustworthy. I’ve no intention of harming the royal family. You can trust me. I’ll see to it that Wentworth gets it immediately.”

“Right you are, Your Highness.” Peterson grinned and handed the card to Colton. “The captain is expecting that.” He bowed and took his leave.

The door closed and Colton shook his head, giving in to another chuckle. Really, did Peterson think Colton couldn’t be trusted with royal secrets? Flipping the card over, he headed to the desk. He didn’t recognize the seal. Hmm… He squished the card to form an oval without busting the seal. He held it up to the light. There was only a short sentence written in an elegant scrawl.

I’ll meet you in the alley beside Gunter’s on Dublin Lane tomorrow at eleven in the afternoon. No signature.

Colton let the note card go back to its normal shape and studied the purple seal again. It had only a peacock. No coat of arms. No initials.

Tossing the card on Sebastian’s desk, Colton turned toward the fireplace. Who was that from? Eugene? Colton groaned, went to the mantel and retrieved the wine and glasses. He was being silly. Sebastian had told him nothing existed between him and Eugene, and Colton believed him.

Still, a little seed of doubt tried to wiggle its way into his head. He glanced back at the desk. The note lay there like an elephant in the room. Should he ask Sebastian what it was about?

Colton shook off his unease and peeled the foil off the top of the wine’s cork. Using the corkscrew, Colton popped the top on the wine.

He had two victories to celebrate. One, his winning the race. Two, he’d made a step in the right direction with his husband. They were getting closer, he was sure of it.

Arms wrapped around his waist as he poured the first glass.

Sebastian nipped his earlobe. “Pour me one too, sweeting.”

“Mmmm…” Colton snuggled back into the embrace. Yes, he’d definitely made headway with Sebastian today. The note was probably in regards to Admiral Jenkins. Colton was going to trust his husband, and maybe his husband would trust him in return.

 

 

Dogwood House, Viscount Leith’s residence, in Classige, Pruluce.

 

The icy wind whipped through the alley next to Dogwood House, the Viscount of Leith’s townhouse, cutting right through the black fatigues Sebastian wore. He hefted himself over the stone wall and onto the viscount’s side lawn. Backing into the English ivy along the wall, he surveyed the place from his hiding spot.

It had been years since he’d seen the place, and there was a weird nostalgia in seeing it now. As a boy, he’d always loved the surrounding dogwoods from which the house got its name. In spring their white flowers looked like tufts of cotton candy. Now in the dead of winter they were bare, giving the yard a sinister appeal and lots of eerie shadows to hide in. It still smelled of pollen and fresh dirt, though he was certain it was his imagination. Who could smell those things under a blanket of snow?

Sebastian fingered the device in his pocket that made him invisible to the house computer. He had a mission to accomplish and not much time. He didn’t want to chance Colton waking and finding him gone.

The information Rourke had collected this afternoon placed Plume’s bedroom as the third balcony on the right at the back of the house.

Using the rain gutter, Sebastian climbed to the terrace and pulled himself up and over the railing. After taking the computerized lock pick from his belt, he opened the door and entered Plume’s room.

It was dark, but he’d always had good night vision. He closed the door behind him and studied the room. It looked like most other young buck’s. Large canopy bed, with curtains, a couple of chairs, a dressing table and an escritoire with a compuscreen on top.

Situating himself next to the door, Sebastian waited. It had been oh three hundred hours when he’d left Colton in bed sound asleep, exhausted from too much wine and hard lovemaking. Plume should be back any time now according to the intel Rourke and Julian had collected this afternoon. Plume didn’t use a valet to undress, no worries there, and he never brought men home. He kept a paramour in a nice little house on Broad Street whom he visited on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Today was Monday.

Sebastian didn’t want to be here, but Plume had left him with no choice. He’d tried to harm Colton, which put Sebastian between a rock and a hard place. Threats were one thing, but the cut girth had been another entirely. Sebastian didn’t want to chance Plume disclosing what he knew about Sebastian, but the threat to Colton’s life couldn’t be ignored. If Sebastian had to lose Colton, it would be because Colton didn’t want to be with him, not because Colton was dead.

Sebastian would use any means to assure Colton’s safety. Including erasing the threat permanently. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d killed someone, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

Outside, the wind blew, rattling the windows. A creak sounded in the corridor. Sebastian extracted his knife from its sheath and lowered it to his side. The old house had the same feel as it did when he’d lived here. Upstairs in the servants’ quarters you could hear everything. Sounds and smells seemed to seep through the walls and bare floors.

On missions he never used to mind the waiting, but now he wanted to be back home with Colton, snuggled up in bed. Rourke had offered to do this, but Sebastian had to do it himself. He wanted Plume to fear him.

The doorknob rattled and turned. The door opened and closed. Plume stopped inside the door and began stripping off his evening coat. He tossed it on the end of the bed and unfastened his waistcoat. It too landed on the bed along with his cravat. He reached for his cuffs, and Sebastian made his move.

Slapping a hand over Plume’s mouth, Sebastian touched the tip of the knife to Plume’s throat and whispered in his ear, “Not a sound or I’ll slit your throat before you get it all out. Do you understand?”

Plume tensed and clutched Sebastian’s forearm. Plume’s head bobbed frantically, and he swallowed hard.

“Listen and listen carefully because I will not say this again. Next time I’ll simply kill you. And I think I’ve aptly demonstrated I can do so easily, and you’ll never know what happened.”

A slight tremor shook Plume.

“Stay away from Colton. Don’t even speak his name. If he happens down the same sidewalk as you, you best cross the street. If he attends a ball you’re at, you’ll leave. If any rumors circulate about him, or me—anything that could harm him—you’ll never see it coming. Is that clear?”

Plume nodded.

“Good.”

 

 

January 19, 4811: Downtown Classige, Pruluce.

 

“Are you excited?”

Colton couldn’t contain his smile. Glancing over at Rexley, Colton held up his finger and thumb an inch apart. He had Apollo licensed and Apollonia listed in the breeding resister. Of course he was excited. Apollonia didn’t even try to eat the swab when they did her DNA testing.

Too bad Sebastian had had an appointment this morning. He hadn’t told Colton what it was like he had hoped Sebastian would, but he hadn’t acted like it was a big deal.

They turned on Griff Street toward the middle of downtown. The toy shop Muffin wanted to go to was several miles from the Jockey Club headquarters where they’d met with the race commissioner.

Rexley chuckled. “Now are you going to find a jockey for him?”

“I need to, yes. I really should be riding Dazz instead of him, but I cannot give him up to racing entirely. He’d be miserable.” And so would Colton. “I’ve been thinking. Last night Wentworth came up with an idea. He suggested getting Brooks to jockey. I’d considered it briefly myself yesterday when thinking about her weight in comparison to mine. What do you think?”

“I wanna be Apollo’s jockey. I’m little.” Muffin, who was sitting astride Belle in front of Rexley, beamed at Colton.

Rexley ignored her. “I think the idea has merit. Have you talked to Brooks about it?”

Muffin leaned to the side, making Rexley have to grip her waist, and glanced back to where Apollonia was tethered to Apollo’s saddle by her halter. “Why can’t I ride Nia now?” She’d been fussing about having to ride with Rexley since they left the commissioner’s office some fifteen minutes ago.

“Apollonia hasn’t been taught to wear a saddle yet. She’s still a bit too young,” Colton tried to reason. To Rexley he said, “Not yet. I intend to speak to Brooks when we return.”

Muffin groaned. “I can ride her without a saddle. You ride Apollo like that sometimes.”

“Colton is an experienced rider. You’re a beginner.”

“Bollocks.” Muffin folded her arms over her chest and huffed out a breath.

Colton bit his lip to keep from laughing.

“Melanie Pricilla Townsend.” Rexley caught her chin and forced her to look at him. “Where did you hear that?”

“Jeremy.”

Rexley’s lip twitched. “Do not say that again. I’ll have a word with Jeremy when we return.” He released Muffin’s face and rolled his eyes after she turned back to the front.

“I won’t say it anymore, but can I please be a jockey?” She wrung her hands together and fluttered her lashes. “I’d be really good at it.”

Hmmm…

Rexley raised both his brows, lowered his chin and peered up at Colton. “No.”

“She’s a good little rider and with some work—”

Muffin clapped her hands and bounced in the saddle. “Yay!”

Rexley sighed. “I’m not going to win this, am I?”

“No reason we cannot train her to be a jockey if she wants to. There’s nothing saying we have to put her in races. She may not even be small enough when she’s actually old enough to race.” Colton shrugged. He suspected she would be plenty small enough. She was small for her age. Regardless, she’d be an asset if she stuck with it. She could help with training. “If she really wants to learn, I’m willing to teach her. Just imagine if Father and Cony had refused to let me learn to ride when I first showed an interest. I was much younger than the rest of you and younger than she is now.”

“Fine. You may teach her, but only after her studies are finished.”

“Yes.” She clapped again and did a little side-to-side thing with her head, making her red curls sway. “Can we go home and practice now?”

“I thought you wanted to go to the toy shop?” Rexley smirked.

“Oh yeah.”

Rexley glanced at Colton. “Are you sure you don’t mind going to the shop with us?”

“Not at all.” He’d needed Belle present for Apollonia’s DNA test. Accompanying his brother and niece on an unexpected trip to get toys after the test was a small price to pay, even if it was way across town. Oh who was he kidding? He’d jumped at the chance to come to this part of town, knowing Sebastian would be having his meeting nearby.

They passed Dublin Lane, and Colton craned his head to see down it. Was Sebastian there now? Waiting? Blast it all. He’d promised himself he was not going to worry about what his consort was doing, but his stomach almost ached with the doubt. What if Sebastian was meeting Eugene?

“So tell me, how did it feel to win that race yesterday? The video was splendid. I wish I could’ve been there in person.” Rexley steered Belle down the next street over from Dublin Lane, Dyson Street, toward the toy shop.

“It was fantastic.” It made Colton wish he was a lot smaller so he could race professionally.

They reached the toy shop and pulled their horses to a stop. He was so close to Gunter’s. It was only a block up and a street over. Maybe he’d just take a peek to reassure himself. Colton glanced back at their new guard, Benny, and one of the old guards. He seemed nice enough, but he was not as friendly as Knighton or Julian. Still, he was a friend of Sebastian’s. “I think I’m going to stay out here and wait for them.”

Benny frowned. “Begging yer pardon, Yer Highness, but wouldna ya rather go inside? I’ll accompany all of ya, and Loring here can watch the horses.” He and Loring got off their horses and pulled the reins forward.

“No thanks. Go ahead and go with Rexley and Muffin. I’ll stay here with Loring and help him with the horses.” Apollonia was already getting restless. He tugged her tow rope until she sidled up next to her father. Colton rubbed her ears and smiled at Sebastian’s old teammate.

Poor Benny’s expression was pained, but before he could argue Rexley came to the rescue. “It’s quite all right. We won’t be long. You can wait inside the door so you are able to keep an eye on us and Colton. I’m sure Wentworth wouldn’t mind.” Rexley handed Muffin to Loring and dismounted. Rexley winked at Colton and caught Muffin’s hand. “Come along,” he said to Benny and strolled to the shop door.

Benny grimaced and glanced at the uniformed guard. They did a silent-communication thing with their eyes, and Benny followed Rexley and Muffin.

Colton would’ve laughed if he didn’t think it would get back to Sebastian. No one argued with Rexley. Well, no one not related to him anyway. Although Colton suspected Rourke would’ve vetoed them. Julian would’ve charmed them into doing his bidding, but poor Benny was outmaneuvered. Learning that enemy combatants were no match for the royal family must not be easy to digest because the man looked as though he were stricken with indigestion.

Loring, who’d been on staff for several years, chuckled. “You do know, my lord, that he’s going to report back to your consort, don’t you?”

Apollonia nipped at Colton’s thigh.

Colton tapped her on the nose. “Quite all right, Loring. I like you too well to leave you out here alone with my little hoyden here.”

“Thank you.” Loring blanched. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

Colton threw his leg over Apollo’s head and slid out of the saddle. He landed in between Father and daughter, handed Apollo’s reins to Loring and unhooked Apollonia’s rope from Apollo’s saddle. “I’m going to walk Apollonia to the end of the block to that alley up there…” Colton pointed his finger, “…and back.”

Leading Apollonia behind him, Colton started to walk.

“Your Highness?” Loring cleared his throat. “Is that a good idea?”

“I won’t be out of your sight, Loring.” Colton walked down the street next to the sidewalk. Gunter’s backed up to the building on the next corner.

A man and a woman drove by in a curricle. Couples strolled arm in arm along the sidewalk on Dyson Street. Colton tugged his hat down lower over his eyes to block the sun. It was bright out today and only 15 C. A wonderful day for a stroll. Yeah right. He really didn’t believe Sebastian was engaging in an illicit encounter, so it wasn’t spying, was it? It probably was something to do with the admiral. And if it were dangerous, Sebastian would have taken backup, right?

A lift turned down the alley in front of Colton. Apollonia stepped on the back of Colton’s boots, making him stumble.

“Knock it off, pest. We’re not going to go any faster than we already are.”

She blew out her mouth at him.

He tugged Apollonia up onto the sidewalk. “Beg your pardon.” Colton nodded at a nanny pushing a buggy. A group of men dodged Apollonia’s swinging tail. “Excuse us.”

Someone called out a rude comment about horses on sidewalks, but Colton ignored it. He got to the corner and peeked around it.

Apollonia peered over his shoulder.

Sebastian was not in the alley, but there was a man standing in the alleyway with one hand on his hip. He gestured wildly with the other, obviously talking to someone, but the other person stood behind the building.

The man Colton could see was in profile. He had a classically handsome face. He even looked familiar, but Colton couldn’t place him. He definitely wasn’t Eugene Collis. But his expensive many-caped greatcoat and gray beaver hat screamed peer.

Colton huffed out a breath of relief. He’d known it wasn’t Eugene, and it certainly didn’t look to be romantic in nature.

Sebastian came into view. Even from here, Colton could see the anger in his expression.

Apollonia whinnied.

“Shh…” Colton turned and pushed at her chest, making her move back. Interesting. The lift had a crest with a peacock on it. The peacock’s tail was fanned out, and he had snake clutched in his talons. So the seal on the letter had been a variation of this man’s crest.

Apollonia whinnied again, and horse slobber landed on the sidewalk by Colton’s feet. Guh. He shoved her back.

From the far end of the alley came an answering whinny.

Colton froze with his hands on Apollonia’s chest. He turned back to the lane. A black horse stood near the entryway at the other end. Blast. Max had noticed them.

Colton gasped and ducked back around the wall. He took another quick peek. Sebastian hadn’t seen him. No matter, when Colton got home, he was going to confess and beg his consort’s forgiveness. He was also going to find out what all of that was about.

“Colton?”

Colton met Rexley’s gaze. “All done?”

“Yes. She bought another toy horse.” He grinned. “She’s going to drive you insane about training her.” He started walking back to the horses, their guards and Muffin, who was already seated on Belle with her toy horse in hand.

Colton led Apollonia back to the others. “Rexley, whose crest has a peacock with a snake hanging from its right foot on it?”

Rexley pursed his lips.

They both mounted their horses in silence and turned homeward bound. Colton fastened Apollonia back to Apollo’s saddle, and Rexley situated Muffin in front of him.

“Look, Colton.” Muffin held up her toy. “She looks like Nia. That’s what I’m going to name her.”

Frowning, Rexley said, “I believe the crest belongs to Viscount Leith, Barnaby Plume’s father.”