Chapter 45: Complete But Bittersweet

It happened when I was just finishing up a ride on Purity. Talon, the knights, and I had all ridden back through the side gate after a breathtaking ride through the nearby forest. Roe had dashed over to Talon immediately and spoke with such intensity the air stood still. Handing his horse off to a nearby groom, Talon hastened inside, followed quickly by my knights.

I forced my breath to be steady, concentrating on the inhale and exhale each time. I methodically brushed my horse's coat, making sure any sign of dirt or sweat was rubbed away. Refusing to let any groom take over, I waited until Roe came for me.

"Please, let the grooms finish with your horse. Come with me."

"What is it?"

"Please, Talon asks you to come now."