Chapter 87: Making a Mess of Things

**Piper**

Eventually, Prince Gregory slowed Venom to a lazy trot, and I did the same with Maggie May. "So? What do you think?" he asked.

"That was the most exhilarating thing I've ever experienced."

"You looked like you were having fun."

"I was," I admitted.

"Let's give the horses a break." He dismounted, then took hold of Venom's reins as if they were a leash.

I followed his lead, and we walked the horses a short distance to a stream that cut through the land. Prince Gregory tied Venom to a nearby tree, giving the animal enough slack to be able to drink from the stream, and then he did the same with Maggie May.

I sat on the grass, propped my hands behind me so I could lean back, then tilted my head up to soak in the sun. Thankfully, there was a slight breeze. The air out here smelled so clean and pure. I inhaled deeply, the scent of fresh cut grass and. . . Wait.

"It's February. Where's all the snow?" I asked, looking around as if the answer would suddenly appear.