The Bed You Make
Chapter 36, concluded
Just outside the paddock, Stefan gave the horse his head. Semyon took complete advantage of that freedom; he flew along the path so quickly that the passing scenery was a blur to Dara. At first she clung so tightly to Stefan that she was surprised he didn't protest. It didn't take long, however, for Dara to realize that despite Semyon's exuberance, Stefan remained in total control of the powerful animal. There was nothing to fear. Well… very little to fear, the lawyer in her asserted.
After a few minutes, Semyon slowed down to a gallop. He wasn't winded; Dara could still feel the coiled power in the muscle and sinew beneath her. She supposed that the horse's excess energy had been burned off by the joyful sprint that Stefan had allowed Semyon to make.
Dara unclasped the arms she had wrapped about Stefan's waist long enough to slide up and tap him on the chest to get his attention. He obliged her by tilting his head back so that he could hear over the sound of Semyon's hoof beats. "That was… amazing!" Dara enthused. Her eyes glistened with excitement. "I was a little afraid at first, but then I realized that you hadn't really let him run free. Well, not completely."
"I would not be so irresponsible as to relinquish control to the horse. Semyon is, at heart, unbroken." Stefan flicked the reins and Semyon slowed to a walk. " You are the only rider beside myself to successfully sit upon his back."
"I am?"
"Yes." Stefan uttered an indecipherable command and the big horse came to a stop. Semyon stood patiently while Stefan threw his leg over the stallion's neck and slid expertly to the ground. He reached up for Dara to follow. Stefan caught Dara as she slid a bit awkwardly from Semyon's broad back. She tried to discreetly stretch out some of the aches in her legs and back. "So none of your stable hands are able to ride him?" Dara asked.
"They are not allowed," Stefan replied. "Semyon belongs solely to me. I see no need to domesticate him while I am an entire continent away. It is enough for now that he has granted me his consent to be ridden."
Dara smiled wryly. "Most people wouldn't attach any significance to that little word you just said. It is enough for now … " She proceeded to do an eerie imitation of Stefan's precise diction. "What happens when that isn't enough for you anymore?"
"Then my will prevails."
