Midnight could feel her due date approaching ever closer by the time she arrived in the Eastern Hills. She was very large around the middle, even more than when she carried Dusk. Though she was slowed down significantly, she carried on, eventually reaching the outskirts of a city. She paused to catch her breath and make her plans. Just then, two riders on horseback approached. To Midnight’s delight, the saddlebags on the horses had the same emblem as the one on her amulet, now horseshoes. They were part of Anya’s family!
She allowed the riders to loop a rope around her and lead her into the city.
“A fine mare,” one of the riders remarked. “I wonder what brings her here?”
“She must have come from one of those noble stables, maybe even the Palace,” the other rider said. “Perhaps she somehow knew this was one of the few remaining enclaves of Royalists.” The riders laughed at the absurdity of a horse knowing something like that. They led Midnight to a regal and well-kept stable next to a fine house that was so large it bordered on being a mansion. Midnight walked into a stall and accepted the water and food they offered her.
“I will send for Lady Anya. If this horse is from the Palace she may know it,” the first rider said. The other rider nodded and began to brush Midnight, removing dirt and twigs from her coat and mane. He next cleaned her hooves, but paused when he saw her horseshoes.
“These are no normal shoes,” he said softly. He looked at Midnight. “You are no normal horse.” Midnight shook her head. “Lady Anya will know what to do with you.” He was done with cleaning and gone to do other chores by the time Anya appeared. It was strange to see her outside of her concubine’s uniform, but the gown she wore still showed off her figure, clinging to her curves and so low-cut her breasts seemed about to escape. She gasped at the sight of Midnight.
“My Prince!” she whispered. Midnight whickered softly. Anya entered the stall and began to inspect Midnight. “Oh, you have been through much.” Midnight nodded. Anya stroked Midnight’s bulging sides. “And you are with foal. That may make removing the spell difficult.”
Midnight sighed. She wondered if that would be the case.
“Nevertheless, I shall try,” Anya said firmly. “If nothing happens, do not worry. It merely means that you must wait to give birth until you can return to your royal self.” Midnight lifted her hooves, allowing Anya to remove each horseshoe. When she reached the last one, Midnight held her breath, anxious as to what would happen.