“Your new name is Sally Graye,” Yevgeny instructed the former Prince. “If anyone asks, you are my widowed sister-in-law and I am returning you to my family’s home so you may give birth in safety.” Sally nodded. “Excellent.” Yevgeny helped Sally mount Thunder, then got on his stallion as well. Sally immediately rested her head on Yevgeny’s shoulder and fell asleep.
Yevgeny directed Thunder to get back on the road. Thunder would go slower with two riders, but it would still be faster than a single rider on a non-magical horse. As they galloped down the road, Yevgeny glanced at Sally. Rather than becoming a female version of Prince Jasper, she appeared to have become a human version of the horse Sassy. Her hair was long, black, and silky. Her eyes, which Yevgeny had glimpsed before she fell asleep, were brown instead of gray. She was of an above average height. And her muscles, rather than the bulk Prince Jasper had been known for, were lean, as suited a champion racehorse.
It was a good thing she didn’t look anything like Prince Jasper. For one thing, the red hair would stick out and draw attention; only those of royal or noble blood had red hair. For another, no one would even dream that Sally had any relation to the deposed royal family. But Yevgeny couldn’t help but wonder why this particular transformation had taken place. Was the amulet, which glimmered around Sally’s neck, still keeping a hold on Sally’s form?
Yevgeny shook his head and turned his attention back to the road. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was getting Sally to safety.