As they neared the stretch of road where Theia had happened upon the pregnant mares, Theia’s ears pricked up, catching the sound of footsteps and hooves. Soon enough, the source of the sounds appeared. Dmitri pulled on Theia’s reins, bringing her to a stop. Theia stomped her hooves and snorted, frustrated that they may have in fact found the mares’ owners. Dmitri stroked her neck.
“Relax, Theia. They may not be the mares’ owners. But whether they are or not, they will have information for us. I recognize my brother Yevgeny leading them.” The blond man at the front of the group of people rode up to Dmitri. Theia eyed the man’s steed, a handsome Witch’s Pony stallion. The stallion eyed her with interest as well. Theia quickly fought back the desire that was swelling up for the stallion. Switching to horse form often resulted in instincts that conflicted with her human mind.
“Dmitri!” the blond man said. He did resemble Dmitri closely, though even more handsome, with piercing blue eyes, a square jaw, broad shoulders, and muscles bulging through his clothes. “I am relieved to find you.”
“What brings you my way, Yevgeny?” Dmitri asked. “I thought you were going to stay at the Palace to keep a royalist presence there.”
“Something more important came up.” Yevgeny frowned at Dmitri. “Did you not get our sister’s letter?”
“I saw something from her in the mail this morning but had not yet had a chance to read it. What did it say?”
“She is in a dire, dangerous situation. She…” Yevgeny suddenly frowned at Theia. “Are you riding a Horse Witch?”
“Yes.”
“The information I have is privileged.”
“Theia can be trusted,” Dmitri said. “She is a royalist through and through.”
“Still, I do not feel comfortable sharing this information with her,” Yevgeny said firmly. “It concerns Prince Jasper.”
“I see,” Dmitri said. “Is that why you have brought some fellow royalists with you?”
“Once we locate Prince Jasper and Anya, they will need protection until they can be escorted to Wind’s Grove,” Yevgeny said. Dmitri nodded.
“I understand. In that case, shall we return to the riding school? We can discuss the contents of Anya’s letter in private.”
“That sounds agreeable.”
Dmitri directed Theia to turn around. The group returned to the riding school. Dmitri dismounted Theia and removed her saddle and reins, instructing her to check on the mares while he spoke with his brother. The brothers then left for the house Dmitri was staying in, while the group of royalists stood around outside, chatting idly.
Theia gladly returned to her human form. If she spent much longer in horse form, her desire for Yevgeny’s stallion would have overwhelmed her, making her present herself to him as a mate. Yevgeny’s stallion continued to eye her with interest, but Theia focused on her beloved riderless mares. They still seemed to be under her charm, greeting her cheerfully when she approached them.