Olga hesitated, but one of the other Horse Witches answered for her. "We needed to make sure Iris was dominated and would not cause problems for us in the future."
Mikhail whinnied at this response. Olga seemed equally aghast, although Mikhail suspected she was already aware and was simply shocked that her associate would say the truth out loud. Stomping a hoof, Mikhail demanded, "Do you mean to treat us like enemies, then?"
The Horse Witch snorted. "Save your outrage, Lord Copperstone. Do you think that we have forgotten how Wind's Grove opposed us before we forced your compliance by capturing your sister? Frankly, I and many others never believed Lady Iris to be your true fiancé. Thus, we arranged for her to be dominated by one of our studs. If she is a Royalist spy, this would have negated her threat. Only we never thought you would volunteer yourself. Olga here should never have allowed you to interfere."
"But this proves his love for her is genuine," Olga spoke up. "Surely, the king would not wish to come between a subject and his love."
The other Horse Witch sneered. "You may have been given authority due to your magical talents, but you are too naïve, Olga. Dangerously so. If Lord Copperstone is in league with the Royalists, of course he would move to protect their spy. No, this will not do. Iris is now bonded to Lord Copperstone. However, we may be able to salvage this situation."
"What do you suggest then?" Olga asked, glancing at Mikhail with genuine worry.
"We will..."