Jasper spent a few days worrying about whether she was under the control of her former Head of Guard. During that time, horses were captured and brought back to the Royal Stables, or purchased to fill them. Multiple stallions, smelling Jasper's heat, attempted to mount her, but Gareth fought them off every time.
On the day the Royal Stables were finally full again, Jasper got the answer to her concern. The new Head of the Royal Stables, who apparently owned a horse farm that supplied many horses to the rebels, was giving a tour to a blond man that Jasper recognized.
"Why do these fine steeds have no name plates?" asked the blond man, a former member of the King's Guard named Yevgeney. He gestured to Jasper and Gareth's stalls, which were right next to each other. The Stable Head, a man named Aleks, hemmed and hawed briefly before properly responding.
"We do not know their names."
"And you have not given them new ones?"
"They refuse to respond to anything. We suspect they are too closely bound to their current names."
"That is why a Horse Witch should run the stable," Yevgeney said, sounding impatient. "Any Horse Witch would be able to use a spell to make them attached to a new name with ease."
"A Horse Witch assistant will be arriving soon to help," Aleks said quickly. Yevgeney harrumphed.
"Very well." A stablehand ran up and whispered something to Aleks. "Go deal with whatever emergency has arisen. I will continue to look at these fine horses." Looking relieved, Aleks left with the stablehand. Yevgeney turned to face Jasper. He let out a low whistle. "My sister did a number on you, Your Highness."
"You know who I am?" Jasper whinnied in shock. Yevgeney turned to Gareth. Gareth translated.
"Ah. Yes, I do," Yevgeney said. "I was there when Anya charmed Gareth. None of us suspected you would come here for safety, but we still needed people inside the Royal Palace, so I am posing as a turncoat. But as you can tell by my ability to understand Gareth, I am still loyal. Princess." Yevgeney smirked.
"You seem pleased about my current state," Jasper muttered. After Gareth translated, Yevgeney laughed.
"My sister was your concubine for years. Of course this amuses me." Yevgeney stroked Jasper's face. "But you need not worry. I know something of horses. You are not a breed controlled by your mate. Should a stallion sneak past Gareth while you are in heat, you will not be beholden to them."
"That is good to know," Jasper said quietly. Gareth stomped his hooves.
"My role is to protect her. I will do so. Not a single stallion will take advantage of her," he whinnied furiously. Yevgeney smiled.
"I know you will take care of her, Gareth." He sighed. "I will let your allies know your location and status. There has been concern over your disappearance. It will do everyone good to know you are safe. For now."
"For now?" Gareth asked. Yevgeney nodded.
"The new King wishes to do something with the two of you. I would like to get you away before then if possible, but hopefully it would not be horrible if I was unable to do so."
"What does he plan to do with us?" Gareth asked. Yevgeney winced.
"What one might expect from fine specimens such as yourselves."