Princess Nymeria's Arc

Chapter 15 of 32

Nymeria stood by the inn door in her black gown. The ball was tonight. She held the folded skirt in her fists and watched the road. Lyra had promised to come. Without the elf, Nymeria had no way to reach the castle. She waited, and the waiting made her stomach knot. The door banged open. Lyra stepped in, and Nymeria almost didn't know her. The elf had traded her hunter's tunic for a green dress. Her red braid hung neat over one shoulder. She tugged at the skirt like it bit her. "Don't laugh," Lyra said. "I look like a bell someone dressed up. This is why I hate being a girl. You can't run in a dress. You can't climb a tree. You can't do anything but stand there and be looked at." She grinned. "But somebody has to make sure you get there without falling in a ditch." Nymeria laughed, and the knot in her stomach loosened. Lyra could not feel her charm. Every joke the elf made was honest. That was why Nymeria trusted her over anyone. "Come on," Lyra said. "Outside. I've got something for you." She took Nymeria's hand and pulled her through the door into the cold evening. A horse stood in the yard. It was black from nose to tail, its mane brushed smooth. A dark purple saddle sat on its back. The horse turned its head and watched Nymeria with a calm, steady eye. "For you," Lyra said. Her voice went soft, the joking gone for a moment. "For being a good friend. You earned your gown with work. Figured you should ride to the castle like you belong there." Nymeria stepped close. She lifted her hand slow, afraid the animal would shy from her horns. It did not. The horse pressed its nose into her palm and stayed. No charm pulled it. It simply chose her, the way the wolf once had. Her throat tightened. "You didn't have to." "I know," Lyra said. "That's what makes it a gift." Then the grin came back. "Now get on before I change my mind." Nymeria gathered her black skirt and swung up into the saddle. Lyra climbed onto her own horse, a spotted white mare with a green saddle. They turned toward the road. Across the fields, the castle rose against the darkening sky. Pale stone walls climbed to blue slate roofs. Slender spires caught the last light. It was beautiful and full of strangers who would want her face without knowing her heart. "Ready?" Lyra asked. "No," Nymeria said. Then she pressed her heels down. The black horse leapt forward. The two of them galloped across the open ground, hooves loud on the frozen earth. The castle grew larger with every stride. Nymeria was no longer waiting. She was riding straight toward the choosing, and there was no turning back now.