The four guards that traveled with me knew where they were going, of course, which was useful when I decided to make it to the stables before Dain was off and away. People didn't bow or curtsy to me, for which I was grateful, though I did get inclined heads from several fae. Nobody tried to intercept me, either; perhaps it was rude to stop a royal when she was wandering, even if that royal was some random human woman your terrifying crown prince had brought home like a kid bringing home a mangy dog.

When I arrived at the stable, a fae man came over to greet me, bowing with one hand over his heart. I inclined my head to him as he stood again, and gave him what I hoped was an encouraging smile.

"Welcome, your highness," he said. "Will you be riding out with Crown Prince Sundamar today?"

"That was my hope," I said. "I haven't ridden in several years, but I could use some exercise."

"Of course," he said diffidently. "Will your highness be preferring a horse, then?"

About to answer in the affirmative, I hesitated. "What will the prince be riding?"

"The crown prince will be riding his stag, of course," the fae said. "He is an accomplished rider."

His stag. Of course. Why wouldn't the crown prince of Stag Court ride a stag?

"On a scale of one to ten, one being no different from a horse and ten being certain death, how likely am I to regret also riding a deer of some sort?"

The man's lips twitched backwards, looking like they wanted to smile. His ears turned towards me a small fraction, and he tilted his head. "I would put it at a six, your highness," he said.

"Lovely," I said. "Well within tolerances. I would like to ride whichever deer can keep up with Crown Prince Sundamar's stag, but who is also the easiest one to ride, given that requirement."

He bowed to me. "As your highness wishes."

As he turned to leave, one of my guards asked, "Are you sure that's wise, your highness?"

Well, that officially made it a very bad idea. When your silent guards start volunteering gentle rebukes, you know you've cocked it up. "It is almost certainly not wise, no," I replied. "On the other hand, it's certain to be informative, and I'm looking forward to whatever thunderous glare the prince levels in my direction."

One of my guards made a suspicious-sounding cough that was definitely hiding a laugh.

"You're welcome to share your opinions," I said with a smirk.

"I'm glad I volunteered for this post," the woman I'd spoken to outside the door said, sounding amused. "Prince Dain could use someone to match thunderous glares with, and it will be entertaining to watch."

I looked over at her, raising my brows. I hadn't heard anyone other than his mother use his first name.