I don’t know why you would want them there, since I am clearly all anyone could need. He was becoming interested in his oats, but he was taking his time. But I didn’t mind them being there. They stayed out of my way, and I could tell how much they were admiring me. It was good that they realized how superior I was to them.

Yes, it’s always nice to have fans. I thought you might feel that way. No one can say you’re overly modest.

I am king. Everyone knows that but you. Sometimes I want to kick you for being so blind.

But you don’t, because I’m your friend, and I would care for you even if you weren’t king.

“Friend.” That word again. Wrong. When will you learn? King.

Friend. Much better than king. When will you learn? She turned away. I have to go and shower in that other place. I’ll come back later and check to see if you need anything.

And stay with me again? He lifted his head. I don’t like having you go to that other place. I did not mind it too much having you here with me. You should do it again.

We’ll see. A shower doesn’t do me a great deal of good if I come back and curl up on the hay for the night. I only did it last night to show Masenak how meek and obedient I was about working with you day and night.

Foolish. You should do it because I wish it, not because he does. Tomorrow you must not get in my way when I stomp him. You understand?

She understood that they had come full circle. Maybe I’ll stay with you if you agree not to get in my way when you believe I’m handling Masenak foolishly. King or not, this is important to me.

He went back to eating. I might allow you to be foolish for a little while longer.

And she was probably going to spend another night in the stable, she thought as she turned away and headed down the aisle toward the stable door. Oh well, it didn’t matter. Cleanliness aside, she’d far rather stay here with the horses than in that luxurious harem where she could sense all the pain and subjugation that must have taken place within its walls. It was the difference between natural and the—

“Sasha!”

She jerked to a stop in the middle of the aisle.

“Don’t speak. Don’t look at me.” The voice was a sudden, low whisper in the dimness. “I don’t know how closely this stable is being watched by the guards. Maybe pretend you’re having trouble with the door latch?”

She froze. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest.

She knew that voice.

Gilroy?