“No, she doesn’t. But she sometimes tries so hard to avoid mistakes that she overcomplicates when she should just accept the simple explanation. Have you noticed that about her?”

She frowned but nodded. “Sometimes.”

“Good. Then we’re on the same page?”

She shook her head. “She doesn’t talk about you.”

He made a face. “I thought that was going to be hard to get around. My fault. I was so busy making other plans and arrangements after I turned Jubaldar over to Novak that I let Alisa have time to think.”

“She’s always thinking,” she said coldly. “Now you’re insulting her?”

He sighed. “No, just getting into more trouble. I expected to walk a tightrope with the two of you. What I meant is that I thought it would be a good thing if I left you alone together for a while after what you’ve both been going through. I didn’t realize it would be a signal for her to draw inside herself and close me out. Though I should have, if I’d thought about it.”

“Then it seems you’re not as intelligent as Alisa. As I said, she’s always thinking.”

“Ouch.” Then he grinned. “You don’t have to defend her. I’m on your side. I’m not usually this clumsy. I’m screwing up because I want to impress you. But I should have known that you wouldn’t be swayed.”

That smile was incredibly appealing, and she felt her resistance fading. “I suppose a lot of people would be swayed by you. Why did you come here today?”

“I told you, to impress you.” He was looking around the stable again. “And I’m curious. You didn’t answer me. Why did you move Chaos and Nightshade into the main stable?”

She shrugged. “It was more sociable. Chaos needs to be around other horses so that all that kingly arrogance will be tempered a bit. So I suggested that Nightshade would be happier and learn more quickly if they both came here. Chaos is tolerating it.”

“Suggested?” he repeated softly.

She met his gaze challengingly. “Suggested. Do you have any questions?”

“Not one. But I do have a suggestion myself. I’d try to make an effort to get all the horses in this stable as familiar and comfortable with each other as soon as possible in the next two weeks before you start to move them.”

She stiffened. “Move them? I haven’t been thinking about moving my horses yet.”

“No, that’s why I wanted you and Alisa to spend these few days together before you got down to work. You won’t have much time once you reach Colorado.”

“Colorado,” she repeated. “What are you talking about?”