They rushed through their preparation, mounted and rode off across the meadow. The horses sensed their excitement and seemed just as eager to follow the familiar path to the beach. There, they dismounted and waited while their mounts fidgeted with excitement.
A soft, eastern breeze welcomed them. Cadmus alighted on the neck of Alexis’s horse. The mare, accustomed to the reptile, paid it no mind. Alexis twisted the reins in her hands.
Now that she was forced to wait, she couldn’t help but wonder if her father would even be happy to see her. What will he think of me? Will he be angry? Will he even look at me?
“Don’t worry, Alexis,” Nikiti whispered. “He’s going to be happy to see you.”
“Our last words were not kind,” Alexis shook her head.
“If there is at least one truth in this wo
