this year so I could take some. He’s got ten horses. A couple are old, but the rest are nice.”
He motioned to the long row of stalls. “Would you like to meet my horses?”
She pressed her hands together in front of her thin chest. “Sure. How many do you have?”
“There are a half dozen or so for riding. I also own some race horses, along with breeding stock. The horses are a hobby of mine.”
Her eyes had widened. “So you have way more than Mr. Preston.”
“I would think so.” He led the way, walking down past a few stalls, then stopped in front of an oversized pen. “This is Alexander the Great. He’s my favorite riding horse. He likes attention, so it’s safe to pet him. In fact, he’s a bit vain. If we ride by water, he likes to go slowly so he can stare at his reflection.”
Bethany giggled, then slowly reached up her hand to touch the black stallion. Alexander snuffled her palm and gave a snort of disgust.
“He wants a treat.” Malik pointed to a small bin set against the center of the far wall. “You’ll find oats in there. You may feed him a handful, but no more. Too much will make him sick.”
Bethany nodded, then ran over to collect the treat. She carefully flattened her hand to feed the horse and was rewarded when the animal consented to be petted. The girl sighed with pleasure.
“When I grow up I want to own lots of horses. I’ll ride all day and learn to jump and it will feel like flying.”
Her blue eyes sparkled as she spoke of her dreams. There was color in her pale cheeks and an energy that made him feel old. Had he ever had such simple hopes for his own future? Doubtful, he thought. He couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t known he would someday rule El Bahar. But Bethany’s life was very different. He envied her her freedom, all the while knowing that even if given a chance he wouldn’t change his destiny.
“You’ll need to start by learning how to ride,” he said. “I would be happy to teach you.”
She stared at him and pressed her lips together. Her entire body quivered with excitement. “Really? You’d teach me on one of your horses?”
“Yes. I have an old gelding who has just the right temperament. He has a white star on his forehead, which makes him very handsome, although he’s not vain like Alexander here.”
“Thank you,” Bethany breathed reverently, then tilted her head and gave an exaggerated grimace. “Except I have to ask my mom, and I’m afraid she’ll say no.”
“Why would she do that?”
“I don’t know. Moms can be difficult sometimes.” Her expression brightened. “But maybe because you’re a prince and all, she won’t mind so much.” Bethany smiled. “I asked about you at school today and everyone says you’re going to be king of El Bahar one day.”
“That does seem to be the way things are going.”
“I think it would be very romantic to be a princess, but my mom doesn’t agree. You don’t exactly fit into her plan.”
Of that Malik was sure. Liana’s plan included enough money for a house and her daughter’s college education. From what he could tell, the single mother had tried to think of everything. He doubted a royal prince had figured into her expectations.
“I would still be happy to teach you to ride,” he said. “If you would like.”
“Oh, I’d like that very much. I’ll ask her right away.”
“Fine. If it’s all right with your mother, we’ll start tomorrow when you return from school.”
Bethany shrieked and jumped, gave him a quick, unexpected hug, then tore out of the stable as if her shoes were on fire. Alexander snorted his displeasure, but Malik didn’t agree with the horse’s assessment. To his mind, Bethany was a most charming young lady who admired him. Now if only he could find a way to make her mother as much of a fan.
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