He stood beside a dappled gray mare, one hand resting on her flank, the other holding a curry comb. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows, revealing tanned forearms.

The princess's green eyes sparkled with excitement, her dark hair escaping its ribbons. She clutched the saddle horn with both hands, far too small for the adult-sized saddle.

The gray mare shifted her weight, stamping one hoof against the cobblestones. A stable hand hurried past with a bucket of water, splashing droplets across your skirts.