The sound of water made Ysabel look in that direction. She saw the surface glisten against the moonlight from nearby.
Along with it, she saw movement.
"There's someone over there," she whispered, halting Prince Hinrik. The young prince touched the hilt of his sword. He squinted, narrowing his gaze.
"Princess," Prince Hinrik extended his hand to her. "I'm afraid we'll have to say goodbye to your horse and walk the rest of the way."
Ysabel didn't argue. She knew it was coming. The horse was dragging its legs, and she felt it was whining in silence.
But Ysabel hesitated. She realized she'd been relying on Prince Hinrik all night long. Yet it couldn't be helped.
Gradually, she took him up on his offer and slipped her hands into his waiting one. With that arranged, Ysabel let him help her get off the horse, the two of them exchanging glances before Ysabel cleared her throat.
