Mia watched her cousin's face as he struggled with defeat.
"But Mama–"
"No buts!" Anaisa turned to her own horse and mounted in a show of anger. "Get on your horse!"
"Mama, do you remember in the capital–"
"This isn't going to change my mind," She warned.
"I got very interested in myths and magic," Daniel continued.
"Yes, I know," Anaisa confirmed without brooking argument. "Get on your horse."
The boy obeyed, but slowly. "Her Highness lets me into the royal library sometimes, like while you and Papa went to the ball. I read all the books they had on dragons and wights and other creatures. I probably know it all! You didn't get back from the ball until almost sunrise, and I spent all that time reading–"
"You were supposed to go to sleep an hour after your younger brothers," Anaisa snapped.
"I'm sorry, Mama. But surely the things I learned—"
