Then Thea quickly put the other small bundle into the pocket of the saddle.
She knew that the stable boy would not think it strange that she should carry something at the back and, if it rained or was cold, she often took a coat with her.
He was not very intelligent, but he might, however, think it unusual that she was taking so much with her.
She waited until the boy had finished as Mercury showed his impatience by twitching his ears and tossing his head.
Then, when the stable boy smiled at her, Thea said,
“Thank you very much.”
“Have a nice ride then, Your Royal Highness.” the stable boy replied and touched his forelock.
She rode off, deliberately not hurrying and only when she was in the Park and out of sight of The Palace did she make Mercury start moving quickly.
There was jus
