ELEVEN
Ava's horse settled into a fluid canter that at first had her hanging on for dear life, before she realised that the mare knew what she was doing and had no intention of losing her rider. Only then did Ava relax and enjoy it, as Bianca seemed to do, judging by her wide smiles.
For the first time in her life, Ava felt free. Free of fear and free of the harem that had imprisoned her so completely without her even realising it. If only she could ride like this forever, like her chestnut mare wanted to.
All too soon, the captain called a halt. Ava couldn't see past all the mounted men in front of her, so it came as a surprise when Bianca grabbed her round the middle in a hug.
"Stay safe, and be brave. Today you fly free. Fishy thoughts, Ava," Bianca murmured before she released h
