Behooved

by M. Stevenson

-What do you think I look like? A chicken?- the horse demanded. -Now for the last time, get off my back before I buck you into this rotted mud.-

“Right. Almost time for me to ride you.”

-You left your country and family behind for a marriage you never asked for, just to keep the peace. You risked your life to save mine, and now you’re risking it again to protect a land that isn’t even your home. And on top of that, you’re clearly in pain and should be in bed under the care of a greenwitch, not making yourself worse by riding through the cold, but you’re determined to push on anyway for the sake of your people. Most people would simply give up, yet you’ve never wavered. Only a monster would think a woman like that was weak.-

-Strength isn’t about what your body can do,- Aric went on. -It’s about how you respond to adversity. And I’ve never known someone so determined to do the right thing, no matter the personal cost.-

“Only the best lodgings for my prize stallion,” I declared loftily. “Come, my pet.”

“Elucidate me, husband. Which term of endearment should one use in Gildenheim when referring to a spouse who is currently a horse? My poppet? My stud? My—”

-I will buck you from the saddle.-

“There’s never been any question that I wanted you. I wanted you even when I thought you intended to kill me, even though I knew I should be running as far from you as I could get. I wanted you to my own humiliation.”

“You terrify me, Bianca.” Aric was close enough that I could feel the whisper of his breath. “I can’t stop wanting you, even if it breaks me.”

“Aric,” I whispered, a confession for us both, “I’ve wanted you from the first moment I saw you.”

“Say it again.” His voice was hoarse. “That you want me.”

“I want you, Aric.” I drove my gaze into his, showing him the truth. “I want you even if it breaks me, too.”

“Tell me how to break you.”

My hand felt empty without his in it, even though I’d lived that way my whole life.

“Breaking bed frames? Really, Bianca?”

“Unfortunately, no. They’re all out of rooms. But I did reserve a nice stable for the two of you to share. It even comes equipped with leather tack, in case you feel like getting adventurous.”

“So, which is better: riding him as a horse, or as a man?”

“Bianca,” he said, his voice rough with want, “I’d give you everything.”

“Please don’t let my sister shrink you,” I implored. “I like the size you are.”

“The ocean can take Damaria. I’m here for you.”

“There’s more than one way of being strong—you’ve shown me that. And how is it giving up the world to choose the one thing in it I want most?”

“Because I love her,” Aric said quietly. He turned to me, seeking my gaze. “And I will do anything it takes to protect her from you, even if it means facing whatever tortures you contrive.”

“I understand you, Bianca. And I love you—including the parts of you that you don’t love yourself. I will love them for you, if you’ll let me.”

“I love you, Bianca Liliana, flower of Damaria.” A laugh lurked in his words, making them bright as sunrise. “I choose you as my wife, queen, and love. For as long as you will have me.”

I would no longer take the safe road that behooved me, but run instead along whichever path led to the man I loved. It was worth the risk, for now and always.